Fringe Frontier is back running with “City of Dreams,” the lead track from their upcoming second album Criminal Hour, and a dive into the heart of yearning and the ghosts of past ambitions, all in a package that’s emotionally charged.
The band’s signature sound—a blend of guitar hooks and storytelling straight from the heartland—is on full display here. They’ve always had narratives that travel from the back counties of the South right up to the imposing skyline of New York City, and “City of Dreams” captures this perfectly. The track balances groove with crunch, and it’s the kind of tune that gets under your skin, powered by melodies that you’ll be humming.
The band’s pedigree is further cemented by the heavyweight talent behind the scenes. Their previous LP, Songs from the Wirehouse, was mixed by two-time Grammy-winner and Midlake drummer McKenzie Smith, a detail that speaks volumes about the band’s commitment to quality. That album was mastered by the Grammy-nominated Kim Rosen, and it’s safe to assume that the same level of expert craftsmanship has been applied to “City of Dreams.” This high-calibre production ensures that every ounce of emotion and every detail in their performance is captured with stunning clarity.
“City of Dreams” is the perfect introduction to Criminal Hour. It’s a rock song that tells us how Fringe Frontier has managed to bottle the feeling of a cold, lonely night in the city and turn it into an unforgettable track.