Fixers - Majesties Ranch

Since its inception with The Smiths & R.E.M. in the 80's, indie rock has progressed and grown with every year, making it one of the largest genres around. Unfortunately though, the sheer number of bands has resulted in a horrendous lack of originality within the scene.

Fixers are a prime example. "Majesties Ranch", their latest single, is effectively an "indie by numbers" track, designed for repeated plays on XFM and similar radio stations. The jangly guitars and upbeat percussion are all present whilst frontman Jack Goldstein's unusual and "kooky" vocals intrigue and irritate at the same time.

They even have the stereotypically indie video to go along with it. Abstract items such as old-fashioned TV's, chandeliers and bird cages all feature heavily. One Youtube viewer hits the nail on the head with the comment, "lol they're all so wonderfully surrounded by stereotypical hipster items". They aren't the only one to have noticed. 38 people 'like' the comment too.

At the end of the day, there's nothing inherently wrong with the track (the chorus is actually quite catchy). It's just that it's painfully obvious that Fixers are trying way too hard to be different. Unfortunately for them, it makes them the carbon copy of about a million other indie bands out there.


SMc