The Review Zone – Lou Fellingham : Made For You. (Integrity Music)

I have long been a fan of Lou Fellingham, originally in her role as lead singer of the Brighton-based Fellingham family band Phatfish and more recently as a solo artist. Early Phatfish songs tended towards the jazz-funk vein, gradually giving way over time to a more rock-pop sound. After many years of active ministry Phatfish called it a day in early 2014 with the release of their final album, a double, the excellent ‘Phatfish Live’. Lou however continues with her already established solo career – this 11 track release being her latest. It is no surprise to find the songs to be intelligently written, and lyrically the whole album is very positive. As the press release puts it … “The overarching theme of the album is God’s greatness and goodness … Jesus is everything and has done everything needed for us to live.” Arrangements and musicianship are also as usual to a high standard, and overall I find it difficult to select standouts. ‘Miracle or not’ brings touches of Phatfish’s more jazz oriented period. ‘Jesus you’re with us’ is a high point with particularly thoughtful lyrics and great repeating chorus. ‘I will go’ is a song of commitment that is still going round in my head as I type. The slower paced ‘Keeper of my heart’ is classic Lou Fellingham and features some brilliant lead guitar in the climax towards the end. An excellent album then, including the fact that most of the time sound quality is pretty good – although it does sometimes become distorted on louder passages. This aside, a definite 10/10. Dave Deeks

The Review Zone – Phatfish : Live

PHATFISH : Live.   (Phatmusic : 0702811594036)

For 20 years, Phatfish have taken the good news of the gospel to audiences far and wide. Maybe not on the same scale as Delirious?, but their impact on the British Christian music scene has been great. This double CD release was recorded earlier this year at their final concert at the Wessex Christian Centre. Once I could finally read the track listing (blue print on black just doesn’t work), I was able to note that the verse to ‘In Jesus’ had an uncanny resemblance to ZZ Top’s ‘Sharp Dressed Man. ‘Ressurection Life’ is built around some nice instrumental phrases, as the band slip effortlessly into their trademark funky sound. Of course, having a singer like Lou Fellingham does help lift some of the songs, but even she can’t stop ‘The Cross’ from become musically very messy. Even the stalwart fans seemed notice this, judging by the lukewarm applause it receives, on ending. One of the band’s most well known songs is ‘Amazing love’. It begins with just a piano backing, and I almost fell asleep waiting for something to happen. Eventually, the song does spring to life, with the rest of the band joining in, but it was too late, in my opinion. One recent review claimed that the band’s version of the classic Wesley hymn ‘And Can It Be’ had made it their own. It just shows how much opinions can differ. I thought that this version totally ruined it. The best song, for me, is ‘Every Knee Shall Bow’. “Come fill us with your glory, come fill us with your fire”. Stirring words, and the band at their best. The second disc follows in similar vein to the first. If you like the funky style of the band, then you’ll be pleased with the fodder. Apart from the Blodie-esque ‘Extravagant Praise’, I wasn’t impressed. So, not a release that excited me. But, there’s no denying their fanbase, and they will probably love this memento.   6/10.

Live Farewell from Phatfish.

PHATFISH released their final album in June. Double-album ‘Phatfish Live’ was recorded at the group’s last ever concerts together, earlier this year, and features some of their most popular songs spanning their twenty year career. In March 2014, Phatfish held two historic concerts in Bournemouth, bringing the band to a close after twenty extraordinary years of ministry together. Since the mid 90’s, Phatfish have consistently written and performed songs of depth and insight about our Amazing God, underpinned with excellent musicianship. The ‘Phatfish Live’ album was recorded at those special concerts with an enthusiastic crowd, and features many of their most memorable songs and anthems, many of which are now sung in churches around the world, including ‘Amazing God’ and ‘There Is A Day’.

End of the Road for Phatfish.

PHATFISH,, fronted by Lou Fellingham, have announced that after 20 years they will be taking to the stage for the last time on 14th March. The final Phatfish concert will be at the Wessex Christian Centre in Bournemouth. Read a band statement, “This certainly isn’t the end of the road for the band members, with new songs being written, albums being produced and churches equipped, but this will be the final concert under the Phatfish name. A final Phatfish album will be recorded live on the night. We are so grateful to all those who have supported and encouraged us over the last two decades, and to our Heavenly Father who has blessed us abundantly.”