Francesqa; We Lived

By Sian Clay

5-piece rock band Francesqa formed back in early 2009 and have already come a long way. The band hit the ‘big time’ after being personally selected by Blink 182 front man Tom Delonge to play the Kerrang! Introducing stage at Slam Dunk Festival last year, and have since then played an array of sold out shows. Not forgetting the band’s support slots with a host of well-known bands including ‘Aiden’, and ‘The Pretty Reckless’.

In July of last year the band released the 5 track EP ‘We Lived’ and after playing a variety of sold out shows on their February tour, the band decided to release a deluxe edition of the EP with an added 2 tracks including their latest single “All I had” and an acoustic version of track “Ghosts”.

The bands latest single “All I had” kickstarts the EP immediately showcasing the bands unique sound. As soon as the song starts you are instantly drawn in and cannot help but tap your foot along to the rhythm of the powerful drum beat. This song is bound to be a hit. It is a fantastic song to open the EP with, perfect for making the listener ‘hungry’ for more.

As soon as the next track “Ghosts” starts you are captivated by the stunning voice of Ashley Wilkie, thinking that the song is going to be a slower more gentle style to then be pleasantly surprised when greeted by the captivating chorus. This song could most definitely be a favourable track on the EP, especially as when listening you can imagine sold-out crowds singing and bopping along to this first class song.

“Hopeful” is another fantastically produced song from the band: a catchy number with a rocky edge. Ashley’s voice is electrifying and suits the tone of music perfectly.

Reaching the half way mark on the EP is “Years”. Starting with just the sound of a gentle guitar, you are left in anticipation of how the song is going to evolve. At almost 6 minutes long the song is kept fresh and not for one minute do you consider hitting the “next” button, as the song has you captivated and singing along from just the first listen.

Compared to the previous tracks “Crooked little Sun” has a much sharper and edgy sound to the others, but none the less an excellent song which would definitely be a crowd pleaser with it’s slick guitar riffs and beats. Another song which again showcases the powerful vocals of Wilkie.

Starting with a gentle ballad like vibe “We Lived” leads the listener to believe the rest of the song will continue in this way, then you are greeted by a powerful beat. The sound of guitars and drums take a back seat at various times throughout the songs, allowing Ashleys spectacular voice to come through before coming alive again.

“Ghosts” is a favourable track that you wouldn’t believe could get any better – until you hear the acoustic version. This track showcases the full potential of Ashley Wilkie’s vocals alongside just a gentle drum beat and soft sounding instruments. With soothing melodic vocals this is a song you could listen to no matter what mood. A fantastic track to end the EP on allowing the listener to have experienced a whole range of tracks, showing off what the band are able to achieve.

Overall, this is a fantastically produced EP from the Francesqa boys. With catchy beats and riffs, infectious melodies and chorus’s that make you want to sing along it is a must have in your music collection.