Album Review - The Lonely Fighters Brilliantly Bring Timeless Influences to New Self-Titled Album

Artist: The Lonely Fighters

Album: The Lonely Fighters

Label: Englehardt Music Group

Release date: March 11, 2022

Rating: Four and a half stars out of five

Timeless.

That’s a notion not easily attained in music. Each decade seems to have a sound or trend that defines it to a particular point in history and music stylings during those eras personify those windows of time. From big band to 70’s disco, from early 80’s electronic pop to hair metal a few years later, you can almost timestamp a song and sound to the era it was recorded.

But not every artist. There are some that defy time- most notably when impeccable vocals are put against a backdrop of production that allows it to shine through. Frank Sinatra. Carole King. James Taylor. In more modern times, artists like The Eagles, Alison Krauss and Adele seem to have music that will transcend the clock and fall in the category of “perfect for any time.”

At first listen, that’s where Claire Wyndham and Chris Roberts, members of the new duo The Lonely Fighters have done with their upcoming self-titled project out later this year. Behind Aussie-born Wyndham’s ethereal vocals (reminiscent of Krauss) and the incredibly versatile vocals of Broadway- star-turned-Nashville-songwriter Roberts, the duo has carved out a sound and style that feels like it has lasting power.  Wyndham’s songs have been featured on networks like HBO, CBS, NBC, The CW Freeform and MTV, not to mention promos, trailers, video games, commercials and films. Roberts spent time in New York, has written music for theater productions, had Bluegrass charted hits and written for film as well.

The collaborative result of the two is something that crosses seamlessly across genres and eras. At times, it has a Fleetwood Mac-vibe and other times, a vocal intimacy over a rootsy acoustic production that feels like you’re the only person in the room. Their years on stage and writing for film shines through with the production- pausing, slowing, increasing for effect.

The harmonies are blissful, harkening back to a Crosby, Stills and Nash influence. (Roberts’ time spent in the trio One Flew South showcased this skill set equally.) But there’s something different about adding in a truly brilliantly skilled female vocalist tied to a talented male vocalist that make it special. Think Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”? Or The Carpenters on “(They Long To Be) Close To You.” It has layers. Depth for days.

More than anything, what this new project from The Lonely Fighters brings out on its debut is simple: Timelessness.