The Fatima Mansions

Lost in the Former West (Radioactive)
by Joe Hacking

Of his newest release, Lost in the Former West (Radioactive), The Fatima Mansions‘ frontman Cathal Coughlan sums it up thusly: “It’s simply the despair that comes from being a participant in the decline of the Western industrial powers…” The church, the State and human nature are the targets of Coughlan’s angst on Lost in the Former West.

Lyrically, he tears all of his intended targets new assholes. In the song “Popemobile to Paraguay,” he croons, “The king of the papists is a friend of the rapists… It’s been a while since you said ‘heil,’ you CIA-bred necrophile.” Obviously, Coughlan is pissed. But musically speaking, the tunes don’t match the lyrics. While The FM’s have their moments of power and innovation, their musical style resembles Roxy Music more than a band looking to stir things up. The anger’s there, but it’s been produced out. Unleash the rage!