Following a decade-long hiatus, and having received acclaim from the likes of Steve Lamacq on BBC 6Music over the years, Bristol based shoegaze ensemble The Fauns have now returned to charm our ears, releasing their new album, How Lost, this month.
With original members, Alison Garner, Michael Savage and Guy Rhys Davies, reuniting for the album, How Lost showcases the sweeping ethereal soundscapes that we’ve come to know and love from the band, whilst dipping into newer, electro-driven sounds. Oozing a mystical allure, each track floats into the ears effortlessly as glistening instrumentals provide a backdrop for Garner’s exquisite emotion-rich vocals. I’ve had it on repeat since first hearing it, finding myself truly immersed in its captivating blissful haze.
We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspires them. So, to celebrate the release of How Lost, we caught up with Alison from the band to ask about the music that has inspired her the most. Read about her five favourite songs and watch the video for latest single ‘Shake Your Hair‘ below!
Kate Bush – ‘Wow’
Since the days of listening to her on cassette on repeat during family car trips to the caravan when I was little, Kate Bush has been a huge influence on me. It’s hard to chose one track, but ‘Wow’ – with its experimental vibes and Kate’s ever changing vocal style – made my tiny brain say exactly that. Her quirky vocals in this song made me start to experiment with my own. I realised it’s not about hitting the perfect note (try telling my childhood singing teacher that!), it’s about feeling, about expression, about finding your own voice, and about pushing boundaries. Bush’s influence guided me towards a more open-minded vocal style and remains a reminder of the beauty in embracing individuality, and to explore the limitless possibilities available to us when using the voice.
Caterina Valente – ‘The Breeze and I’
This one holds a special place – it was my Grandma’s favourite song, and damn she had good taste! Valente’s voice is nothing short of sublime; from soaring highs to velvety warm lows, it’s downright sexy and captivating. ‘The Breeze and I’ is a soothing yet dramatic lullaby, showcasing Valente’s impeccable vocal technique. Her ability to effortlessly navigate the song’s nuances inspired me to explore the full range of my own voice (if only I could match her prowess!). Every single syllable she weaves carries an emotional weight that’s beyond inspiring. This song stands as a timeless reminder of the enduring power and artistry of a beautiful voice.
Cocteau Twins – ‘Pitch The Baby’
The first time I heard Elizabeth Fraser’s dreamy vocals riding the waves of atmospheric soundscapes it was like stumbling upon a musical secret. The whole Cocteau Twins influence was eye-opening and gently nudged me towards a more ethereal vocal style. This track in particular made me re-think my voice as an instrument. The song is like a musical playground, and urged me to explore, experiment, and break free from conventional vocal norms. It’s still a reminder to get playful with my voice, embrace textures and layers, and craft intricate sonic landscapes that go beyond the expected.
PJ Harvey and Nick Cave – ‘Henry Lee’
Each utterance from the sexy mouths of Harvey and Cave in ‘Henry Lee’ is a punch to my gut, laden with raw, authentic emotion. It’s a storytelling masterpiece and you hang on their every word. The palpable chemistry between these two music gods sculpts a vocal landscape teeming with passion and sexual tension. It’s beguiling and intriguing, and an inspiration for my own performance. For me, this track serves as a reminder that it’s not enough to just sing, that you have to feel… And the incredible potency that passion, intensity, and expression have in crafting a sonic experience that will resonate with the listener.
Aldous Harding – ‘Imagining My Man’
This track is a masterclass in the power of restraint and deep simplicity. The haunting ache in Aldous’s voice, set against a stripped-down arrangement, is downright mesmerising. As a performer she’s unmatched — I’ve never witnessed someone captivate an audience like her. Aldous’ voice celebrates the strength found in subtlety, revealing the authentic beauty of a voice laid bare. Although my musical style in The Fauns is more often enveloped within a wall of sound, her influence echoes in my latest album, serving as a reminder that impactful moments in music often arise from the simple, genuine, well-delivered expression of a powerful lyric.
Massive thanks to Alison for sharing her Five Favourites with us! Watch the video for latest single ‘Shake Your Hair’ here:
How Lost, the new album from The Fauns, is out now via Invada.
Get In Her Ears 