For this, Teenage Fanclub’s eleventh LP, the now quintet, returned to Rockfield Studios in the Welsh countryside, where they recorded Howdy! in the late nineties. Whilst the veterans only have one top twenty hit to their name, their accolades are many, from being name-checked in interviews by Kurt Cobain, who described them as “the best band in the world”, to Liam Gallagher labelling these Scots as “the second best band in the world” – second only to Oasis.
With their forthcoming London dates and several other future dates of their 2023 tour sold out, many fans, known as “Fannies”, have remained loyal to the band and are curious to know what else they offer.
Nothing Lasts Forever opens with “Foreign Land”. This song offers a chilled sixties Californian sound. “Tired of Being Alone” follows suit. This sophomore song is beautifully rhythmic and delightfully melancholy, with touching lyrics about loneliness. The subtle melancholy guitar solos work well here because they are devoid of exhibitionism. This track also ponders over nature’s seasons as well as the leaves and snow.
The third song, “I Left a Light On”, the first of three to mention the word light, is the first to open with the piano. The dark lyrical references to ravens are noteworthy, but the piano chords are too familiar and banal. “See the Light” redeems the former song with a beautiful subtle jazz saxophone. The penultimate “Back to the Light” poignantly talks about returning to a state of mind one should be in. However, as with “I Left a Light On”, its musical familiarity means it fades into the background and is doomed to be ineffectual.
“It’s Alright”, “Falling into the Sun”, and “Middle of My Mind” make some headway in attempting to be less ordinary. “It’s Alright”, which celebrates the everyday, effectively uses the slider on the guitar. “Falling into the Sun” opens with experimental prog and seventies sci-fi synths. “Middle of My Mind” subtly uses synths, blending them harmoniously with organs. The playout song, “I Will Love You”, the longest song exceeding seven minutes, has the strongest and most beautiful harmonies amidst quiescent synths.
Nothing Lasts Forever is lyrically impressive and concise without being verbose. Teenage Fanclub addresses impermanence, anxieties and mental health issues with grace and maturity by avoiding unnecessary dramatization and descriptions. On Nothing Lasts Forever Teenage Fanclub have mastered when not to add too much of something but at the same time misses opportunities to innovate and draw listeners in. Nonetheless, “Fannies” curiosity about what else Teenage Fanclub has to offer remains.
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