Fearing - Inquisitions

Remember The Grinning Plowman? "No" is unfortunately the answer many would respond with. They had their run from the later 80's into the early 90's. They created a sonic atmosphere that gave life to a style that embraced the coldest regions of the human psyche. The Grinning Plowman found ways to keep the traditional influences intact as well as adding many quirky sounds into their style that often gave them separation from the herd of countless goth/post punk bands grazing on the fertile grounds of creativity trying to make their mark. They released three acclaimed albums. Days Of Deformity was the band's first album released in 1988. "Inquisitions" is the opening track and The Grinning Plowman really made a statement to their sound with the ripping ethereal guitars, haunting ritualistic drumming and pounding basslines. The vocals stunned you with a darkened sombre flare that surely inspired many artists going forward. It is from here that we transition to Fearing's rendition of the classic "Inquisitions".

"Inquisitions" seems like the perfect track to cover for Fearing. Everything about it fits right into their lines of style and influence. Fearing bring an aura of melancholy to their music just as The Grinning Plowman did. The sound seems effortless in its delivery yet complex in its design. They stay pretty true to the original. The baritone vocals are surrounded with cunning cryptic beats peppered with a dark and formidable atmosphere. Fearing is a rising attraction within the post punk scene. If you don't order their records or cassettes immediately you will find yourself on the outside looking in while secondary market holds its greedy hands out for you. 


The format for this single is a 7" lathe cut record using an experimental process with machines from seventy years ago. This is a collector's item that sold out in a very timely manner, as only fifty were made. Although it is only one song, it represents a conduit between two import eras of the post-punk / goth scenes. This bridges decades together and represents a call back to explore the artists that paved the way for where we are today. The artwork shows that very connection to the different decades. There is an amalgamation of Fearing's symbols and Days Of Deformity artwork that is so well done it's brilliant. Cheerio, Fearing! Bravo, Funeral Party Records! And, of course, all the props in the world to The Grinning Plowman for inspiring such a cool statement of tribute.
Feb 24 2021