Quality runs in the family, it would seem. Liam Fender storms through with Love Will Conquer, a roaringly upbeat track of perseverance in the face of demanding struggle. There is an inevitable struggle for Fender, here, who will no doubt find his work compared to that of his brother. That is relatively unfair, as the genres do not collide but the passion for colloquial terminology and meaning does. Liam deals with these details in a streamlined and acoustic style that connects with that desire for a better future, something that musicians are more on the point with in recent years. Fender is too but does so with the charms of the North East at his heart.
That change-up is necessary and well-navigated. Grand schemes and a sense of desperation loom over, the weight of which is engaged with thoroughly well throughout. Love Will Conquer may strike through with a simple knockback at the toils and troubles being solved with love, but there is truth to that which Fender navigates so well. That uplifting style is a good start for Liam Fender, whose well-mixed track will hopefully lead to more of the same. Fender’s presence is founded well, his lyrical presence, more than anything, is the defining quality of Love Will Conquer. If anything, this is a roaringly sweet track that reminds everyone to take a bit of time for themselves. More musicians are making efforts to move toward that message, and seeing it ousted as a colloquially charming piece on Love Will Conquer is as rewarding as to be expected.
More than anything though is the successful lyrical abilities of Fender. A cry of thanks to those that support his journey and have a belief in him. For a first track, Liam Fender excels in a sincere and articulate quality that comes not just from a strong message but from an engaging, autobiographical style. More than anything, Love Will Conquer boasts an incredibly warm and uplifting feeling paired with a deeper vocal range and studio simplicity. No wall of sound, just a few instruments of real quality paired up nicely together. There is a somewhat fulfilling range to that style, especially for a first track.
To compare Liam Fender’s music to Sam Fender’s music does feel like a cheap tactic because the pair chase the colloquial love of the area with very different qualities. Liam’s acoustic, piano-based focus contains a bright and light effectiveness to Love Will Conquer, a track that depends on the rise of colloquial presence in music. It is as rewarding as it is touching, a successful piece not just for those that find themselves in the area and represented by the song, but those who can relate to it. There is unique skill in stretching personal experience and struggle into a broad and relatable track. Love Will Conquer does that with great effect, a memorable start for a musician who, thankfully, doesn’t attempt to compete with his brother, as some famous indie duos have done in the past, and present.
