Artists & Bands

The Fratellis | Tunes + Guitar Lessons

Bursting onto the scene with their raucous debut Costello Music, The Fratellis quickly became festival favourites, blending bluesy pop rock with infectious anthems that defined mid-2000s British alternative rock!

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The Fratellis: Costello Music and the Rise of a Festival Favourite

Named after their manager, The Fratellis rose to prominence in late 2006 and into 2007 with the release of their debut album Costello Music. This album introduced three standout tracks: Henrietta, Chelsea Dagger, and my personal favourite, Whistle For The Choir.

The Scottish trio quickly captured the attention of both critics and fans, earning them a Brit Award for Best British Breakthrough Act. Their blend of blues-influenced pop rock made them one of the most talked-about new bands of 2006 and 2007.

Since then, The Fratellis have continued to build a dedicated following across the U.K. with their energetic sound, performing at numerous festivals and connecting with audiences in the same vein as their peers—Razorlight, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks, Franz Ferdinand, and Bloc Party.

This new wave of British alternative rock bands in the mid-2000s had a much louder, rawer sound compared to the more polished approach of early 2000s acts like Coldplay, Travis, and Keane. While the shift wasn’t as drastic as the transition from ’80s hair metal to ’90s grunge, it marked a clear departure in what the major labels were pushing to mainstream audiences.

The Fratellis, with their raucous energy and festival-friendly anthems, played a significant part in this evolution, cementing their place in the U.K.’s musical landscape.