The Secret to Life explained

The Secret to Life
Type:	studio
Artist:	Fizz
Cover:	The Secret to Life.jpg
Studio:	Middle Farm (South Devon, England)
Label:	Decca Universal Music Group
Producer:	Fizz Peter Miles

The Secret to Life is the debut studio album by the rock band Fizz, released on 27 October 2023 by Decca Records and Universal Music Group. It was recorded over a two-week period^[1] at Middle Farm Studios in South Devon with Peter Miles.^[2]

In the production of The Secret to Life, the band bypassed many production tools commonly used in contemporary pop music and relied on real instruments and recording live takes of songs directly onto tape. This approach, as discussed in interviews, imparts a nostalgic quality reminiscent of the music of the 1960s and 1970s.^{[3] [4]}

Critical reception

The critical reception of The Secret to Life was diverse, reflecting various perspectives on the band's musical style, lyrical content, and overall impact.

The album was lauded as a noteworthy addition to the music scene, being praised for its distinctive sound and cited as a promising debut.^[5] The Secret to Life has been characterised as a compelling body of work which resonates with contemporary audiences.^[6] and has been commended for its thematic exploration in navigating a balance between reality and make-believe.^[7]

Personnel

Fizz

• Greta Isaac – lead and backing vocals; acoustic and electric guitars; percussion
• Martin Luke Brown – lead and backing vocals; acoustic guitar; piano; electric piano, organ; percussion
• Dodie – lead and backing vocals; electric guitar; clarinet; synthesizer; piano; percussion
• Orla Gartland – lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass; percussion

Additional musicians

• Peter Miles – bass; electric guitar; synthesizer
• Mathew Swales – drums; percussion; tom drum
• Soren Bryce – vocals; bass; percussion
• Dan Hillman – baritone saxophone
• Simon Dobson – trumpet

Production

• Peter Miles – producer; mixing
• Fizz – producer
• Matt Huber – mixing
• Soren Bryce – assistant engineer
• Kevin Tuffy – mastering

Notes and References

1. Web site: Savage . Mark . Happiness bottled: Meet indie-pop supergroup Fizz . . 14 September 2023 . 5 September 2023.
2. Web site: Paine . Andre . Decca signs FIZZ featuring chart stars Dodie and Orla Gartland . . 9 August 2023 . 16 June 2023.
3. Web site: Mylrea . Hannah . 16 September 2023 . FIZZ: "This project is an act of rebellion against the industry" . NME.
4. Web site: Taylor . Ims . FIZZ: "WE'RE REALLY BIG ON STORYTELLING BEYOND SONGS" . . 2 October 2023 . 24 March 2024.
5. News: Vicente . Catarina . Album Review: The Secret to Life // FIZZ . 24 March 2024 . The Indiependent . 2 November 2023.
6. Web site: Gokcemen . Yazzi . November 3, 2023 . FIZZ: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Reality and Make-Believe. .
7. Web site: Skeet . Lucy . November 1, 2023 . Album Review: The Secret To Life - FIZZ. .