Here's a debut helping from one of Radio One's favourite bands in the world right now; Friendly Fires. Resonating from St. Albans, Radio One would have you believe they're set for world domination. Far be it from me to be the critic here, but here we go...
Released originally in September ... Read review
Advantages: Great music Disadvantages: Disadvantages?!
...in the world right now; Friendly Fires. Resonating from St. Albans, Radio One would have you believe they're set for world domination. Far be it from me to be the critic here, but here we go...
Released originally in September last year, it's due for re-release at the end of August, with the addition of some new material including the brand new track "Kiss of Life". This original outing however consists of ten dance-punk/synth-pop/whatever ... ...something a bit different, than Friendly Fires may be just the band for you. Don't expect hardcore trashy guitar riffs or heavy beating drum solos, just expect intelligent synth-pop from a band on the cusp of making it 'big'. For those lucky enough to already know about them, kudos to you. For those about to learn about them, you'll wish you already did. It's in the 2 for £10 range at HMV as I type...so go, go, go! ... more
Here's a debut helping from one of Radio One's favourite bands in the world right now; Friendly Fires. Resonating from St. Albans, Radio One would have you believe they're set for world domination. Far be it from me to be the critic here, but here we go...
Released originally in September last year, it's due for re-release at the end of August, with the addition of some new material including the brand new track "Kiss of Life". This original outing however consists of ten dance-punk/synth-pop/whatever the new term is kind of tracks that are, even on first listen, pleasant listening pleasure.
Having recently been nominated for this year's Mercury Music Prize, opening track "Jump in the Pool" showcases just why they have been. It's sound is somewhat unique and unheard of. Combining big drums from the streets of the Rio carnival, along with synthesised vocals and funky guitar riffs. Looking at the wider picture, it's amazing that it's only ever reached a chart-high of number 36...well, that is until it gets re-released of course.
This formula for Jump in the Pool continues but at the same time, each track sounds uniquely different. Next up and "In The Hospital" again holds the funky element as is not too unlike a band such as Hot Chip when they're attempting this style. The "doo-da-do-da-do" is infectious and unavoidable.
"Paris" was showcases a lot by DJ's such as Zane Lowe and Scott Mills on Radio One and gave the band a heck of a lot of airtime near the start of the year. It's a medley of any kind of instrument you could ever think of combined to great effect. What appears to be a cowbell seems to do awfully well in this track!
As the album goes on each track familiarises itself with a band of the not-too-distant past, yet sounds unique at the same time. Having already mentioned Hot Chip, "White Diamonds" has an element of The Guillemots to begin with for example, before breaking away into a funky-guitar beat. "Skeleton Boy" has an uncanny like to "Play That Funky Music" by White Cherry to show how far and wide they selection their musical influences.
Often with albums, be it in 2009 or 20 years ago, often they can become monotonous and contain good old-fashioned filler tracks in amongst the obvious singles. But having been over it a couple of times now, it's hard to find any filler in amongst this. Each track has been meticulous put together by the four young lads from Hertfordshire so each one sounds like the next-big-sound.
For anyone into something a bit different, than Friendly Fires may be just the band for you. Don't expect hardcore trashy guitar riffs or heavy beating drum solos, just expect intelligent synth-pop from a band on the cusp of making it 'big'. For those lucky enough to already know about them, kudos to you. For those about to learn about them, you'll wish you already did. It's in the 2 for £10 range at HMV as I type...so go, go, go!
Advantages: Five real stand out tracks Disadvantages: couple sound slightly less in quality
REVIEW OF FRIENDLY FIRES BY FRIENDLY FIRES
I used to write loads and loads of reviews on ciao but in the past ten months I have resented writing such long essays and earning 6p for the privilege and have been put off. So here's the first review that will be shorter but contain, hopefully, same amount of the quality. Well, at least 6p’s worth! I recently bought Friendly Fires debut, self titled album for a bargain of £5 on play.com. I bought it soley ... ...I promise, I’m on it.”) Friendly Fires have become a word of mouth, critical acclaim success since its release in September 2008, charting at #37. Expect a different level of hype and success when the follow up is released (scheduled late 2009). In the meantime get the album for anywhere close to the £5 I paid and you will not be disappointed and agree its money well spent! ...
dtait07 11.07.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Friendly Fires [Digipak] - Friendly Fires
Advantages: Catchy, great mix of instruments, good lyrics Disadvantages: none
I first heard of this band when I booked tickets to go and the NME Awards tour. I had never heard of them before the night but when I saw them live they blew me away. The lead singer uses a mix of instruments from a synthesizer to a cow bell and pulls them all off very well, they don’t sound out of place one bit.
After the gig I enjoyed them so much I went to the nearest HMV and bought the album. I must admit I did have a gut feeling that they would ... ...would be awful. I was pleasantly surprised as the album was great, just as good as they are live.
The type of music I listen to usually if hard rock but I really like this band and they have hit the right notes with me. The album is full of catchy songs that get stuck in your head and you will be humming them later that day. Every time I listen to the album it makes me smile and want to dance. I recommend this album to anyone who likes Dance, Rock ...
Honeymonstar 09.03.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Friendly Fires [Digipak] - Friendly Fires
Product Information for "Friendly Fires [Digipak] - Friendly Fires" »
Product details
Title
Friendly Fires [Digipak]
Performer
Friendly Fires
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Alternative
Release Date
01/09/2008
Original Release Year
2008
Label / Distributor
XL / PIAS UK/Sony DADC
Producer
Edward MacFarlane
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
634904038328
Catalogue Number
XLCD 383
Additional notes
Album Notes
Friendly Fires: Jack Savidge, Edward Macfarlane, Edward Gibson. Audio Mixer: Edward Macfarlane. England's Friendly Fires is an indie rock band that isn't afraid to unleash danceable beats or irresistible melodies, drawing on the best of dance-rock, synth pop, and shoegaze-influenced atmospherics. The band's full-length self-titled debut puts all these influences on proud display, and while one might immediately invoke comparisons to Franz Ferdinand, LCD Soundsystem, and New Order, the musical ride is a thoroughly enjoyable one. Album opener "Jump in the Pool," with its lush, percolating rhythms, is a highlight, but all of FRIENDLY FIRES delivers the dance-rock goods.
Album Reviews
Spin (p.90) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he trio offers copious catchy bits, more tonal variation than the usual guitar-plus-beats norm, and an appealingly pleading frontman in Ed Macfarlane." Rolling Stone (p.125) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "At heart, they are strict pop formalists, packing each track with peppy hooks, gushy New Romantic choruses and Talking Heads-style nerd funk." Clash (magazine) (p.124) - "Their self-titled album is an indie pop explosion, sprinkled with some magic dust and constantly oozing '90s dance, European techno and some lovely teen romance." Clash (magazine) (p.63) - Ranked #30 in Clash's "The 40 Best Albums of 2008" -- "Like the beautiful love-child of Hot Chip and Talking Heads, this is one band who deserve your attention..."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Jump In The Pool
2.
In The Hospital
3.
Paris
4.
White Diamonds
5.
Strobe
6.
On Board
7.
Lovesick
8.
Skeleton Boy
9.
Photobooth
10.
Ex Lover
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since
27/08/2008
Compare Friendly Fires [Digipak] - Friendly Fires to other similar Rock & Pop »
![Friendly Fires [Digipak] - Friendly Fires](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/normal/843/product-6966843.jpg)
![Overall user rating: Friendly Fires [Digipak] - Friendly Fires](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/stars/2003/stars45.gif)
![I'm Not Dead [PA] - Pink](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/580/prod_small-6397580.jpg)
![River Is Wide, The [Remastered] - Forum (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/251/prod_small-6006251.jpg)
