Friendly Fires
(XL Recordings)
Friendly Fires' debut is a damn fun ride that rockets off from the first track and, happily, does not relent. The UK trio-comprised of Ed Macfarlane (vocals), Jack Savidge (drums), Edd Gibson (guitar) and Rob Lee (bass/percussion) who joins them on tour-has created a highly infectious dance-rock LP. Listeners are propelled into a land of synth pop sounds reminiscent of ‘80s groups such as Devo. Yes, Devo: Fires' tune "Photobooth" slightly channels the red, energy dome wearing quartet and similar bands of this sonic era.
Though this band has existed for only two years, Friendly Fires is a well developed album. Opener "Jump In The Pool" encapsulates all that will come in the following tracks. An amalgam of sounds are tossed in, from Mardi Gras parade like whistles to cowbells, jangly guitars and hollowing background vocals, with Friendly Fires balancing all of these effects beautifully. And after coming down from the high that is this debut album I'm already aching to return.
Standout tracks: "In The Hospital," "On Board" APRIL S. ENGRAM
