James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
After a three year lull the Friendly Fires have finally whitewashed the silence with the release of their new album, Pala. The effortless and casual nature of this celebratory album ensures it will be a summer smash. Having been compared to the sensation of the ‘warm sun on the back of the neck’, it is fair to say it’s time to whip out the sun lotion and prepare for the sun-soaked sophistication that dominates the album.
The album flares up with the opening track, ‘Live Those Days Tonight’. The heavy piano and energetic lyrics contribute to the gorging chorus that forefronts the track. The funky drum lines also add an extra dimension to the already heavy tropical sound. ‘Blue Cassette’ similarly presents an elated chorus that represents the song. The bulky and repetitive drums accompaniment generates a catchy club beat. Along with the easily recognisable lyrics ‘as I hear your voice it sets my heart on fire’, it is truthful to say this song is destined to be a summer hit.
‘Hawaiian Air’ immediately conjures up images of the sun, sea and sand with its tribal drum pattern and effortless vocals. It opens with a loop that initially seems insignificant until its evolution through the track. This song is without doubt a frontrunner of the album. The album is divided with the input of ‘Pala’ at the midpoint. As a slow and mellow track, it creates a more rock-like atmosphere in both instrumentation and arrangement. The opening features bird song which imitates the sounds of the rainforest. In addition, a looped snippet sounds like insects scuttling along the dusty ground.
‘Chimes’ makes use of a samba sounding beat which exploits traditional club dance beats. Ed Macfarlane’s voice is evidently more melancholy with a hint of loneliness. Also, the utilization of chimes produces an effective sphere of sound. ‘Show Me Lights’ distinctively has its associations with R & B whereby popular rhythms and the edgy timbre of the vocals contribute to this particular genre.
With a classier and more mystical approach to song writing, Friendly Fires have produced an album that ignites hope and encouragement for the future of their success. For now, it is inevitable that songs from Pala will be basked in throughout the summer period.
If you like this try: Delphic, Passion Pit and Mystery Jets.
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