Fresh Fire - Forever

Published Thursday 28th April 2016
Fresh Fire - Forever
Fresh Fire - Forever

STYLE: Rock
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 160665-23789
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD EP
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

This is a pleasantly unusual EP from a South Jersey-based rock band. The female vocals (by Tiandra Jones) are light and self-assured, but by contrast underpinned by a progressive rock sound - driven largely by the insistent bass playing of Ahmad Sanon and Alan Wilkins, especially on the opening track "I Am Free", a declaration of confident faith. This is followed by a short instrumental, progressive rock style, but no self-respecting prog rock band would stand over a track one minute 17seconds long - even the solos would last longer! (Admittedly they make up for this somewhat as they play out the final track.) "It Will Be Alright" is a lighter piece with an emphasis on joy and a welcome reassurance about a "brighter day", and there's no doubt about the source of the optimism - "after redemption there's forgiveness." In case listeners were concerned it would get too happy-clappy the next song, "Stand", tells the story of someone with their "back against the wall" and losing the will to fight, with emphatic percussion heightening the sense of personal crisis. But again, the source of help is clear - "I'm falling Lord so please give me your hand." Song writing credits are shared across band members and producer John Smythe manages a fine balance between the light vocals and heavy instrumentals while technical quality is excellent throughout.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Darnell Toliver in New Jersey @ 20:11 on Apr 10 2017

This entire album is awesome!! Gods love and Merced and grace Lasts "Forever"!!



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