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Now this is interesting. A Scandinavian rock ‘n’ roll band that doesn’t seem to be influenced by melodic or sleaze-rock. I’m sure that there are more bands breaking out of the region that don’t yearn for the glory days of Sunset Strip, but they must be few and far between. Now that’s not meant as a slight in any shape or form. Scandinavia has produced some of the best kick-ass melodic rock bands in recent years, as well as some fantastic sleazy outfits. But, Copenhagen-bred Before Fire have more in common with contemporary acts like The Black Keys, Kings Of Leon (especially on closing track ‘Are You Listening’) and Alabama Shakes, than “classic” influences like Guns N’ Roses. So much so that they made the bold decision to up sticks and relocate, not to Los Angeles, but to London town.
Firmly encamped in London, the band are gearing up for the imminent release of this, their self-titled debut EP. Although there is a strong indie influence running through the five tracks, Before Fire have not forgotten to bring along the guitars and plug them in. Too many indie bands forsake riffs in the pursuit of breaking mainstream radio. They might not admit to that, but try lasting for longer than 15 minutes on prime time BBC Radio One without screaming “where’s the guitars?”. Can’t be done. Not the case with Before Fire.
Before Fire dig fuzzy guitars. Scratch that, they dig loud, fuzzy guitars (fill your boots on the towering ‘Look My Way’), with Konrad Liam being the chief culprit. His guitar tone throughout the EP is intriguing. At times reminiscent of the fuzz-lord himself, Scott Holiday from Rival Sons, other times it’s an influence of Robby Krieger from The Doors that you might pick up on. Rival Sons is actually a good starting place if you were looking for more of a “traditional” rock comparison. Vocalist Mathias Bang Fischer has a very strong, clear voice, which at times shows the same fragility of Sons vocalist Jay Buchanan. Listen to the rather lovely ‘Who’s To Blame’ and you would be hard pressed not to think of Buchanan at his most restrained. The “ballad” of sorts is perhaps the standout track of the five, with a quiet, smouldering performance from Konrad Liam, as well as a stellar display of precise drumming from Tobias Hahn. The man behind the kit steals the limelight with a non-fussy performance on ‘Dead Eyes’, although Fischer does run him a close second with his impassioned vocals.
File under “one to key an eye on”. Available August 23rd, more information here.
Review – Dave
