EP Review: Life Of The Party

Yeah, bro. Get that punk-pop/rock vibe. Throw in some of your favourite bands from that genre, shake it up and you get the Life Of The Party. Oh, and that is also the name of the new EP from Auckland based band Fire For Glory.

The clean and polished sound that comes roaring from the speakers gets the anticipation building. I can immediately get the vibes from artists like Fall Out Boy and Jimmy Eat World. And that’s just the opening title track. With catchy melodies, great and well thought out lyrics that capture those feelings of watching people laugh but wondering if it’s with you or at you, the track is a powerful one that sets the stage for the remaining three tracks.

The second track Not The Enemy has a few more things to offer to spin your head around and remind you that you should never judge a band by their opening track. With some killer growls, dropped guitars that appear at the exact right times while still maintaining its catchy melodies sung so passionately and full of energy, this track is brilliant.

I feel the Weezer vibe coming through at times but it’s not until you hit Supernova that I really get it. And, hey, by no means are these comparisons meant in any negative connotation. In fact, quite the opposite.  These are influences that have shaped so many bands sounds, and the tree of genealogy relating to influences on bands and artists has roots that grow deep. It’s how I learnt to appreciate so many different styles of music. Listening to the layering of guitars during the chorus demonstrates care and attention to detail. The rhythmic feel of the band throughout every track gives a clear indication that they are working together in unison to help bring their songs to life with more than just catchy choruses and awesome music. No. It’s the whole package here. Excellent songwriting and production.

And of course, for the final track, you gotta have a super up-tempo killer pop-punk track to close off the EP. But hey, don’t get too comfortable. Dynamics and changes are around every corner.

I am absolutely blown away by the quality of this EP. It is absolutely brilliant. Everything about the way Josh’s vocals are so wonderfully captured and have so much emotion and melody is presented through this EP’s stellar production. Backed up with a wonderful powerhouse of musicians made up by two guitars, drums and bass, the whole band has lifted the bar up.

You must go and check this one out. It will be on repeat for some time I believe.

Easy 5 stars.