Friendly Fires: Friendly Fires

Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
By Ben Hawling

Stuck for an album to soundtrack your party? This self titled debut from St. Albans band Friendly Fires will definitely relax the atmosphere and put a summer-tinged smile on the face of many. From ambitious starter ‘Jump In The Pool’ to dreamy single ‘Paris’, the album doesn’t disappoint in terms of dancey pop melodies, often accompanied by playful lyrics, and the album as a whole sparkles from the heavy use of percussion and thrashy guitars. However, the album as a whole is not of the indie persuasion but would be more at home on a terrace in Ibiza due to its punchy dance rhythms throughout. In fact, the only clear nods to any indie/ electro approach can be found in the quirky, Foals-esque ‘Photo Booth’ and ever present synth use which would also not be out of place in the hands of bands such as Cut Copy or Soulwax. Other prominent tracks include the anthemic ‘On Board’, the wistful ‘Ex- Lover’ and the chirpy should -be- single ‘White Diamonds’. This strong 10 track debut shows huge experimental potential and secures Friendly Fires as being a key indie dance crossover act for years to come, not just into the early hours!