Living Fire - Every Saint Has A Past, Every Sinner Has A Future
STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 167492-26124 LABEL: Thumper Punk FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Helen Whitall
This is the fourth offering from the Brazilian punk rock band now living in the USA. It's definitely an album of two halves; the first half in English is all over the place, the second half in Portuguese is much better though even that occasionally goes astray. It opens with the ironically messy "United We Stand", so fast paced it sounds like they are struggling to keep up with themselves. "Become Like Him" features stunning slide guitar and using the titular Oscar Wilde quote emphasises how Jesus is for all of us, but the beat feels disconnected underneath. "The Greatest Name" works a little better musically but the Bible passages quoted don't scan brilliantly to the tune, which itself wavers. Following a not entirely successful punk rendition of "Amazing Grace (Mais Perto Quero)" that could have been so much more, "Here I Am" delivers melodic guitar and strong riffs, the vocals letting this one down. Transitioning into Portuguese for "Nossa Oracao", the band sound more confident and a lot tighter. The soundbite added is a nice touch. "Cuando Eu Te Chamei" is euphoric and full of feeling, building up to an awesome scream. The final track, "Promessas" has a fun riff and epic screaming, but although there is some tight individual playing, they just keep losing one another and the harmony goes off key. Punk vocals don't need to be tuneful but harmonies do. Also, the band needs to dramatically improve their togetherness. The guitar work is skilful and the tones are crisp and crunchy throughout but that's not enough to make this a good album.
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