There must be something in the water up there; Think:Fire are another fresh emo rock outfit from Glasgow, and the Swings And Roundabouts EP is their musical manifesto.
Unlike fellow Glaswegians Twin Atlantic, however, Think:Fire have a more pedestrian and familiar sound, much more like the MTV-friendly rock that is so prevalent on both sides of the big pond at the moment. No strong distinctive Scots accent here, for example; instead, we have an ambiguous vocal style that could place itself in California or Seattle as easily as London.
No prizes for innovatory songwriting, either. Coming from the slower and more gentle balladeering end of the emo spectrum, the tunes are well-structured and melodic, but very vanilla. There’s nothing special in the chord progressions or clean lead riffs to make Think:Fire stand apart from the pack – though their evident musical competence raises them head and shoulders above the ten-a-penny imitators the scene seems clogged with currently.
Bruce Mackenzie may not have the most distinctive voice, but he writes some good lyrics. While the subject matter - broken hearts and confusing relationships - may be as generic as the band’s musical style, Think:Fire are thankfully not reliant on screeching and self-harm histrionics to deliver their message. Mackenzie’s thoughtful lines fit well with the music – restless and carefree yet melancholic and contemplative, the sound of hazy teenage summer days.
Considering it’s a début release, Think:Fire deserve plaudits for the Swings And Roundabouts EP; it’s is a very professional piece of work that showcases a high level of musical ability and willingness to work hard. But I’d like their next release to showcase them finding a unique sound and style.
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