Review Summary: In Case of Fire are a band that make an impression, create music about subjects that need to be put out there, need to be heard.
It's been a long time coming for Northern Irish trio
In Case of Fire, but finally they were able to put out their debut album,
Align The Planets. They signed with Search and Destroy via PIAS Recordings after originally recording the album in 2007 in their home town of Portadown. They then headed back into the studio with Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters, Feeder) and re-recorded the 12 tracks last spring. The result is a truly endearing product.
The band is made up of brothers Steven (vocals, guitar) and Colin Robinson (drums, percussion), and completed with bassist Mark Williamson. Their sound draws comparisons of early
Muse material and hints of
Queens of The Stone Age. Producing hard hitting progressive rock that implements unusual time signatures, as well as hardcore influenced intensity. Steven Robinson showcases his stunning vocal talent, from soft, almost spoken delivery to a full on soaring pitch.
The songs are fuelled from slow pace intros that build up and change to consistent heavy riffs, fast paced chord changes and distorted bass lines. In Case Of Fire are a band that make an impression, create music about subjects that need to be put out there, need to be heard. Social injustice, war, child abuse and personal tragedy are the topics explored within the songs. Often asking more questions than providing answers.
"This Time We Stand" and "Do What I Say" are early album standouts (not that there is any dip in quality across the whole disc). Blending hard edged riffs and pummelling drums with mesmeric melodies. "Parallels" and "Sorrow" deal with the death of the Robinson brothers' father. The former introduces a haunting string section, brilliantly capturing the tragedy with delicate passages before a powerful middle section.
"Plan A" includes a spoken dialog of Martin Luther King underneath superb guitar work and frenzied drums, while "Enemies" is reminiscent of QOTSA's "Little Sister". Things continue and get even better with latter tracks like "Violence and Pictures" and "A Pale New Costume", before the 43 minutes of play ends in magnificent fashion with "Second Revelation". The constant chord progressions and stop-start dynamics further showcase the musical ability of the three-piece and especially Steven Robinson's guitar work.
In Case of Fire have created a truly memorable debut album, engrossing the listener with the heartfelt delivery and utilizing their vast instrumental abilities. Any fan or prog and alternative rock should take note; you may be hearing a lot more from In Case of Fire in the future.
4.5/5
