Review Summary: Fueled by Cash-grabs
Fever is Against the Current’s third EP, released in 2021 via Fueled by Ramen records. Originally intended to be part 1 of a 2-part album, Against the Current left Fueled by Ramen before the release of the second EP, or part 2 of the collective album which many fans speculate would have called “Fever Dream” or “Fever Dreams”. The “Dream(s)” EP has since been shelved, and whether or not it will ever see the light of day is up to Fueled by Ramen, who is currently not on favorable terms with Against the Current. I give this context at the forefront of the review, because while
Fever showcases Against the Current at their most fun and energized, it does ultimately feel more like a part 1 of an album rather than a standalone EP.
The songs on
Fever were written during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the frustrations that that period of time brought to the band were channeled into them. The opener,
that won’t save us, which was also the lead single for the EP, was an indication to longtime fans that the synth-driven relationship ballads that composed their previous album
Past Lives were not going to be what this new era of Against the Current was about.
That won’t save us begins with an up-tempo, in-your-face pop-rock riff, reminiscent of the band’s earlier work. Chrissy sings of passive (and active!) aggression toward situations and people who are hindering her life, and what comes of it is probably the most memorable, heart-felt chorus she’s belted out in any of ATC’s songs to date.
Fever does not drop tempo until the fifth song,
shatter, which is a softer tune driven by melodic strumming. Although the hook is instantly catchy (“You won’t see me shatter, shatter, aye”), I feel like the slower, almost interlude-like nature of the song would work more effectively within the context of a full album, and not as track 5 of 7 on an EP.
Fever does however return to form afterward with my favorite track of the bunch,
burn it down. The playful kick-snare intro with accompanied hand-claps is vintage Against the Current, and Chrissy carries the verses with breathless ease. The final track,
lullaby, is unfortunately my least favorite, for even though the band themselves sound great, the cliched lyrics about wondering how the people with the most power in the world can sleep at night when the world is in chaos (remember, these are songs from the pandemic) have been done too many times and then some for me to give any kudos.
Although I do enjoy this batch of songs from Against the Current, and think that a few of them (
that won’t save us,
jump,
burn it down) are amongst the best that they’ve ever written, the context of this album hinders my enjoyment of them as a longtime fan. Even before the band had announced that they had left their record label and subsequently the second EP would be shelved, I was frustrated by the marketing tactic of separating the album into two parts in the first place. Whether I’m raving about their music or complaining about their general decision-making, I cannot remain objective while listening to, or writing about this band. I am, however, able to sometimes completely turn off my brain and simply appreciate
Fever, which is how Against the Current’s simple rock tunes should always be enjoyed.
