Review Summary: Fightstar can simply ignore the haters now because they let the music does the talking on Grand Unification. As for Simpson's past, well that is now well and truly the past. This is a mighty victory.
Over a year after debut EP, They Liked You Better When You Were Dead, was released, Fightstar had gone a long way towards winning over the rock community. Half the battle had been won, but there were still doubts about the London based quartet's credibility (due to a certain Mr Simpson's past) and many felt questions still needed to be answered. Redemption would prove sweet for the post-hardcore rockers...
Asked to describe Fightstar's musical spectrum by Alternative Press magazine, Charlie Simpson explained, "Our whole aim in music is to combine the light and the dark shades. To make something utterly brutal and heavy, and on the other side have something really delicate and beautiful. The fusion of those things is what Fightstar does."
There could be no better way to describe the band's sound captured on this full-length debut, brilliantly produced by rock veteran Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Funeral For A Friend). There is a natural progression from their early EP, with the production and song's being grander as a whole.
Grand Unification has a concept, but the concept is there should you wish to find it and isn't blatantly shoved in your face. The album starts with sleeping and ends with waking up, meaning, in theory, the rest takes place in a dream. The substance of their message is drawn from life experiences, but it's told in surreal settings. This is where the Neon Genesis Evangelion influences come in; the end of the world and subsequent rebirth (most obvious in the artwork) and trying to make modern day society a better place.
The short intro (1:38), "To Sleep," has obvious post-rock influences. Echoed screams hide behind the intricate guitar lines and drum beat before second single, "Grand Unification Pt. I," comes crashing in to kick proceedings off in style. The heavy breakdown is a particular highlight.
"Waste A Moment" has more of a grunge feel to it, with less frantic verses. Simpson's growling screams in the middle section are powered by the band's heavy dynamics. "Sleep Well Tonight" and "Build An Army" are brooding numbers that make instant classics. Simpson and Westaway's exchanging vocals rub off each other's superbly, while the instrumentation offers great versatility throughout. The latter is slightly heavier and more metallic.
"Paint Your Target" and "Here Again (Last Conversation)" produce the killer melodies while still maintaining the layered, big sound and vocal harmonies from both men.
Three of the tracks are re-recordings from They Liked You Better When You Were Dead. "Lost Like Tears In Rain" and "Hazy Eyes" sound fresher and meatier as a result. "Mono" is the only slight disappointment for me. While it still remains a great track, it loses some of its raw power and emotion that the EP recording brilliantly captured.
"Open Your Eyes" is a softer, more melodic track. Some great hooks and a well executed chorus mean there is no dip in quality here.
"Grand Unification Pt. II" dishes out perhaps the most 'epic' sounding song on the album. Piano led with narration, the track moves through gentle vocals producing atmospheric verses before the avalanche of stabbing guitars come crashing in for the perfect ending.
The closer, "Wake Up," is another triumph with its sweeping guitars and memorable chorus.
What's so impressive about this record is its diversity, while still maintaining a signature sound and style throughout. The musicianship is admirable with the stop-start dynamics and pounding riffs that gives the listener plenty to take in.
If you like big, diverse rock music then this is the record for you (even if you secretly don't want to admit it). Having an open minded approach and willing to give the band a chance are key.
Fightstar can simply ignore the haters now because they let the music does the talking on Grand Unification. As for Simpson's past, well that is now well and truly the past. This is a mighty victory.
