Friendly Fires is one of those bands that is hard to define. Some people call them indie, others pop, and yet a few call them (nu)shoegazing or a pop/rave hybrid; regardless Friendly Fires is an impressive new band with a great debut album. Mostly self-produced (which is impressive considering how sophisticated some of the arragnements are), the album could be played at a swanky rock lounge or a dirty dance floor. From the opening track, "Jump in the Pool," the songs are layered in ambient keyboards and constant precussion, with ingenious pop hooks and catchy basslines. Include the electronic effects that are present everywhere, these boys use every trick in the book to create an album that is simply irresistible. Though some critics refered to the album as a collection of stand alone songs, I could not disagree more. Each song may be strong on its own, but as an album it is a consistent, powerful soundscape that will have you tapping your feet and bobbing your head.
Track Listing:
1. Jumping in the Pool
2. In the Hospital
3. Paris
4. White Diamonds
5. Strobe
6. On Board
7. Lovesick
8. Skeleton Boy
9. Photobooth
10. Ex Lover
Check out Friendly Fires on the XL Recordings YouTube page. Here is their video for their single "Skeleton Boy."
The band will be playing Coachella Festival, on Sunday 19 April.
Catch them on their homepage or MySpace.