04/Friendly Fires/Friendly Fires
Friday.
August 1, 2008.
10:30 PM.
The Echo.
Five dollars got us in. Music was in the air. Friendly Fires had taken the stage. Two to three songs deep. After a quick and immediate trip to the bathroom, we made our way to the front of the stage and never left it. And never kept still. And never kept our eyes off the stage. And why would you? This, is your new favorite band. I was convinced. Lead singer Ed Macfarlane begs you to look away. On this night he was dressed in a black and silver fitted sweater with pleated trousers and shiny penny loafers I just couldn't keep my eyes off of, bringing it, hard, along with the rest of his band mates. You would think that jumping in a crowd, getting all spastic, twirling a microphone, and standing on the drum set while attacking the cowbell would reek of over the top pretentiousness, but you'd be wrong. Again, I was convinced that these guys are the real deal. Tight, together, and unafraid to groove, harmonize, and simply get down. It was a non stop party man, and none of it is lost on wax. I spoke of that show first because the album and the funky, fiery live show are one and the same: tight, together, and unafraid to groove, track for track, no matter the tempo. Join them as they groove like The Rapture begging you to get on board, or ride with them through melancholic new wave stratospheres. Choose a side, take your pick. Either way you'll be sold. As was I that warm summer night at the Echo, and have continued to be ever since this album hit the shelves.
KEY TRACKS: Jump in the Pool/Paris/On Board
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