Cry Fire
Strangers
(self-released)
Relative newcomers to the local scene, Cry Fire recently unofficially released its first effort, Strangers, via the pay-what-you-will Internet model; the official release show will occur Fri., Oct. 17 at the Rex Theatre. The album comprises some Triple-A radio-friendly rock and louder work that fuses melodic emo (think Sunny Day Real Estate) with melodramatic ’80s-style balladry (face it — those two genres were bound to fuse at some point).
Singer Nathaniel Minto’s vocals are notably strong, a fact that likely adds to the band’s mainstream appeal while perhaps making it sound a bit too good — too polished — for an indie crowd used to more wavering and insecure vocals.
At times it feels like the range of the album is a bit too far-reaching; for one record to include vocals-based pop rock, harder-edged guitar jams and just a little bit of jazz fusion (as in the track “For Robots, By Robots”) might be a bit much. It’s not necessarily a problem for a band to try covering as much ground as Cry Fire does, but as an album, Strangers feels slightly fractious for the attempt.
A little effort to flesh out one particular sound — even if it means moving onto a slightly different style once that sound has been mastered — might benefit this young band. But that’s not a surprising issue for a first release. To take on the big pond that is radio-friendly rock, Cry Fire will want to hone a bit, but the band’s not lacking the talent — or ideas — to get it done.
This article appears in Sep 18-24, 2008.
I personally like the band Cry Fire’s album, “Strangers”. I believe they are starting off in the right direction steering away from alternative music that has become greatly influenced by our pop generation. With pop music it is “pretty” and entertaining music, but just because something sounds or looks “pretty” does not mean it is good. All I can say is check out Cry Fire for there actual talent.
They have a concert Oct. 17th at the Rex Center.
As I have expressed my thoughts to Andy Mulkerin’s on his article, I believe he short changed them. He replied and we agreed to disagree. He suggested I post a comment to persuade the readers of Pittsburgh to check them out if I believe them to be good(which obviously I do). Come on, it couldn’t hurt, you may even be inspired.
I am not saying you will or will not like them, but you get to download their album for free and decide for yourself.
Thank You
These guys are really talented and their music is entertaining. I am impressed with their first CD and I’m really looking forward to the concert on the 17th. Come and check them out for yourselves!