The On Fires don’t just play rock & roll; they are rock & roll! They have the style, they have the sound, and most of all they have the attitude. Need proof? Then give their album Betrayer a spin.
The Tracks…
Coming Home – This is a heart-racing, adrenaline pumping song. The On Fires prove that they live, breathe, and truly know rock! There is a definite 80′s punk edge to this song, and while it at times touches on a Beach Boy mixed with the B52′s rhythm, it never feels the slightest bit corny or campy.
Hangin’ with the Living – This track not only grabs you hook line and sinker, but it also has enough jam-packed charisma to turn any casual listener into a diehard fan! This is the kind of song that made the London Underground. With gritty vocals that soar, chunky deep base guitars that shake the walls, and enough attitude to match that of any of the top punk bands of the 70′s and 80′s, this song is rock in its most pure and refined state.
Precious Injury – The On Fires throw their first of many curve balls with this song, and to mix baseball metaphors, the result is a home run! The style is a definite change from the punk-rock first heard on Betrayer. Instead it takes on a more electro-rock vibe that sounds like Duran Duran with some bite. There is no denying that the sudden inclusion of synths is a bit jarring at first, but once the shock fades the truly phenomenal sound of this song begins to settle in. This is no doubt that this has to be this album’s leading single.
Melancholy Intro – This track is just an intro, but as far as intros go it serves its purpose quite well. It draws your interest and sets the mood for the next track. With a name like “Melancholy” it’s not hard to imagine what exactly that mood may be.
Melancholy – The curve balls keep on coming, and so to do the home runs. This song takes a step away from a fast paced rhythm driven style and instead goes for a more melodic reserved sound. The vocals make this track. They are astonishing. They’re sweet and soft spoken. It’s almost Queen meets John Lennon.
Without – This is just plain a moody and gritty rock song. Other than being about two minutes too long it’s outstanding. The guitar solo in particular is mind-blowing! Jimi Hendrix would be proud.
Arms Open – This is a dark sultry punk song. There isn’t a whole lot to it, but it’s definitely catchy and fits well with the overall eclectic tone of the album.
Sorry Now – This is the first song on the album that the gritty vocals don’t quite work. They go beyond gritty and verge on sour at times. It’s still a solid enough rock track, but it’s just not up to the standards set by the other tracks.
Nobody Wants – The On Fires know exactly how to create a really catchy punk-rock song, and this track proves it. Like “Arms Open” there isn’t a whole lot to it, but there’s certainly enough that you’ll find yourself still humming it a few days later.
Island – This track drops the synths and returns to the pure essence of punk captured at the beginning of Betrayer. The On Fires can effortlessly take on different styles, but this, punk at it’s most stripped, is where they truly seem most at home.
Hotel Room – This has to be one of the best tracks off of Betrayer. It stands apart from the rest. It’s incredibly catchy and has hooks made for radio. While it admittedly isn’t as rough and authentic as the other tracks, it has a pop-rock sound that has a broad appeal to people of all tastes.
Skeleton – To put it simply, this is a happy-go-lucky punk song. It’s laced with hooks and continues to unitize synth driven melodies.
Crook Plumbing – This track is an incredibly moody musical interlude that leads directly into the title track of “Betrayer.”
Betrayer – The song begins with some incredibly dark poetic vibes. This leads into a progressively melodic epic rock song. Like some earlier tracks, “Betrayer” seems to draw much of its influence from Queen. It’s very operatic in parts and honestly just plain rocks. It’s the perfect end to an amazing album.
The Verdict…
If you are looking for a great rock album that’s roots are firmly planted in an era of rock legends, then you have to check out Betrayer. It draws its influences from some of rock’s greats, and adds a modern edge that keeps the tracks fresh and the adrenalin rushing. There is a reason that this band is called The On Fires. If you want to find out why, you have to experience it for yourself.
Review by Zack Daggy
