Strap in, pop-punk fans of New Zealand – Fire For Glory have a new song out.
The metalcore and pop-punk quintet from Auckland reformed after a brief hiatus, and once revitalised with a new line-up, they got straight to recording new tunes. The band’s live performances are more fun than holding a lighter and racing through a lawn-sprinkler spewing petrol, and their recorded tunes are no less enjoyable. Last month, Fire For Glory released the brilliant Stray Dogs with their latest line-up (click Here to read my review of said single). So, what does this second brand new tune Falling With Style have to offer?
Right from the first four bars, the song gives off an upbeat vibe driven by punchy guitar chords, then cruising into a light, mildly atmospheric-sounding verse marked with sustained notes from the lead guitarist, punctuated by easy-going drums. One can easily find themselves nodding along to the double-time rhythm of the chorus, an adventurous-sound that reminds one of live gigs in the summertime, or music to sink cold ones to on a porch during Crate Day (now there’s an idea!)
After capping off the second verse with falsetto, the song bounces into a fun little bridge featuring the same punchy guitar riff heard at the very start.
In a Facebook post, the band hinted there would be numerous references to the film Toy Story, and indeed there are (I won’t list them here; listen for them yourself!). Further to that, the vibe of the song certainly evokes a sense of adventure and wonder.
Following the polished sound of their previous single Stray Dogs, it appears the band have returned to employing a rougher, DIY-like approach. This time around, the guitars are noticeably more at the front, whilst the singing is slightly more back-seat, creating an almost garage genre flavour.
With that, the song greatly resembles their older material, and this time they’ve certainly nailed down the pop-rock formula. Momentarily stepping aside from their heavier, metal-tinged punk spheres, one can certainly imagine a radio edit being spun on air this summer. Perhaps. To infinity – and beyond!
Fire For Glory were a pop-punk band based in Auckland (Now known as Stray Dogs). Bringing together elements of 2000’s era pop punk and post hardcore, Fire For Glory delivered high energy live shows that won them a solid local following throughout New Zealand, and the band made their second successful self-funded venture to Australia. As a result of a hard working, DIY touring ethic, the band earned themselves supporting slots with bands such as Motion City Soundtrack (USA), Hawthorne Heights (USA), Joyce Manor (USA) and Silverstein (Canada).
Fire For Glory saw great commercial success, having both of their EPs Phantoms, Ghosts and Monsters and The Kid’s Got Guts, and their LP Shipwreck! all reaching #1 on the iTunes New Zealand rock chart. The single Frog Prince from the second EP was also featured on Spotify’s official rock playlist, and gained the band high amounts of streaming attention.
Fire For Glory is now known as Stray Dogs!