Capital Theatre are back with the most recent single, Fire, from the forthcoming album (which is due out in October), following on from the incredible People, which has been on constant repeat at my place. Given just how much I have been playing that, I did have some concerns that Fire may not live up to the same level, but these were soon blown away. It commences with harsh U2-type riffs, but these disappear as we concentrate on Adam’s vocals and the rhythm section, with keyboards and guitar adding touches here and there, then when it is time for the bridge we get some nice harmony vocals and just for a few bars there is more intensity and drive.
It reverts back to the simpler style for the second verse, and then the band starts to lift and change the dynamics and power structure. Paul always provides a great foundation for the band, knowing when to provide huge fills or when not to play at all, and at just past two minutes the song changes again to be just Adam and piano, but when Roy and Paul come back in, one knows it is really going to lift, which is exactly what it does. These elements of Coldplay and Muse move in and out, and when they go into the quiet section for the second time it is lifted with some beautiful cello, then slowly the guys start to push, and the song just keeps building and getting stronger. The use of contrast within the song is huge, as it emphasises the different structures and styles within it, with each person having a huge part to play.
The video is very different to the last one, in that we see very little of the band, and in fact we only see Adam’s face on a TV every so often with the others not making an appearance at all (nice to see Adam still using the make-up from People, he needs to do that more often!). This is a story video, but not quite as straight forward as Force To Fight (one of the most powerful around, check it out), but more arty, with loads of different imagery and of course plenty of flames. Whether it is in concert, on video or just with their music, Capital Theatre continue to push ever higher and overall, this is yet another stunning song.
Capital Theatre is a dynamic rock trio hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, known for their anthemic sound, electrifying live performances, and thought-provoking lyrics. Formed in 2019, the band consists of Adam Stevenson (vocals and keyboards), Paul Reid (drums), and Roy Oliver (guitar). Drawing inspiration from classic and modern rock influences, Capital Theatre combines powerful melodies, intricate arrangements, and raw emotional energy to create a sound that resonates across generations.
In 2024, Capital Theatre unveiled their highly anticipated second album, Major Arcana, a bold and introspective exploration of human experience through the lens of tarot symbolism. The album’s title and themes draw inspiration from the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, using them as metaphors to delve into life’s pivotal moments, emotional journeys, and existential questions. Tracks like Taste The Flame and Underworld showcase the band’s signature blend of powerful instrumentation and evocative storytelling, while experimenting with new sonic textures and dynamic arrangements. Major Arcana has been praised for its depth, creativity, and the way it pushes the boundaries of modern rock, cementing Capital Theatre’s reputation as innovative artists unafraid to take risks. This album not only resonates with fans but also introduces the band to a broader international audience, further solidifying their place on the global stage.