Hangfire - Shoot The Crow
Having already seen the video for ‘For Crying Out Loud’ from Hangfire, I jumped at the chance to check out the new album, Shoot The Crow, in full when I was given the chance. Featuring a blind guitarist, this isn’t your everyday rock band – these guys seem intent on changing the world – and you’re invited along for the ride!
As Adrenalise gets things going there’s an immediate sense of good old solid rock, sounding almost akin to the likes of Alter Bridge but harnessing more power and aggression. This tried and tested method of rock music has been attempted by many, but few succeed, this seems to be a different case from the outset with the first track already sounding fresh, exciting and new. It’s only fitting therefore that the following track be For Crying Out Loud (see video below), another track which demonstrates the power and ability of these guys as a unit. Catchy yet somehow still managing to keep the legitimate sense of rock flowing through things, there are elements of NWOBHM bands here as well as the new and updated rock sound which the guys seem to hammer out with aplomb – and it’s awesome to hear.
Bodies once again goes to demonstrate that this is a band with a clear set mission, the sludgy tones which open it coming into grab your attention and yanking you along by the hand from the off. The sound here once again sounds like some of the more mainstream rock bands, yet there’s once again a deeper sound to things meaning that this is going to connect with both the heavier and softer fans of rock and metal. Catchy, powerful but most of all, intricate, this is another track which is going to secure these guys a lasting slot on your playlist and keep you coming back for more. Deadman Walking comes almost as a shock then when the heavy riffs are replaced by a soft and soothing acoustic guitar line, the power fading into a sense of chilled out emotional melody. This move towards the softer side of things works on different levels, on one to keep you engaged, and on another to make you realise just how able these guys are as a band. Managing to combine this soft and melodic approach with a hard hitting rockier section later in the track (featuring a solo of epic proportions by the way) is something else which makes this track stand out as one hell of a moment on the album, and a moment I suggest you all check out!
Shoot The Crow is a return to the heavier side of things once again, this time sounding even heavier thanks to the softer track before it yet still managing to keep the sense of melody flowing through things, but it’s when Slip Away comes into being that the true roots of the band seem to be revealed. Sounding almost bluesy and chilled out, this track is another serious high point on the album, once again managing to combine the soft and soothing approach with a more upbeat approach which is sure to get live crowds involved in the music. The hammering riffs which are moved into are heavy enough to get you moving, yet the melody enough to sooth you – it’s one hell of a mix the guys have achieved here but it works! Faith In Me is a bit of a mixture of the soft and hard tracks, all combined to form a track which could happily get airplay on major radio stations whilst still being loved by the fans of the harder side of things. Almost funky as it progresses, this is another track which is going to get you moving, make you want to see the band and make you question why it is you never heard of these guys before now!
Moving through the album, the sludgy bass opening of Fire In The Hole is soon upon us, giving the opening moments of the track a sense of darkness and foreboding as it grows, once again managing to craft a sound which is going to pull you in to hear more from the guys. The darkness only grows as the vocal line comes into being, sounding almost echoey over the backing music yet still managing to cut through the darkness – then the track drops! What you end up with here is another massive high point on the album, another track which combines rock with melody and gets you singing along after a couple of listens. Personally, this is one of my favourites from the album, there’s just something about it which stands out to me! Drop The Bomb comes a close second, this time opening with an intricate guitar line over some rolling drums, this here is territory where people are going to get moving and the venue is going to be left as nothing but dust. Sounding like a hybrid of Alice In Chains combined with Alter Bridge, this is a track which a hell of a lot of people are going to love as soon as they hear it, it’s just an insanely good track!
Closing things with Shadows Fall (before an acoustic rendition of Deadman as a bonus track) there’s one final moment to hear what the band can do, crafting yet another masterpiece designed to leave you wanting more. Dark, ominous and yet somehow melodic and, at times, uplifting, this final track leaves no doubt in my mind that Hangfire are going to be one of those bands we all need to keep an eye out for from here on!
Hangfire haven’t just produced a well put together album here, they’ve produced an album which is going to leave you wanting more, leave you breathless and renew your sense of belief in the live music scene. There’s no over production here, there’s no over the top effects – there’s simply an accomplished band doing what they do and doing it damned well! All I’m really left with is more please, lots and lots more please!
To find out more about Hangfire, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
As Adrenalise gets things going there’s an immediate sense of good old solid rock, sounding almost akin to the likes of Alter Bridge but harnessing more power and aggression. This tried and tested method of rock music has been attempted by many, but few succeed, this seems to be a different case from the outset with the first track already sounding fresh, exciting and new. It’s only fitting therefore that the following track be For Crying Out Loud (see video below), another track which demonstrates the power and ability of these guys as a unit. Catchy yet somehow still managing to keep the legitimate sense of rock flowing through things, there are elements of NWOBHM bands here as well as the new and updated rock sound which the guys seem to hammer out with aplomb – and it’s awesome to hear.
Bodies once again goes to demonstrate that this is a band with a clear set mission, the sludgy tones which open it coming into grab your attention and yanking you along by the hand from the off. The sound here once again sounds like some of the more mainstream rock bands, yet there’s once again a deeper sound to things meaning that this is going to connect with both the heavier and softer fans of rock and metal. Catchy, powerful but most of all, intricate, this is another track which is going to secure these guys a lasting slot on your playlist and keep you coming back for more. Deadman Walking comes almost as a shock then when the heavy riffs are replaced by a soft and soothing acoustic guitar line, the power fading into a sense of chilled out emotional melody. This move towards the softer side of things works on different levels, on one to keep you engaged, and on another to make you realise just how able these guys are as a band. Managing to combine this soft and melodic approach with a hard hitting rockier section later in the track (featuring a solo of epic proportions by the way) is something else which makes this track stand out as one hell of a moment on the album, and a moment I suggest you all check out!
Shoot The Crow is a return to the heavier side of things once again, this time sounding even heavier thanks to the softer track before it yet still managing to keep the sense of melody flowing through things, but it’s when Slip Away comes into being that the true roots of the band seem to be revealed. Sounding almost bluesy and chilled out, this track is another serious high point on the album, once again managing to combine the soft and soothing approach with a more upbeat approach which is sure to get live crowds involved in the music. The hammering riffs which are moved into are heavy enough to get you moving, yet the melody enough to sooth you – it’s one hell of a mix the guys have achieved here but it works! Faith In Me is a bit of a mixture of the soft and hard tracks, all combined to form a track which could happily get airplay on major radio stations whilst still being loved by the fans of the harder side of things. Almost funky as it progresses, this is another track which is going to get you moving, make you want to see the band and make you question why it is you never heard of these guys before now!
Moving through the album, the sludgy bass opening of Fire In The Hole is soon upon us, giving the opening moments of the track a sense of darkness and foreboding as it grows, once again managing to craft a sound which is going to pull you in to hear more from the guys. The darkness only grows as the vocal line comes into being, sounding almost echoey over the backing music yet still managing to cut through the darkness – then the track drops! What you end up with here is another massive high point on the album, another track which combines rock with melody and gets you singing along after a couple of listens. Personally, this is one of my favourites from the album, there’s just something about it which stands out to me! Drop The Bomb comes a close second, this time opening with an intricate guitar line over some rolling drums, this here is territory where people are going to get moving and the venue is going to be left as nothing but dust. Sounding like a hybrid of Alice In Chains combined with Alter Bridge, this is a track which a hell of a lot of people are going to love as soon as they hear it, it’s just an insanely good track!
Closing things with Shadows Fall (before an acoustic rendition of Deadman as a bonus track) there’s one final moment to hear what the band can do, crafting yet another masterpiece designed to leave you wanting more. Dark, ominous and yet somehow melodic and, at times, uplifting, this final track leaves no doubt in my mind that Hangfire are going to be one of those bands we all need to keep an eye out for from here on!
Hangfire haven’t just produced a well put together album here, they’ve produced an album which is going to leave you wanting more, leave you breathless and renew your sense of belief in the live music scene. There’s no over production here, there’s no over the top effects – there’s simply an accomplished band doing what they do and doing it damned well! All I’m really left with is more please, lots and lots more please!
To find out more about Hangfire, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Hangfire - For Crying Out Loud
We featured Hang Fire a while back, so when they got in touch about their new video for For Crying Out Loud, we were pretty excited. What no one had told us before though, was that guitarist Lizzie Lee Evans from the band, is totally blind, yet writes all of the songs for the band. Now, the stuff Hang Fire come up with is damned good compared to most bands, but when you consider that their guitarist is playing completely blind, this adds a whole new take on things, and something they should well be proud of. Scheduled to be playing dates with the mighty Marseille and Wrathchild (amongst others) later on this year, I figured it was only right I check out what the new video was like!
If you’re looking for a track which is full to overflowing with melody, chunky riffs and enough guitar hooks to satisfy any guitar loving rock fan out there, then this is the band for you! For Crying Out Loud is THE track which shows a band who have focused their sound, worked as a unit and crafted something which they should be truly proud of. Bass heavy rhythms, soaring vocal lines, simple yet effective drumming, guitar lines which will bring out the air guitarist in everyone – they’re all here and what’s more, you can hear them all in the track. The mix is perfect, the video which simply shows the band playing live on stage matching the raw sound which the band have got – in all, this is a moment which a lot of people need to bear witness to.
Now, I’ve been playing the guitar since I was around 14 or so, which is a long time ago, yet I’m nowhere near as good as these guys. Their sound on this track is tight and demonstrates a band which can work together, can craft songs which they not only want to write, but are also going to please the crowds when they hear them. This is a triumph guys, and a track which I think deserves some serious airplay to get word out there!
Check out the video below:
If you’re looking for a track which is full to overflowing with melody, chunky riffs and enough guitar hooks to satisfy any guitar loving rock fan out there, then this is the band for you! For Crying Out Loud is THE track which shows a band who have focused their sound, worked as a unit and crafted something which they should be truly proud of. Bass heavy rhythms, soaring vocal lines, simple yet effective drumming, guitar lines which will bring out the air guitarist in everyone – they’re all here and what’s more, you can hear them all in the track. The mix is perfect, the video which simply shows the band playing live on stage matching the raw sound which the band have got – in all, this is a moment which a lot of people need to bear witness to.
Now, I’ve been playing the guitar since I was around 14 or so, which is a long time ago, yet I’m nowhere near as good as these guys. Their sound on this track is tight and demonstrates a band which can work together, can craft songs which they not only want to write, but are also going to please the crowds when they hear them. This is a triumph guys, and a track which I think deserves some serious airplay to get word out there!
Check out the video below:
Hangfire
Four guys hailing from South Wales make up the rock band Hangfire. Each band member has played in separate bands previously without too much success. The band is hoping 2012 will be a good year and are actively seeking to play venues and festivals to promote their forthcoming album. Anyway less chat more music, here’s how it went down!
After grabbing a beer, I sat down, got comfy, put the headphones in and clicked on Slip Away. The track is almost 7 minutes long so was interested how the track was going to keep my attention. A very chilled, melodic guitar riff sets the ball rolling. The tempo is sincere, floating along on the crest of a wave. The vocals enter the frame and carry on the melodic theme to the track. They sound awesome and have a rock feel to them even if they aren't heavy. There are glimpses of the vocals and riffs turning slightly heavier during the chorus and there’s definitely more to this band than meets the eye.
Drop The Bomb was the second track I came across on the list. A much faster opening greets us. The guitar riff on offer is punchier, to the point and menacing. The drum beat in this track hits home harder in contrast to Slip Away. As the vocals kick in they make sure you know you’re listening to a rock track, they complement the heavier riffs superbly and once again sound flawless. They are easy to follow and are easy on the ears. The tempo rarely drops below frantic which; by the end of the track leaves you gasping for breath.
As I progress through these tracks, the openings are getting noticeably heavier and heavier. Bodies begin with a pounding, blood boiling guitar riff. Every note stings your inner core and with the addition of a gut wrenching drum beat you are left in a paralyzed state from an early stage. The vocals join in with the fun and games punishing you as you are left helpless unable to fight back. Even the vocals seem to have adapted to the heavier riffs and beats being thrown out and they certainly don't sound out of place. There’s a decent guitar solo about three quarters the way through to watch out for!
Shoot The Crow was the final track on my list, after the last three tracks I was looking forward to hearing what would come next. An equally heavy beginning opens the show; however the tempo is fairly timid in contrast to the previous track. It doesn't take too long for the vocals to kick in and once again they complement the style of track. The variations in dynamics make this track for me, soft to loud, fast to slow, it all works superbly and is clearly well structured. The final third of the track is a complete mash up of guitar solos and heavy drum beats fighting it out and in my opinion is a fitting finish to the four tracks on offer.
If these four tracks are a preview of what’s on this bands forthcoming album, I am definitely buying it! Full of variations and face melting guitar riffs, solid vocals and menacing drum beats I fully recommend this to any rock fan. Be sure to go to the guys Facebook page and give them a like.
Check out the Facebook page HERE.
Words: Aaron Hawken
After grabbing a beer, I sat down, got comfy, put the headphones in and clicked on Slip Away. The track is almost 7 minutes long so was interested how the track was going to keep my attention. A very chilled, melodic guitar riff sets the ball rolling. The tempo is sincere, floating along on the crest of a wave. The vocals enter the frame and carry on the melodic theme to the track. They sound awesome and have a rock feel to them even if they aren't heavy. There are glimpses of the vocals and riffs turning slightly heavier during the chorus and there’s definitely more to this band than meets the eye.
Drop The Bomb was the second track I came across on the list. A much faster opening greets us. The guitar riff on offer is punchier, to the point and menacing. The drum beat in this track hits home harder in contrast to Slip Away. As the vocals kick in they make sure you know you’re listening to a rock track, they complement the heavier riffs superbly and once again sound flawless. They are easy to follow and are easy on the ears. The tempo rarely drops below frantic which; by the end of the track leaves you gasping for breath.
As I progress through these tracks, the openings are getting noticeably heavier and heavier. Bodies begin with a pounding, blood boiling guitar riff. Every note stings your inner core and with the addition of a gut wrenching drum beat you are left in a paralyzed state from an early stage. The vocals join in with the fun and games punishing you as you are left helpless unable to fight back. Even the vocals seem to have adapted to the heavier riffs and beats being thrown out and they certainly don't sound out of place. There’s a decent guitar solo about three quarters the way through to watch out for!
Shoot The Crow was the final track on my list, after the last three tracks I was looking forward to hearing what would come next. An equally heavy beginning opens the show; however the tempo is fairly timid in contrast to the previous track. It doesn't take too long for the vocals to kick in and once again they complement the style of track. The variations in dynamics make this track for me, soft to loud, fast to slow, it all works superbly and is clearly well structured. The final third of the track is a complete mash up of guitar solos and heavy drum beats fighting it out and in my opinion is a fitting finish to the four tracks on offer.
If these four tracks are a preview of what’s on this bands forthcoming album, I am definitely buying it! Full of variations and face melting guitar riffs, solid vocals and menacing drum beats I fully recommend this to any rock fan. Be sure to go to the guys Facebook page and give them a like.
Check out the Facebook page HERE.
Words: Aaron Hawken