Review Summary: One of the best albums of the year. Stunning stuff from the london boys demonstrating maturity and growth in which has been a turbulent year for them.
"One day son, this will all be yours" is fightstars second full length release after Grand Unification. Previous to this they produced an EP entitled "They liked you better when you were dead" featuring perhaps one of their most well known songs in Palahniuks Laughter and one of their most beautifully sung songs in Amethyst.
Fightstars climb to recognition and credibility as the excellent musicians that they are has not been an easy one. Hard work, dedication, touring and commitment to fans has only helped them build up their ever increasing fanbase and reputation within their home country of the UK.
Now the band will have to show all their credentials across europe to prove themeselves as a major force and a band that should be taken very seriously by those who appreciate a good band and a band who genuinely care about their fans.
"One day son" should put fightstar on the map all across the world with a belter of an album. In all honesty, this is the best album I have heard this year.
"One day son" sees a release on a new record label. Gut records and with producer Matt Wallace producing the epic sounds that can be heard on the album.
By signing to Gut Records, fightstar have been allowed to do what they do best, blending melodic vocal harmonies with crushing riffs and punishing drumming.
"One day son" expands on "Grand Unification" offering a unique array of songs.
The first single, 'We Apologise for Nothing' offers up a slab of rock with a killer chorus. This is the most poppy song on the album but is a belter in it's own way.
"Floods" sees fightstar make use of a Piano, as they did in their previous album.
"make the floods seems still" charlie sings with such emotion under the tuneful piano.
This song illustrates part of the bands transition effectively.effortlessly switching between extremely mellow songs with calm lyrics and pulverising songs with lyrics so dark and rage filled.
"One day son" produces two of the heaviest tracks fightstar have ever done.
Deathcar starts off with an onslaught of guitars followed by charlie gasping for air before unleashing tormented and vicious screams and then effortless switching to a crooning and catchy chorus "so bring out the deathcar and we'll sleep tonight" The song then has the heaviest breakdown you are likely to hear all year as chalie roars "You make me ******* sick" Just as you think the song is mellowing out again towards the end a crescendo of guitars are unleashed.
Tanhausser Gate starts with thumping drumming as omar demonstrates his exceptional talent. Omars drumming throughout this album and particularly this song is the best I have ever heard in any of the albums fightstar have produced. His drumming on this song is the highlight. Also bass guitarist Dan does a very good job on this track.
Al and charlie start off with falsetto vocals then charlie continues in a vocal style very reminiscent of Chino Moreno of the Deftones. Charlies vocal range is excellent as is Al's, who does vocals on certain tracks including this one. Around the 2 minute mark heavy guitars and drumming provide the perfect background for charlies deep screams. the song finishes just as it started with some devastating drumming.
'You and I' and 'I am the message' show off als vocals. Charlie also sings in these two songs but Al really shines, delivering his best vocal performances he has ever produced.
You and I is a very emotional sounding song reminiscent to the EP song "Amethyst"
Whereas I am the message is fairly short but the intertwining vocals between charlie and al are incredible.
"Amaze us" certainly has a groove about it. The chorus is pehaps the most memorable on the album " You amaze us all with the hope that you bring" you will be singing this song for days.
Unfamiliar Ceilings is not what you would expect from fightstar. This song actually has the initial demo vocals of Charlie and you can really hear the raw emotion in his voice. This song features guest vocals from the Rentals female singer, This song is a beautiful song and a perfect way to end a spectacular album.
As well as being an awesome band on records, fightstar put on a brilliant live show.
"One day son" Is an album that illustrates the maturity of a band who have been up against a lot when trying to put this album together.
It really is a stunning effort and fightstar can only get beter in the future and the prospect of that is frightening as this album while not flawless is as close to perfection as i have heard all year.
If you don't give this album a try, you truly are missing out..
Standout Tracks
You and I
Deathcar
Tannhauser Gate
Amaze us
Unfamiliar ceilings
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Fightstar is made up of,
Charlie Simpson *vocals, guitar, piano*
Alex Westaway *vocals, guitar*
Dan Haigh *Bass*
Omar 'Ohms' Abidi *Drums*
Well Done.
