After the success of Pop-Punk (If you like to call them that) of the quite pitiful band Busted, Charlie Simpson decided to quit them and work on his more 'serious' side project, the band "Fightstar". Some people questioned this decision as people thought it was a joke, expecting it to be another mediocre band just to try and resurrect his career.
Fightstar though, as at least put his career in the right direction, and he has found new found respect from me. Musically, Fightstar is completely different to what Busted ever was. Its kind of hard to suggest what kind of genre you could categorize this EP.
Busted = Punk-Pop... music for little girls to dance along too.
Fightstar = Rock/Emo/Alternative
Anyways, so here we are, "They Liked You Better When You Were Dead", an EP consisting of 5 songs.
Track by Track review:
1. / Palahniuk's Laughter - 4.5/5
A really good song to start the with, and the song which they released a music video to help promote the EP. The actual song itself has something for pretty much everybody. Quiet, soft tones to parts where you want to turn the volume up and listen to LOUD. Everything sounds good and works well together (the bass is particularly good) and pretty much sets the standards of what they can do musically. THIS AIN'T NO BUSTED!!
2. / Speak Up - 3.5/5
If your used to Charlie singing like he did in Busted then you'll probably get a shock when you here this track. The lad actually can sing/scream, not the "I have been to the Year 3000" rubbish you're used to him singing. It's pretty much the highlight of this track. Also good guitar work for both Alex and Charlie. Not as good as Palahniuk's Laughter in my view but still a good track.
3. / Mono - 3.25/5
This is can be many people who have heard this EP's favourite track, but for me personally, I find it just not 'me'. Its just stays to quiet compared to the other tracks on the EP, but I will say this now, the lyrics on this song are probably some of the best you are likely to here on the EP and also it has a good climax for a ending if you willing to wait that long.
4. / Lost Like Tears in Rain - 4.5/5
My favourite song on the EP, just really accessible to anyone listening to the EP for the 1st time and its one of those songs that 'grow' on you. Again, good vocal work from Alex and Charlie and the drumming style really suits this track. Some people may say this can get a little to 'poppy', if you a hardcore rock fan etc, but still a really good track and one I really enjoyed and listen to quite a lot.
5. / Amethyst - 3/5
Kind of a disappointing way to end the EP with after tracks such as "Palahniuk's Laughter" and "Lost Like Tears in Rain". Most people have a mixture of feelings which they can describe this song. It may be people's favorite song on the EP, or it could be a song you just don't like and will likely not listening to again. Alex does the majority of the vocal work on this song, which is different to the rest of the stuff that is on the EP. Charlie does do good guitar work to produce a good heavy chorus though.
ALBUM RATING - 3.75/5
Recommended:
- Palahniuk's Laughter
- Lost Like Tears in Rain
If you willing to let Charlie's musical past-times with Busted go by and is pretty much open-minded about listening to the CD, I would really consider you listening to this. I know people may say, "Oh, I bet this is just going to be another Busted", but trust me it isn't and if you let it have a chance, you will enjoy it. Hopefully this is a good sign of things to come.
