Since releasing their debut album, Friendly Fires have built a serious fan base and admiration from the music scene in the past few years after being nominated for the Mercury Music award as well as two Brit awards.
The band are now back with their second album, Pala, which is an eclectic mix of rock, pop and electro dance beats, with yet again fantastic vocals from front man, Ed Macfarlane.
As a huge fan of Friendly Fires with their live performances being some of the best gigs I’ve ever been to, I had high expectations of their second coming. Although I wasn’t bowled over on my first listen, after playing the record many times Pala definitely has more to offer than I first recognised.
The band continue to sound like themselves, but this is no bad thing as the album starts with amazing tracks ‘Live Those Days Tonight’ and ‘Blue Cassette’. The former track has had serious radio airplay in the past few weeks and it does well to summarise the best of FF’s sound; encompassing amazing drums, lyrical highs and electronic notes that will make you press that repeat button.
Friendly Fires have no doubt moved forward in their sound as it appears that this album is way more influenced by house and electronic music, however tracks such ‘Show Me Lights’ and ‘Pull Me Back to Earth’ also reflect a clear pop vibe.
New sound also comes in the form of ‘Hurting’ which provides an electronic pop mix, as well as ‘Pala’ and ‘Helpless’ having a much slower-paced and chilled Ibiza mood.
There is also ‘Hawaiian Air’, a sweet summer tune with harmonies and synths and ‘True Love’ which holds a funky pop rhythm. These tracks are perhaps the weaker side to the album but by no means bad.
With Macfarlane recently stating he prefers to “listen to Justin Timberlake than Morrissey”, this is understandable once listening to this album as it presents a triangle of sounds and layers of instrumentals and vocals. Friendly Fires are no typical British indie band; they are something way different and far more diverse.
The band recently played their hometown of St Albans but they have gigs all over the world this summer, from the recent Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Carlisle to Hamberg, Amsterdam, New York and Toronto.
They are one hard-working band and if their previous live performances are anything to go by, buying your gig ticket to see Friendly Fires is a great investment.
To keep up to date with all news and tour dates, visit www.myspace.com/friendlyfires
Pala is out now on XL Recordings.
Rating: 7/10
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