Rockin' Our Turntable: Friendly Fires
By Michele Lenni in Arts & Entertainment on May 24, 2011 4:20PM
Much of the last decade we spent not only bobbing our heads, but full-on busting a move to much of the music that came across our paths. Dance-rock acts like Adult, The Rapture, Friendly Fires and The Klaxons seemed to multiply faster than anyone could have ever expected, but many of them seemed to have made one respectable album and then collectively faded away into the annals of the '00s. Of course, there are exceptions. Bands like Cut Copy still have a hell of a draw, and by growing as artists, they continue to make music that is both fun to listen to and relevant.
We have to admit, even though their first, self-titled debut was nominated for the coveted Mercury Prize in 2009, we really didn't count on Friendly Fires to have any real staying power. Very much entrenched in the dance-rock and disco-house aesthetic, the band was airy, light and just plain fun. Songs like "Paris" or "Jump In The Pool" off their debut are really an exercise on what great pop songs are made of: sweet, silvery vocals, driving rhythms and a hooky chorus that just can't stop humming. Their follow-up record Pala builds on the candy-coated sounds of their first record. Much like the album's namesake, the fictional location in Aldous Huxley’s book Island, the record is a utopian, decadent and pleasure filled world without any limitations on the amount of indulgent gratification it brings. Now, we aren't saying this is a concept record at all. This sophomore record, much like their debut, is a series of '80s synth-landen pop standouts with just enough Tropicalia to give it an edge on their contemporaries like Delorean. Let's just say it: it's fun. Songs on this record like "Live Those Days Tonight" or "Show Me Lights" are not content heavy, they are not serious, but they do in fact do what they are supposed to do: get you off your ass and make you dance.
You can see what the band has to offer for yourself Tuesday, May 31 at Lincoln Hall. The show isn't sold out yet, but we expect that tickets will become much more scarce after this holiday weekend.
Friendly Fires play May 31 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln, 9 p.m., $20, 18+