(Update: At the time of writing this review We Are Fiction were still together. This review was posted on a website I was writing for which has since closed down, but I really enjoyed the album so I thought I would share this on my blog.)
We Are Fiction are one of the hardest working bands in the
UK music scene at the moment. The Peterborough-based quintet’s constant tour
schedule has enabled them to play with a huge array of different bands and
perform at festivals such as Takedown and Vans Warped Tour. After the 2009 release of
their self-titled EP and various single releases, they have finally decided to
release an album, entitled ‘One For Sorrow’. Was it worth the wait? Of course it was.
Opening track ‘Mansion Vibe’ instantly proves why We Are
Fiction are seen as the latest rock break-through band: their catchy yet musically
talented songs make you want to hear more. The technical guitar work is especially
impressive in this song as despite its frequent change of pace, it still manages to
work well without sounding jumbled or disorientated.
The melodic lead and backing vocals in ‘Bright Lights’ work
well and prove that We Are Fiction aren't your typical rock band – they are able to
use different styles and techniques throughout all of their songs and fuse different
genres together.
Slower song ‘My Dreams Are Haunted’ shows exactly how
meaningful We Are Fiction’s lyrics can be: “The trouble with your heart and
your head is that they don't always say the same/They pull apart at the seams/Tearing up
everything I ever dreamed.” The slow riffs and screaming vocals contrast
perfectly, creating a melodic yet heavy rock song which will pull at your heartstrings.
‘Old Wounds’ is catchy and filled with harsh screams and
fast-paced riffs. Phil Barker shows great talent and truly proves how versatile his vocals
are. The vibe of this song feels like a crowd-pleaser due to the easy crowd
participation with the backing vocals.
‘Sail On’ is definitely the album highlight: the lyrics are
easily relatable, the melodic
vibe is calming yet the harsh screaming vocals allow fans
from all across the rock spectrum to enjoy it. The breakdown is impressive and
there isn't a single fault musically or lyrically. If there’s only one song
that you chose to listen to by We Are Fiction it should definitely be ‘Sail On’
– I guarantee that it will turn you into a fan by the end of the track.
‘A Thousand Places To Sleep’ has a hard-hitting bass line
and heavy drumming, making it almost impossible to listen to without wanting to
move and dance around. The spoken-word part here makes the track stand out and
further demonstrates how We Are Fiction aren't afraid to be different.
‘Tilt’ has a heavy rock feel to it - the disjointed and
fragmented guitaring and rough vocals mix together well, whilst still sounding
exciting and different. Another unique factor here is that it features rapper
Xidus Pain, and far from sounding out of place, it actually works extremely
well. The experimental vibe allows the listener to feel hope for the future of
the rock genre: We Are Fiction are bringing something fresh to the table.
In contrast, ‘The Worst Of It’ is bouncy, upbeat and
light-hearted with an almost pop-punk vibe while the slow and mellow vibe of
‘Wladyslaw’ provides a new side to We Are Fiction again – the guitar lines are
melodic and beautiful, matched well with the relaxed and soulful vocals. ‘Earth
Medicine’ is another slower-paced song, full of both striking harmonies and
strong shouting vocals. The constant change in guitar riff style allows the
song to stay both exciting and unique.
Final track ‘Forget About Me’ is a great closer due to its
unhurried and harmonious pace – it’s as if you never want the album to end.
However, during the end of the song the heavy and harsh vocals return, showing
that We Are Fiction can never totally abandon the heavy side of rock music.
‘One For Sorrow’ proves that there are still many
hard-working and impressive rock bands in England, sometimes you just have to
look closer to home.
Check out We Are Fiction here: https://www.facebook.com/wearefiction
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