Raw and real, the five pieces of metal/rock band Fireflight bring unapologetic fervor enmeshed in roiling guitar riffs on “The Healing of Harms,” released this past July.
They've been honing their hard-rock sound for a good five years before their label signing, and the time has paid off; there's a lot of like on their Flicker Records debut. Edgier than some other popular female-fronted rockers, Fireflight shows skills in a number of critical areas. Lead vocalist Dawn Richardson's sound is confident, controlled and warm, meshing perfectly with the harder tones of guitarist Justin Cox. Throughout "The Healing of Harms" drummer Phee Shorb makes his presence known, locking down each track with innovative and rock solid beats. The production is spotless, managing to retain the album's essential rawness and still allowing the vocals a sharpness you could slice bread on.
Lyrically, Fireflight is out for bear, holding back nothing in their passionate messages of God's sufficiency, tender heart, and faithful love. The thrashing guitars of opener "Serenity" decry the soul's agony in resisting its salvation, while Shorb lays down his muscular percussive accents. "Waiting" is more of the same, and "You Decide" is a thundering call to action. Like most young bands, Fireflight has zero tolerance for hypocrisy, the focus of the belligerent "Liar." Its lumbering opening beautifully portends the heavy charges to come. David Pelsue of Kids in the Way joins Richardson in a howling rant against users and abusers, an outstanding guest turn. As rough as Fireflight is on pretenders, their hearts are heavy for the hurting. Co-writing all of the album's eleven tracks, they affirm the seekers, the lonely, and the vulnerable. The bouncy "Something New" powerfully addresses the reality of our urges to use others to fill our inner void, an important message for younger listeners. "More Than a Love Song" bravely reveals the fearful hearts behind the empty words of our songs of faith. Fireflight committed to make good use of the 36 minutes of "The Healing of Harms," although the closing "Action" calls for movement without much specific direction, the potential weakness that lies in wait for any such song of challenge.
Don't want to close without mentioning the enthralling "Star of the Show," a worship track thick with chunky rock chords and the fresh perspective of giving God glory even from the stage. Nicely done, Fireflight; keeping it real, making us think even as our heads bob to your percussive magic. Looking forward to their next offering already.
