Have you ever played that game where you pick your favourite celebrity body parts. It all sounds very attractive at first. Rachel Weisz's head, Holly Valances' arms etc. But to actually see, would be kind of grotesque.
For you metaphor spotters out there, this says a lot about Fightstar's influences. On their debut album “Grand Unification” they melted down all of the bands that had shaped them and came up with a new, fresh, unique sound. This time round, the stitches are far too apparent leading to the somewhat Frankenstein's monster-esque vision from the preface.
Taking Back Sunday, Muse, Finch, Deftones, Underoath, Between the Buried and Me, Refused; their footprints are clear to see on “One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours”. Whilst being a good influence list, it leaves the album feeling disjointed without a clear sense of direction.
As long as you keep the joins out of vision, like say, by focusing on individual tracks, the image is rather more pleasing. “We Apologise For Nothing” shows the band at the strongest, with Westaway and Simpson trading off vocal lines during the verses while the motif riff breezes in and out of the song. All of which segues nicely into the foot-down chorus which the band are so good at.
Vocally, the two frontmen prove themselves capable of impressive range. From the gutteral metal screams of the two heaviest tracks ("Deathcar" and “Tannhauser”) to the creepy/cheery vocal harmony on “You and I”. Although it must be said that time and again Westaway proves himself the more capable singer on the softer moments, so it's sad not to hear more from him throughout the album. Simpson's attempts at such passages often results in him over-using his high upturn vocal pitch bend which grows increasingly annoying throughout the album.
When most bands go experimental, an angel loses its wings and plummets to the earth, but on last track “Unfamiliar Ceilings” (named after an episode of Anime show Neon Genesis Evangelion) the band pleasantly surprise. Utilising a mostly electronic soundscape, Fightstar are joined by ex-Jimmy Eat World backing singer Rachel Haden. Yes, we know roping in a female and relegating her to backing isn't exactly new, but what results is a emotionally affecting track which deals which the inability to cope with unwelcome changes in life and marks perhaps the most personal track the band have composed to date.
It'd be easy to write “One Day Son...” off as a bad album because of its failings, but there are many a strengths contained within. Fightstar's previous showed they knew how to construct an album, and on this one the range they are capable of shines through. If only they could combine the two without the seams showing acclaim would surely follow.
6 / 10
I think a six is fair, Rachel Hadden does add to this album though. She has an incredible voice. And breaks up any of the monotony.
PS: Nice to see a review where the opening paragraph makes no mention of the "B" word!
I'm was thoroughly biased against Fightstar cos of the Busted days, but I've managed a few listens and it has quite grown on me! I'm surprised.........xoxo
This album is completely fantastic! Never, in a million years, is album worth less than 8/10. The range of sounds on this album is phenominal. I love the fact that barely any of the songs sound like 'Grand Unification'. However good that album was, (and yes, it was brilliant) the album sounded the same through and through. You couldn't say that about this album. The self-titled track 'One Day Son' is a flash of the past, sounding a lot like 'Grand Unification part one'. The two best songs, i think, are 'Tannhauser Gate' and 'Deathcar' - it shows they've taken their vocals to the next level, beyond deftones!
Whoever wrote this review does clearly not know what good music sounds like. It doesn't sound anything like Taking back Sunday or Finch, or anyone else (maybe slightly muse in 'Floods' and deftones). What is this person on about?!?!
I agree with the review. I liked the previous albums and so I gave this one a few listens over a couple days. Nothing special in my opinion and it didn't grow. Though the vamped up vocals are commendable. The heavier tracks I found boring.. and no one slate me as being an indie-kid, I love good heavy stuff. I'd say it maybe pushing for a 7/10 if I was feeling generous.
I am however glad to see they have some decent fans because they are a fair bit better than most media and fans of this type genre make out.
"This interview is over!" exclaims The Motion Sick's guitarist Patrick Mussari as he slams... Read on
We recently labelled Manchester's The Whip, as one of the best live bands in... Read on
Freshly processed from the strangeglue.com playlist at Last.fm
Thanks for reading, we really hope you enjoy the site.
We have a simple mission - to provide the best music news, reviews and articles that we possibly can.
Any feedback you would like to send, is most welcome - just visit the contact page and leave us a message. Even more importantly we really encourage you to get involved by leaving a comment on any of the articles or reviews.
Like strangeglue.com? why not bookmark us
music [at] strangeglue.com
Postal Adress:
StrangeGlue.com
PO Box 80
Hayle
TR27 4WU
This site was lovingly tended to by One Black Bear
Tom
commented 8 months ago
I dont agree with this review. Written well and points out things well too but seems like someone who hasnt listened to the rest of Fightstars albums.
For a first time listener maybe its isnt that good. But if you listened to the rest of thier albums you will hear just how well the band have come along.
Albums brilliant and deserves atleast 8 out of 10. I would give it 9/10