SUREFIRE - review added 22nd September 2009
Album Review: Surefire (self-titled) (2009)
For fans of: Classic Rock... and remembering the 60's
Surefire is a small yet mighty band all at once. This Brooklyn based band is built around the skills of the relatively unknown singer, songwriter and guitarist Ben Rice...and co-produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones).
Joining the annoying talented pair is Emiliano Ortiz on guitar, Ben Spinrad on drums and Seth Bulkin on bass. Surefire have already played live supporting artists like Arctic Monkeys, and on record (for a War Child compilation) alongside bands like Coldplay and Radiohead.
Their sound is very 60's / early 70's orientated with a chilled rocking air and plenty of bright LSD infused musicianship. It isn't hippy rock but it ain't far off. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones definitely feature in the sound, as does a rugged version of The Beach Boys and a more sensible take on Frank Zappa.
Opening track 'The New Standard' is a fine summation of the album. It's a mature, self assured song with subtly groovy guitar playing, excellent vocalizing, sublime harmonies and a measured approach to the chorus. The track certainly references songs you've heard before, but the overall effect is pleasing to the ears and deserving of some heavyweight chart action.
As so the album goes on. 'Lucy' is an absolute cracker (admittedly with a borrowed riff), the vintage punk-tinged 'She's Golden' gets the blood flowing, 'Hold On To The feeling' is as classy as a Rolls Royce with an Yves Saint Laurent makeover, the crawling 'Sea Song' has a mellow bass line you could smoke in a pipe, 'Stone Fox' does a fine 70's rock impression, whilst final track 'By My Side' closes the album in stunning acoustic style.
This self-titled debut by Surefire isn't my normal thing, but there's no getting away from the fact it's floating in a realm of brilliance. If this album or any singles they release from it don't reach the charts there is something unfeasibly wrong with the world.
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
1. The New Standard
2. Lucy
3. She's Golden
4. Hold On To The Feeling
5. The Mountain
6. Comeback Kid
7. Sea Song
8. Stone Fox
9. Straightaway
10. By My Side
Artist's website(s): Surefire , MySpace
