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Firethorn: Pollution For The Fountain Of Youth

Firethorn: Pollution For The Fountain Of Youth

Alternative/Melodic Rock
Rating: 3.25/5.0

www.firethornrock.com
Independent Self-Promotion
www.myspace.com/firethornrock

Firethorn comes to my review desk via Southern California. This three piece band delivers a notable version of melodic alternative rock with a clear influence of punk sensibility. There's also a certain guitar-centeredness to their music as they emphasize strong riffs and some inspiring fret work as on the rock-punkish 'A Looker Named Lexi' and the impressive 'Make Me Cry.' Yet being a trio requires commitment to a healthy rhythm section at the same time; here Firethorn excels throughout but most particularly on 'Down On Your Knees' and 'Reflecting Pond.'

Musicianship is not the issue here; these guys are not only good, but pretty creative as well. Yet, this disc fell short for me on two fronts. First, as seems to be the case with independent and often self-produced works, the production on 'Pollution' is flat and muffled. The second factor is the demoralizing sonic consistency that occurs from 'Mr. Invisible' to the end. Up to this point, with exception of the sleepy 'The Nerve,' the songs move along quickly with real rock and roll enthusiasm. Where Firethorn proves their worth is on songs that bring that rebellious punk groove as on 'Make Me Cry.' Later, 'Simple Addiction' comes close, but by this time you're sure you've heard it before.

Firethorn's 'Pollution For The Fountain of Youth' is, at best, a curious listen: interesting enough to evoke some serious audio intrigue. Otherwise, it's an average effort to carve out their own niche in the modern American alternative rock scene and will probably not raise any eyebrows. But I could be wrong.
  - Craig Hartranft

In Short

Firethorn's 'Pollution For The Fountain of Youth' is, at best, a curious listen: interesting enough to evoke some serious intrigue. Otherwise, it's an average effort to carve out their own niche in the modern American alternative rock scene and will probably not raise any eyebrows.

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