Liverpool’s This IS War have been releasing a single monthly this year. November’s offering was ‘Crossfire Fever’ and once more, doesn’t disappoint.
Artwork courtesy of the band.
All year This Is War have delivered killer rock music that flirts with its influences but never overindulges. ‘Crossfire Fever’ is perhaps the best exponent of this methodology. There are euphoric melodic moments akin to the Stereophonics, and intense guitars of The Jam but, it is the warped riff and their destructive playing that you’re left wanting to shout about.
The band’s sense of impending mortality is their heaven-sent talent. Frontman Paul Carden does desperate gravel vocals better than anyone at present. He leaves you feeling out of control, as though life is ebbing away amid frenzied chaos.
Mike Mullard and Johnny Roberts’ guitars emerge from the furious sweat ridden 00s scene of Dogs, The Paddingtons, and Nine Black Alps to produce a new kind of glory. Never in their shadows, they light up the guttural and visceral power they possessed and drive it home to new creative pastures for a new generation to put faith in.
This Is War have one more single to be released on 23rd December before they release all their singles in the new year. It’s been one hell of a joyride so far, we’re sure the last song is not to be missed either.