Ohhhh how I love Five Iron Frenzy. I got downright giddy when I bought this
CD a few months ago (but I didn't have access to a computer to review it).
FIF never ceases to impress me with their hilarious, yet insightful, lyrics,
great songwriting, and passionate vocals. "The Greatest Story Ever Told"
starts off the CD right with lots of energy. It speaks of our Author and His
plans for each of us: 'I've heard it said that He wastes nothing/ so
beautiful to behold/ the Author of my hope is writing/ the greatest story
ever told.' And once again, FIF calls for a spirit of unity in "Solidarity"
with a Spanish-flair to the music. In fact, quite a few of the songs have a
Spanish-tingle to them as well as straight-ahead rock n roll (which is great
for people like me). I definitely see this song being a favorite at concerts
(one of those shout-along songs). Humor is always something you can expect,
especially on "The Phantom Mullet" (rock n roll, all the way) and "You
Probably Shouldn't Move Here" (extremely cheesy country?!?). I think FIF
should write an entire album of nothing but silly country songs. Anyway,
"Ugly Day" is about the cutest love song I've ever heard and it makes me
think of my girl in Florida (Vanessa I miss you!). If you don't get the
significance of "Four-Fifty-One" following "Fahrenheit," then there's
something seriously wrong with you. Both songs are great with honest lyrics
and Reese pleading his words. "Four-Fifty-One" wonderfully points the danger
of being lukewarm in your faith with these hard-hitting words: 'It was never
your point to get people saved, you pad yourself with fluff just because
you're afraid. I'm not afraid to point the finger now, the choir's so used
to the preaching anyhow.' Wow. What a great line. The last two songs are
just incredible. So much passion is poured into the music and words and it
makes me stop and praise. "A New Hope" speaks of the hope we have in Jesus
Christ: 'Peaces floods us/ by hope we steer/ our dark hearts salvaged/ we
live without fear.' These words are repeated more and more the intensity
grows to the climax. Not many bands can pull this off (especially a ska
band). The CD ends appropriately with words of praise ("World Without End")
in kind of a punk rock style slowing into a state of worship as Reese
reaches for high notes and pulls them down to his devotion.
-Lars
Lars-O-Meter: 8 out of 10
Favorite Song: "A New Hope"
Record Label: 5 Minute Walk Records
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