This Fire, the latest EP from Ian Kenny’s pop/rock band Birds of Tokyo further explores the softer side of alt-rock, indicating the full transformation of the band from conventional rock to a more mature and well crafted atmospheric sound. The first release since their 2010 self-titled breakthrough, the EP is also their first new music with ex-Sugar Army bassist Ian Berney completing their rhythm section.

Lead single, ‘This Fire’, is definitely a progression into the softer, more spacious layout, possibly a reaction to Kenny’s other band Karnivool also writing new material.  Lyrically, it is an introspective look into the destruction of our cities due to mankind’s constant need for more and inability to “stake our claim, and dance beyond the flames” because “the wasteland under our feet...will never be enough’, dark themes seem to continue through the four songs. Musically it’s a fairly straightforward affair, and although there are some brilliant subtleties to it, and it’s a beautiful sounding song with Kenny’s vocals cutting through like a butcher’s knife through butter, at just under 5 minutes it becomes a little boring.

The rest of the release follows suit, with ‘Boy’ and ‘The Lake’ being a further exploration of a more atmospheric sound with EP highlight,  ‘Glowing In the Streets’, featuring some swirling distorted guitars seems to give the song some life. This Fire is a collection of almost beautiful songs, although lacking a few hooks, which certainly wets the appetite for new material due for release in March.

7/10

-Luke Bartlett