Catch Fire are releasing their sophomore EP, ‘A Love That I Still Miss’, on March 24th.
The album kicks off with ‘Poise’, an instrumental full of delicate riffs. At this point, I don’t quite know what to expect from the band, but it’s quite a nice introduction to the album, and I’m happy to listen.
‘Curfew’ follows with classic pop-punk guitars before an interesting syncopated rhythms, then vocals. The vocals are very Neck Deep, and I can’t complain. The song follows in a classic pop-punk style. With it being quite difficult to come up with an extremely original sound within the pop-punk genre, the band haven’t quite got a particularly original sound, but what they have got isn’t bad.
The only thing is, when it gets to the chorus, there seems to have been some issues in mixing as the vocals sound slightly overpowered by the guitar. As wonderful as the guitars are, it would have been a little better to hear more of the vocals. The song redeems itself at the bridge, where the vocals can really come through and they just sound great over the guitars and lighter drums.
‘Lucid’ is a definite highlight on the EP. It’s almost like an interlude: a slow break between the fast-paced pop-punk. The screaming and heavier vocals provide an enjoyable contrast to the delicately crafted layers of guitar. It’s a short, but powerful and emotional track.
‘Guilty as Charged’ is the band’s first single of this EP, and I can definitely see why. It’s without a doubt the best track on the EP. The band really come into their own with a more original sound here. The vocals have a nice variation between harsher screams and softer styles; the guitars work really well together; the bass is punchy and powerful; and the drums do well to compliment everything, rounding the song off with a great beat.
‘Thin Ice’ sees the band continue to prove their talents with a more ‘Knucle Puck’ influenced track. The lyrics are heartfelt, and a little heartbreaking “I know full well that I/ can’t possibly be/ everything you need/ and it fucking kills me”. Even if you haven’t been through a breakup recently, this song will make you feel like you have (but in a good way).
‘Sinking’ closes the EP with another slow jam. It’s a 1 minute 44 second instrumental, and it’s b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. The piano works really well, and it leaves you feeling a little melancholic.
‘A Love That I Still Miss’ may not be the best EP in the world, but for a second EP from a relatively new band, it’s definitely an achievement.