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Friendly Fires
by Friendly Fires
The debut full-length album for the British trio was self-produced.
| LABEL: |
Beggars Xl |
| RELEASE DATE: |
23 September 2008 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
Rock, Indie |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
80
New Musical Express
Friendly Fires songs are all manufactured to a similar formula but there’s a whole lab shelf lined with addictive variants.
80
The Guardian
Lyrically, they veer between odes to suburbia, such as 'Photobooth,' and dreaming big dreams ("One day we'll live in Paris"); either way, they couldn't be more likable.
80
Drowned In Sound
Assured, short and ultimately sweet, Friendly Fires is a glib reminder that you don’t need an M6 underpass, New York penthouse or guestlist to have an all night disco party, and remind us there’s no shame in getting your groove on.
80
Uncut
Their debut reveals a band bristling with ideas who've taken the time to streamline their influences into a syrupy white funk. [Nov 2008, p.98]
75
The Phoenix
Eclecticism like this can be a drag when it’s forced or disingenuous, but Friendly Fires’ enthusiasm is disarming.
70
musicOMH.com
Quite what has held back the milieu of meandering morons that make up the music scenes mid range, mid class, middlemen is probably this intelligent and creative leap; crossing genres and keeping your opus open and fresh.
70
Under The Radar
Given the humble, lo-fi beginnings of Friendly Fires, the sheer breadth and scope of the band's gloriously funky, expansive sound is quite remarkable. [Fall 2008, p.75]
70
Spin
The trio offers copious catchy bits, more tonal variation than the usual guitar-plus-beats norm and an appealingly pleading frontman in Ed Macfarlane. [Nov 2008, p.91]
70
Rolling Stone
At heart, they are strict pop formalists, packing each track with peppy hooks ('On Board,' as heard in a Wii ad), gushy New Romantic choruses ('Jump in the Pool') and Talking Heads-style nerd funk.
60
Q Magazine
Their debut, recorded in frontman's Ed Macfarlane's parents' garage, is a tuneful affair. [Oct 2008, p.142]
60
All Music Guide
When the results are as fun as this album is at its best, it's hard to slam them too much for being derivative; better just to enjoy Friendly Fires as fleeting fun.
The average user rating for this album is 6.3 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
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