God Fires Man - The “Dark” EP

Xtra Mile Recordings

Some of the UK readers might remember Instruction. They released an album a few years back and toured extensively with bands like Hundred Reasons and Hell Is For Heroes. Although the band was based in NYC the crowds in Europe definitely claimed them as their own. After an album on Geffen Records the band dissolved after disappointing sales. Frontman Arty Sherpard and guitarist Joseph Grillo decided to press on together and formed God Fires Man soon after. Also joined by scene veteran Drew Thomas (Into Another, Walking Concert, Bold) behind the trap kit, the band doesn’t veer to far away from the post-hardcore style that brought Instruction to the brink of stardom in the UK.

This four song EP serves as an introduction for the band and opening cut “Dark” doesn’t waste time vying for your attention. The relentless guitars and vocal refrains bust through with enough raw feeling that you know the band want to make a statement. Unfortunately, the next track, “Redefine,” plods along and never quiet gets anywhere worth talking about. It’s the kind of song that gets buried deep in album and you almost always skip it anyway. I wouldn’t normally harp on this kind of thing in a review but being this is a four song EP and their debut release, I think they should have saved the spot for a stronger selection. The EP closes out with the meditative “Still” and shows off God Fires Man’s love for the British guitar bands of the early 90’s like Swervedriver and Catherine Wheel. Hopefully they will continue to explore this particular influence on their upcoming album.

Review by Carlos Ramirez