Review: Fireworks - Oh, Common Life
[Triple Crown; 2014]
Rating: 8/10
By Megan Fair, Copy Editor
Key Tracks: “Glowing Crosses,” “One More Creature Dizzy With Love
”Fireworks’ ability to grow and evolve from record to record has been stunning. From the bouncy pop-punk sounds of All I Have To Offer Is My Own Confusion to the indie-laced pop-punk masterpiece Gospel, the band has bridged many gaps. With their latest record Oh, Common Life, Fireworks has created an album for fans of pop, indie, pop-punk and more. The crossover appeal of undeniably catchy choruses and intricate instrumentation will have musicians impressed and Top 40 fans entranced.
This can be seen from the shift in album artwork. Gospel featured a white background with the eerie image of a boy being held by a shadowy monster, while Oh, Common Life has a black background of a wolf emerging from the young boy’s mind, signifying the album’s tackling of much heavier themes. The darkness of the lyrical content juxtaposed against such bright and sunny melodies will provide easy listening for any mood, and provide a soundtrack to the dark rut that is late young adulthood.
While the instrumentation shines due to its depth, layering and sonic largeness, it’s simply the canvas for beautiful lyrics upon which to paint painfully beautiful images. Honest lyrical touches make every song feel special, as if it were a long conversation with an old friend.
“Glowing Crosses” is a tremendous entrance to Oh, Common Life. It describes vocalist Dave Mackinder’s teenage parents’ experiences with the race riots in Detroit, likening the night to a monster. This earworm features some heavy lyrics, emanating an air of unhinged instability. The huge bridge of solely organs and vocals and a punchy final chorus seals its powerful live impact, and the echoing, faded distortion that plays out the track leaves listeners hungry for more.
On the darker side, “Maybe I need to go out tonight / And get stabbed to death to feel alive,” sings Mackinder over the opening notes of “Play God Only Knows At My Funeral.” The description of constant apathy and acknowledgement of flaws set this track at the forefront of every college senior’s mind, as he or she crawls into the final stretch of what seems like an endless last semester.
“One More Creature Dizzy With Love” spins and waltzes like a sad drunk stumbling home, alone in the darkness. The organ touches and quiet bridges feel intimate and gentle, a tune to tuck one into a bed of subtle sorrow. This track is a favorite of this reviewer, as it showcases a side of Fireworks that hasn’t been revealed yet.
Poppier tracks such as “The Sound Of Young America,” “Flies On Tape” and closer “The Hotbed of Life” are sure to bring Fireworks to the forefront, and ballads “Run, Brother, Run” and “The Back Window’s Down” allow for some gentle breaks. “Bed Sores” is a bouncy pop track as well, utilizing the chimes and synths in a more obvious sense and proving that Oh, Common Life is incredibly diverse.
Oh, Common Life is simply undeniable in its greatness. Fireworks gets more and more mature, and every single track is an earworm in its own right. From front to back, the catchy pop melodies and still impressive musicianship feel big and important. Fireworks has been the most underrated band in pop-punk for years, and this record drives that point home.
