The Fire
Studio album by
Senses Fail
ReleasedOctober 26, 2010 (2010-10-26)
RecordedJune 2010
StudioSalad Days, Baltimore, Maryland
Genre
Length38:33
LabelVagrant
ProducerBrian McTernan
Senses Fail chronology
Life Is Not a Waiting Room
(2008)		 The Fire
(2010)		 Follow Your Bliss: The Best of Senses Fail
(2012)
Senses Fail studio album chronology
Life Is Not a Waiting Room
(2008)		 The Fire
(2010)		 Renacer
(2013)

The Fire is the fourth studio album by American post-hardcore/emo band Senses Fail and was released on October 26, 2010 through Vagrant Records. It is the first album since Zack Roach replaced Heath Saraceno on guitar, however Garrett Zablocki recorded all the guitar on the album. It is the last album to feature Zablocki as well, as he left the band in 2011.

This album has two tracks that are featured on Senses Fail's greatest hits album Follow Your Bliss: The Best of Senses Fail. The two tracks are "The Fire" and "New Year's Eve".[1]

Background and production

Senses Fail's third studio album Life Is Not a Waiting Room (2008) was released the week following the 2008 financial market crashing. It subsequently impacted the music industry, affecting the money that bands earned through sales. Vocalist Buddy Nielsen said: "[Y]ou started to see this dramatic shift of, 'Oh, this is kind of all gonna fall apart.'"[2] In August 2009, guitarist Heath Saraceno left the band, citing a need to leave the music industry and seek a different career.[3] In January 2010, it was reported that Zack Roach was the group's new guitarist.[4] The band were then enthralled in a legal battle[5] with former guitarist Dave Miller over royalties, which would last for a few years.[6]

Recording for their next album took place at Salad Days Studios, close to Baltimore, Maryland with producer Brian McTernan in June 2010. The band spent eight months up to this point working on their next album, coming up with 17 songs.[7] Paul Leavitt acted as the Pro Tools engineer; McTernan mixed the recordings, before they were mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound in New York City.[8]

Composition

Musically, The Fire has been described as post-hardcore,[9][10] showcasing an increased capacity of aggressive and heavy tracks, namely "New Year's Eve", "Coward", "Lifeboats" and "Irish Eyes".[10] Discussing the album's title, Nielsen explained that the group when through various rough patches over the previous two years and was representative of how the members were feeling. He said: "Like we felt like we walked through a tragedy… or the fire… and come out on the other side."[11] When asked about the writing process, Nielsen said the band would jam and piece together songs from there.[11] Nielsen stated that the album "is a reaction and a release of a whirlwind of emotions that came from fighting for what we love and dealing with change and growth both personally and creatively".[7]

The album opens with its title-track, which is a mix of post-hardcore and space rock.[12] The pop rock song "Saint Anthony"[13] is named after the patron saint of lost possessions. Nielsen said the song was about his self-doubt: "That's something that everybody feels, but I definitely wanted to address that ... and rid myself of it".[5] The intro guitar riff to "Coward" recalled the Life Is Not a Waiting Room track "Lungs Like Gallows".[10] The alternative rock track "Landslide"[9] musically recalled "Can't Be Saved", from the group's Still Searching (2006) album,[14] and incorporated the use of hardcore punk-esque gang vocals.[15] It talks about Nielsen's resolve to live his life in the moment and not in the future.[5] With "Headed West", Nielsen latched onto the idea that moving somewhere else would solves his problems.[5]

Release

Three man performing onstage
Guitarist Matt Smith, drummer Dan Trapp and vocalist Buddy Nielsen performing, July 14, 2011

On July 26, 2010, The Fire was announced for release in October. In August, the band went on a tour of Australia.[16] On August 26, "Saint Anthony" was on posted on the band's Myspace profile.[17] On September 9, the album's track listing was revealed.[7] On September 27, the band posted "The Fire" online.[18] On October 6, a lyric video was released for "New Year's Eve". The band asked fans to volunteer to be in a music video for the song "The Fire", which was filmed in New York City on October 9 and 10.[19] On October 18, The Fire was made available for streaming on Myspace.[20] It was released on October 26 through Vagrant Records. The iTunes edition included "Ghost Town" as a bonus track.[7] The UK edition was released through Hassle Records.[21] Some copies came with a live DVD, which was filmed at a hometown Halloween show at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey in October 2009. It contains live footage and interviews with the band, and was directed by Adam Rothlein.[7]

In October and November, the group went on a co-headlining US tour with Bayside, dubbed Out with the In Crowd Tour. They were supported by Title Fight and Balance and Composure.[22] In January 2011, guitarist Garrett Zablocki left the group and was replaced by Matt Smith of Strike Anywhere.[23] At the time, Zablocki reasoned that he left to attend college full time.[24] He later revealed he felt burnt out and "didn’t want to be 30 and looking for an entry-level job."[2] In February, the band went on a tour of the UK with support from Man Overboard.[25] On February 18, "The Fire" music video was released. It was directed by Richard Borge. On March 10, a music video was released for "New Years Eve".[24]

In March and April, the band went on a US tour, supported by The Ghost Inside, Man Overboard and Transit.[26] Following this, the band performed a handful of east coast shows, before appearing at The Bamboozle[24] and Groezrock festivals.[27] In November, the group went on a headlining US tour with support from Make Do and Mend, Stick to Your Guns and The Story So Far. The Fire was intended to be released on vinyl, through Mightier Than Sword Records, to coincide with the tour.[28] However, the vinyl edition wasn't released until February 2012.[29]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic78/100[30]
Review scores
SourceRating
AbsolutePunk81% [14]
AllMusic [31]
Alter the Press! [9]
BeatFavorable[10]
Big Cheese3/5[12]
Daily Dischord[32]
Dead Press![15]
Exclaim!Mixed[13]
Sputnikmusic4/5 [33]
Ultimate Guitar5/10[34]

The album received generally positive reception. Staff reviewer Davey Boy of Sputnikmusic praised the lyrics as well as the track arrangement, concluding that "in refining the band’s sound and style so effectively, ‘The Fire’ is ultimately a resounding success which meets its objectives."[33] Drew Beringer of AbsolutePunk was positive, commenting "Yes, there are imperfections (a recycled riff here, some flat vocals there), but overall The Fire is the essential Senses Fail record to own" and that it is "Full of aggression and just enough catchiness to please both types of fans".[14] AllMusic also gave a positive review, stating that the album "starts with a small spark that quickly builds itself into an emotional blaze that burns steadily across all 11 tracks, taking the listener on an exceptional musical ride" and that it "shifts gears from good cop to bad cop effortlessly".[31]

Alter the Press! was more negative, saying "Whilst Senses Fail have proved to be consistent, 'The Fire' just about falls into being labelled as being 'safe,'" with a rating of three out of five.[9] Daily Dischord.com also called that album 'safe' and that "Senses Fail have yet again shown no ambition to break out of their comfort zone".[32]

Track listing

All songs written by Senses Fail, lyrics by James 'Buddy' Nielsen.[8]

No.TitleLength
1."The Fire"3:49
2."Saint Anthony"3:15
3."New Year's Eve"3:14
4."Safe House"3:18
5."Coward"3:30
6."Landslide"3:48
7."Headed West"3:12
8."Lifeboats"3:32
9."Nero"3:52
10."Irish Eyes"3:23
11."Hold On"3:55
iTunes bonus track
No.TitleLength
12."Ghost Town"4:00
DVD track listing[35]
  1. "Steven"
  2. "Bonecrusher"
  3. "Sick or Sane (Fifty For a Twenty)"
  4. "Irony of Dying on Your Birthday"
  5. "Lady in a Blue Dress"
  6. "Wolves at the Door"
  7. "Buried a Lie"
  8. "NJ Falls Into the Atlantic"
  9. "Rum is for Drinking, Not for Burning"
  10. "Bloody Romance"
  11. "Calling All Cars"
  12. "Bite to Break Skin"
  13. "Lungs Like Gallows"
  14. "Family Tradition"
  15. "Shark Attack"
  16. "Can't Be Saved"
  17. "187"

Personnel

Personnel per booklet.[8]

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[36] 32
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[37] 2
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[38] 6
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[39] 4
US Digital Albums (Billboard)[40] 10
US Top Tastemaker Albums (Billboard)[41] 22

References

  1. ↑ "SENSESFAIL15". Archived from the original on 2012-04-15.
  2. 1 2 Markarian, Taylor (February 28, 2017). "Senses Fail reflect on 15 years of success, f*ckups and making genuine music". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. p. 2. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  3. ↑ Paul, Aubin (July 2, 2009). "Guitarist Heath Saraceno to leave Senses Fail". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  4. ↑ Djamoos, Anton (January 27, 2010). "Heath's Permanent Replacement in Senses Fail?". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "About Senses Fail". Senses Fail. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  6. ↑ Markarian, Taylor (February 28, 2017). "Senses Fail reflect on 15 years of success, f*ckups and making genuine music". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. p. 1. Archived from the original on March 18, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "News (Page 3)". Vagrant Records. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 The Fire (booklet). Senses Fail. Vagrant/Hassle Records. 2010. HOFF116CDA.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. 1 2 3 4 "AlterthePress review". Alter the Press!. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on October 28, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Croxford, Kim (January 20, 2011). "Senses Fail : The Fire". Beat. Furst Media Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  11. 1 2 Steffani, George (November 24, 2010). "Interview with Buddy Nielsen of Senses Fail: Walking Through The Fire". The Aquarian Weekly. Diane Casazza, Chris Farinas. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  12. 1 2 Hagen, Paul. "Senses Fail - The Fire". Big Cheese. Big Cheese Publishing Ltd. Archived from the original on April 5, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  13. 1 2 Villeneuve, Nicole (October 23, 2010). "Senses Fail The Fire". Exclaim!. Ian Danzig. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  14. 1 2 3 Beringer, Drew (October 29, 2010). "Senses Fail - The Fire". AbsolutePunk. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  15. 1 2 Milsom, Rhys (October 26, 2010). "ALBUM: Senses Fail – The Fire". Dead Press!. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  16. ↑ Shotwell, James (July 26, 2010). "Senses Fail plan October release for "The Fire"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on May 28, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  17. ↑ Paul, Aubin (August 26, 2010). "Senses Fail: "Saint Anthony"". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on May 28, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  18. ↑ Paul, Aubin (September 27, 2010). "Senses Fail: "The Fire"". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  19. ↑ "News (Page 2)". Vagrant Records. Archived from the original on May 26, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Killyourstereo.com - Senses Fail stream new album". Kill Your Stereo. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
  21. ↑ "Glasswerk.co.uk - Senses Fail Announce New Album". Glasswerk.co.uk. September 24, 2010. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
  22. ↑ Paul, Aubin (July 29, 2010). "Bayside / Senses Fail / Title Fight / Balance & Composure". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  23. ↑ Yancy, Bryne (January 26, 2011). "Senses Fail / The Ghost Inside / Man Overboard / Transit (US)". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  24. 1 2 3 "News (Page 1)". Vagrant Records. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  25. ↑ "NEWS: Man Overboard announced to support Senses Fail UK tour!". Dead Press!. January 5, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  26. ↑ Kraus, Brain (January 21, 2011). "Senses Fail announce tour with The Ghost Inside, Man Overboard and Transit". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on November 14, 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  27. ↑ Paul, Aubin (December 20, 2010). "Groezrock adds Civ, Snapcase, The Black Pacific, Dear Landlord, Hatebreed, Senses Fail". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  28. ↑ Paul, Aubin (January 25, 2012). "Senses Fail / Make Do and Mend / Stick To Your Guns / The Story So Far". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  29. ↑ "The Fire - Senses Fail | Release Info". AllMusic. All Media Network, LLC. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Critic Reviews for The Fire". CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 28, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  31. 1 2 Heaney, Gregory. "The Fire - Senses Fail | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  32. 1 2 "Daily Dischord review". Daily Dischord. October 30, 2010. Archived from the original on July 28, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  33. 1 2 DaveyBoy (October 21, 2010). "Senses Fail - The Fire (album review 6)". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  34. ↑ UG Team (October 26, 2010). "The Fire review by Senses Fail". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Senses Fail - The Fire (preorder)". Hasslerecords.co.uk. Archived from the original on 19 November 2010. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
  36. ↑ "Senses Fail Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Senses Fail Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Senses Fail Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  39. ↑ "Senses Fail Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Senses Fail Chart History (Digital Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Senses Fail Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
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