When discussing the musical landscape of Finland, there’s usually three major topics: death metal, black metal, and Hanoi Rocks. AOR? Isn’t that what those wimpy Americans play? Apparently not because today’s review focuses on a group of Finnish brothers (musically, not literally) keeping the melodic rock spirit alive. I’m talking about Brother Firetribe, brother! You read that last sentence in Hulk Hogan’s voice and if you didn’t, you’re lying.
Despite being around for nearly 20 years, this is my first listen to Brother Firetribe. I know, I know. Shame on me for being out of the 21st century AOR loop. So while I don’t have any previous releases to compare this to, I’ll compare it to what I know and love which sounds similar. Feel the Burn is loaded with synthesizers. This tends to be the norm for AOR, but I’m talking to the point where the synth to guitar ratio is 2 to 1. In terms of this approach, good comparisons would be Asia’s Astra (1985) and Journey’s Raised on Radio (1986).
This overuse of synths results in some songs sounding less AOR and more outright synthpop. Cuts like “Bring on the Rain”, “Battle Ground”, and “Candle in the Window” are key examples. The uplifting, anthemic atmosphere of AOR is present in the riffs, lyrics, and choruses, but its these neon drenched synths that reign supreme. I also can’t help but notice singer Pekka Ansio Heino’s distinct similarity to Jon Bon Jovi. He possesses that same gritty vibrato which launched the New Jersey native to global superstardom.
Now on to the “pure” AOR part of this record. There’s plenty of lush, nocturnal hard rockers to go around! From the passionate “Arianne” and breezy “Night Drive”, to the high power “I Salute You” and energetic “Rock in the City”, Brother Firetribe sure knows how to craft a standout melodic rock song. They approach melody the same way as The Night Flight Orchestra, but with a heavier riff approach similar to H.E.A.T and Eclipse. It’s funny considering all of the bands I just listed hail right next door in Sweden.
Do I Feel the Burn? Not only do I feel it, but I embrace it! I’ve made a great new find in Brother Firetribe. My only regret is that I hadn’t discovered them sooner. If you dream in neon and long for the synthesized sounds of yesteryear, Brother Firetribe awaits with nothing but brotherly love…and some gnarly melodies to boot.
7 out of 10
Label: Odyssey Music Network
Genre: AOR
For fans of: Bon Jovi, The Night Flight Orchestra, H.E.A.T