The guys in Albany, NY-based Firestarter wear their collective heart on their sleeve, and any track off their debut EP New Beginnings should be enough proof of that. In other words, there is nothing surprising or innovative in the kind of pop punk Firestarter plays, but there’s so much charm to it that it commands our attention anyway. The New Beginnings EP’s sincerity is undeniable, and that’s exactly why it’s so good.
Gang vocals, fast punk rhythms over infectious riffs, and heartfelt lyrics are all standard issue for any pop punk record – especially in the past few years. It’s a tried and tested formula, and Firestarter sticks to it with confidence. Before this turns into a discussion on whether Firestarter’s approach is or isn’t conducive to making the best music possible I’ll put it very simply: the New Beginnings EP is fun, it’s honest and it’s going to lead to some amazing shows. This is most definitely music made for a live environment, and that is where it will truly shine. There are countless sing-alongs, stave-dives and mic-grabs waiting to happen in the New Beginnings EP. For Firestarter, that’s what matters most.
On the five-track, twelve-minute-long EP, there is a steady consistency in quality and there are no tracks that can’t match the quality of the others. The best section of the EP is the 1-2 punch in the form of the title track and 49 Stow. The first track flows effortlessly into the second with what is probably the second best riff on the release. New Beginnings is an energetic intro with the nice addition of a horn in the background, and by the end of 49 Stow there is an absolutely huge sing-along gang vocal moment, which undoubtedly is the EP’s highest point.
Despite being in the wake of New Beginnings’ best tracks, the following three songs don’t disappoint. Myrtle Ave has the bounciest and catchiest guitar riff on the EP, while closing track Three Years has some of the more heartfelt lyrics on the release like "I miss the good old days when nothing seemed to matter". And just try to keep the chorus of Worth My Time out of your head for days to come. All in all, New Beginnings is a solid and well-rounded record with no hiccups or shortcomings.
Although Firestarter’s almost-formulaic approach to pop punk may seem a little… safe, their debut EP New Beginnings is the furthest thing from boring or shallow. Their 2013 effort is filled to the brim with energy and songwriting that is anything but contrived. These songs will absolutely shine during a live show, and New Beginnings is a debut that will definitely give the band a solid following.
Tracklist:
1. New Beginnings
2. 49 Stow
3. Myrtle Ave
4. Worth My Time
5. Three Years
Rating:
Written by Marc Saggese
