I have to admit that I am completely elated that these guys are off of a Christian music label. As a fan of Josh Brown since his days in Full Devil Jacket, it never failed to piss me off that Day of Fire could release to really excellent albums and be all but ignored. While I was unsure of a move to Razor & Tie at first, one thing is immediately evident on Losing All, the band were allowed to be the rock band they are at long last. From the second “Light ‘Em Up” begins, the band really cut loose with edgy, gritty guitar work and the most soul searching and inspirational music they have laid to date.
While “Light ‘Em Up” hits the band really let loose with it, offering a song that is no doubt intended to rouse concert audiences from their pre-show boredom. From there on the album takes an edgy Alternative Rock slant that is probably what Cut & Move would have sounded like with the wild overproduction. Think Full Devil Jacket Vs. Cut & Move and a little less radio-friendly. “Airplane” has a little Beatle’s influence too it that brings a new element to the table. While it’s far from my favorite song, I like the diversity it brings to the album. The super heavy and somewhat grinding guitar sounds of “Landslide” and “Hey You” are definite favorites but it’s the album’s last track, “The Dark Hills” that will change your life. “The Dark Hills” is a bluesy, semi-dark number that is best absorbed at 2 A.M. with the lights turned low. It remind me, in a way, of “Cornerstone” only it’s far more mature lyrically. None the less, both are potent songs and the best in the Day of Fire catalog.
As Brown sings “They say Jesus walked the dark hills/ He broke bread with beggars and thieves/If I cry out in this darkness, if I fall down on my knees/If he walks the dark hills, will he come for me?/Will he come save me?,” you can’t help but be moved. As the drums and bass pound and the guitar wails, Brown echoes sentiments like “How heavy was the crown of thorns?” and “I wonder if I’m too far gone?” it will bring you to tears. We have all been to that place.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, Losing All is an essential purchase for any rock fan. This is easily Day of Fire’s best work on every level. Most of all though, it will just rock your face off. We could use a lot more of that these days!
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
