Body Parts
Fire Dream
Reviewed by: Stephen Krock
Reading up on relative newcomers Body Parts, I saw the word soundscape sprinkled about more than once and I had to groan. It gave me a distinct impression that their debut album, Fire Dream, would be full of stagnant, synthy noise. I could not be happier to have been more wrong. Fire Dream is, indeed, rife with synthy, beat-laden soundscapes akin to Prince and 80s Bowie, but the vocals of frontman Ryder Bach are not the wistful whispers that one might expect to accompany such fare. Bach is as strong a vocalist as they come. With an alt-rock wail that could easily have been attached to another Franz Ferdinand clone and a poppy, disco-y falsetto that could even make Jake Shears blush.
In fact, I can see a lot of theatrical pop rock influence from Scissor Sisters in Body Parts, especially in their more rejuvenating tracks like the opener, “Desperation” and the truly awesome “Be A God.” But with a heavier technological tilt. When Body Parts does get earthy and organic, however, they do sound all their own. The head bopping “Unavoidable Things” starts out as such, as does the simply lovely “Helpless Child.” If I had one complaint, it would be that their danceable tracks aren’t quite the ear worms they could be. They’re all plenty fun, but there are few hooks to be found.
Body Parts is a stellar new band, however, and Fire Dream deserves a listen from anyone. They could become a new cult favorite. And deservedly so.
Rating: Bad-Ass
