Various - Firework Anatomy

by Benjamin Howarth

published: 10 / 4 / 2002

Label: Ignition Records
Format: CD

Twenty track compilation, which serves as an excellent " virtual definition of who’s who in emo and hardcore punk rock."

Review

Following the success of Jimmy Eat World, Saves The Day, The Ataris and Midtown, it was clear that ‘emo’ would become the new hip genre of choice with bandwagon jumpers everywhere. Of course, Jimmy Eat World spent years contributing tracks to underground compilations and split singles before achieving success with their recent 'Bleed American' album. As a lot of the heroes that begun the ‘emo’ scene have either since become very successful (Jimmy Eat World or Sense Field) or unfortunately have broken up (Chamberlain, Sunny Day Real Estate etc), it is clear that now a new wave of underground bands are needed. Enter this compilation. Featuring some of the bands on the Ignition roster alongside some hot new groups, it is a virtual definition of who’s who in emo and hardcore punk rock. It kicks off with San Geronimo’s melodic hardcore offerings, which combine a flair for a good tune with raw power and emotion. There is a good deal of variety in this compilation, which can range from the gentle beauty of bands like Speedwell to the extremely heavy, gruff vocal styling of the excellent Hunter-Gatherer. Like all good compilations it offers you some really good tunes, and the opportunity to discover some new bands. Chances are that if you buy this, then you will want to check out Hunter-Gatherer’s full-length album or Hillside’s recent 7” single. Some tracks stand out for special acclaim. The Casket Lottery offer up a strong cover of classic Dischord band Shudder To Think’s 'Red House'. They lose the wackiness of the original but really add to the melody and general poptastic-ness of the whole thing. Of course, there is Rydell, who made my favourite album of last year – the classic 'Par Ardua Ad Astra'”- from which 'The Plot Is Lost' is taken. Another great track is the extremely poppy Hillside’s 'Counting Time'. A really memorable memory, and some heart rendered lyrics. On the whole, -though, the compilation is notable for its general lack of weak tracks. As well as being an intelligent document, therefore, of the emerging emo scene around the globe, it is also a great listening experience – either for the long established hardcore kids among you or for someone whose knowledge of emo only goes as far as Jimmy Eat World.

Track Listing:-

1 San Geronimo-My Friend James
2 A Rocket Sent to You-Chesapeake America
3 Two Weeks from Tomorrow-In Time
4 Speedwell-Oceans are Armlengths
5 Rydell-The Plot is Lost
6 Dira-Pinocchio
7 My Spacecoaster-13 and Growing
8 Slowride-Sorry for July
9 Ashen-Without
10 Red Animal War-The Insanity
11 Grade-The Worst Lies are Told in Silence
12 Kevlar 13.--Line of Chalk
13 Human Drama-Penfold
14 Crosstide-Backwards
15 Mock Orange-Brave Lights On
16 Hillside-Counting Time
17 That Very Time I Saw-Don Quixote
18 Hunter Gatherer-Down with the Law
19 Five Cent Hero-Mayday
20 The Casket Lottery-Red House