Kissed by the flames of the music industry with past endeavors, Hard Rock outfit Through Fire are set to return with their sophomore album, All Animal, on Friday, July 19th through Sumerian Records. Arriving with high expectations due to the fact that their 2016 debut album, Breathe, topped Rock charts across the board, sporting three big singles in “Stronger,” “Breathe,” and “Where You Lie,” one could say the pressure is on Through Fire.
Fortunately the band is battle-tested, playing the game with past projects that made them stronger, wiser, and all-around better musicians. Founded by Lead Guitarist/Backing Vocalist Justin McCain, he is rejoined by Grant Joshua Kendrick on vocals, along with relatively new additions Kyle LeBlanc on bass and Grant Brooks on drums. Bringing new chemistry into the studio, McCain retained the role of key songwriter and producer for All Animal, plotting to dish out something that surpasses the band’s previous work.
Complete with eleven new songs, the lead single and album title track “All Animal” has been heavily spun on Hard Rock platforms such as SiriusXM Octane for roughly two months. A blistering Hard Rock anthem, complete with sleek production and irresistibly catchy vocal hooks, it is a brilliant first taste of blood. Track number one, the title of the album, and incredibly radio hit ready, it boldly sets the bar high for the remainder of the album. Traditionally, many bands opt to tuck their lead single somewhere in between the beginning and the end of an album, but Through Fire is one of those rare cases that confidently stick it right upfront. So, does the decision pay off?
A question for you to determine, it is followed by “Medicine,” an extremely polished, keyboard-driven, equally radio ready track, and “Sick and Tired” which is more of the same approach. Then changing it up slightly, a cover of Roxette’s “Listen To Your Heart” arrives with plenty of intrigue. Tastefully executed, and a cut that was also magically re-created back in 2008 by Finnish band Reflexion, Through Fire strike gold with another potential hit on their hands.
From here the album provides a balanced approach of similar tempo and sounding songs that include “Superhero,” closer “Wake The Dead,” and “Breaking Point” which could be viewed as an unofficial sequel to “All Animal.” Good enough listens, if you are looking for something a little different, others such as “Doubt,” and thoughtful lyrical piece “My Son,” might quench your desire.
Overall, All Animal is a solid modern Hard Rock album that combines heavy guitars, plenty of keyboards, and strong lead vocals. However, the title track “All Animal” is without a doubt the strongest and most appealing of the bunch.
A band with talent and strong songwriting ability, their sophomore album would benefit from a little more diversity due to its straight line, midtempo Hard Rock anthem approach throughout. This is not to say the tracks on All Animal lack quality, because they don’t, it just would be refreshing to experience more peaks and valleys along the journey of an eleven song album. That in mind, it is a worthy return for Through Fire who have a bright future ahead. For these reasons, Cryptic Rock gives All Animal 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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