Reviews
Artist:Bonfire Radicals Album: Flywheel
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: https://bonfireradicals.com/
Birmingham based Bonfire Radicals have lit up the musical scene in recent years with high-octane music that sweeps away boundaries, and their second EP 'Flywheel' confirms their position as a band who will thrill and excite audiences wherever they play. This six piece band of Michelle Holloway (recorder, flute and vocal), Katie Stevens (clarinet and vocals), Sarah Farmer (violin and vocals), Emma Reading (Guitar), Pete Churchill (bass, accordion and vocals) and Ilias Lintzos (drums) play music that deliberately won't be pinned down. It's a fusion of folk, traditional Balkan rythms and prog rock with an overlay of free jazz sensibilities, amongst others They're a band who keep you on your toes because you never know which direction a track will take. It makes for exciting listening.
The EP opens with two Greek tracks, the tune Zalizomi (Dizzy) and song Den Boro Manoula Mou (Mummy, I Can't Take It) which is about a young girl's heartbreak and lost love. You may not understand the words but listen to the emotions. The violin leads off with precision and then the the vocal harmonies join in before the full band picks up the pace with some driving bass.
'Lost Pick' is another dizzying song, led by recorder and clarinet. They're two instruments that aren't often paired together but when they are they work so well.
Bonfire Radicals make a nod to traditional folk With 'Love Is Teasing' but don't expect it to sound like something you'd hear during a folk club floor spot. Starting just with vocals, led by Michelle Holloway's sweeping vocals it begins gently but grows impressively into full-on prog rock and crashing percussion.
'Sarah's Muffins' got me searching the internet, assuming that a muffin was a type of song perhaps like a maggot, or earworm as we say these days, but it appears not and so this is a song about Sarah's muffins. Based on the chorus it appears they were eaten by chickens. It's great fun and, having seen it live, it has a chorus audiences love joining in with; the words are pretty simple and easily picked up. You can even do actions.
Closing the EP 'Squeeze That Satsuma' shows the range of the band. This time the accordion is the main instrument and that's something good about Bonfire Radicals. Every member plays a key role and gets the chance to show their musical talent to the full.
'Flywheel' is a very worthy successor to 'The Space Between' and confirms this is an outfit who are establishing themselves as key players on the musical stage, be it at a venue or festival. There's something for everyone, it's great fun music with subtle sensibilities and superb musicianship.
Released, appropriately, on bonfire night the EP is available as a CD or download with a link on the band's website.
Tony Birch
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