Starting slow with some nice crisp Guitar and background piano, building up to the crashing drums, bass and rhythm. Background harmonies from the band, slowing down once more for Russ to start singing.

 

Russ has a clear tone, with a perfect gravely sound when needed during each line. The lyrics resonating with me and it will to anybody who has been/ or suffering with depression and anxiety. It talks about letting people in, to get yourself back up.

 

The words "take me hand" build up to the first chorus and wow what a belter! Get your lighters out, torch on your mobile phone, wave your arms and sing very loudly! The sort of song which has so much meaning to so many people, like Gloria Gaynor I will Survive! Ok, I am getting a little carried away here and we are only at the first chorus.

 

You have to go back in time to Kev Bakers back story. Him being a sort of Rock ambassador and advocate for mental health. To be the crowds connection to the band, 'The Hot One Two' and how cruelly he lost it all so publicly. By knowing one band members struggle is enough to know why this song is so important. But what about the rest of the bands struggles?

 

We need to know more about them. I know the bass player Bret Barnes was about to quit music all together. So there is a whole new story there. I hope to get my second chance to interview the lads before the EP release! (Please Russ ?). We already know they have three songs ready.

 

Staring at the Sun/Inner Remedy/Hit the Ground Running. Gigs are being planned! So I need their story's, we need to know more.

 

But back to the song, the words are clear, no need for a lyric sheet. After singing my heart out like I already know the song we get to an instrumental. This has been recorded and mixed excellently. Every part is so clear. That guitar sound from Lee is really pure and beautiful. Something like a Slash epic!

 

The background rhythm from Kev is the perfect compliment to Lee. A really nice strong sound. Chris Hoptons drums are constant but not over bearing. Brets base keeps a nice tempo, I can't wait to see him live. He has "the look"! I have hair envy! Back to the words and again. They mean so much to me. This song so far feels like it was written just for me, just for my struggles.

 

Wow cheese, "the nights are long and the days are dark" but again, yes its all about me!

This has a feeling of a European Hair metal ballad, it has got it all so far like The Scorpions' song "Wind of Change"! Is that such a bad thing though?

 

A heavy bridge then back to the chorus and POW. Some excellent harmonies in the background. Again, recorded delicately so it's not taking over from the all important lyrics and Russ. I can imagine that I am singing, very loudly. The younger kids shouting through my bathroom door they can't hear their Minecraft game.

 

You know where the song is heading. It is building that intensity! It's fist pumping in the air. Then "let your guard down baby" back to the ballad..again it is building back again and that voice from Russ is made for this. He can really sing.

 

Why am I only discovering him now? The singer of Sons of Liberty and Fireheart. I now must listen to his other music. I'm becoming a fan boy haha. This song is cheesy, it's old hat, late 80's early 90's hair metal ballad, helicopter sweepy around a man in a top hat, woman jumping off a bridge while giving her ex the finger and laying on a bed of roses!

 

Is it what I expected from Fireheart. No, even though it is a ballad, it is heavier than I expected. I am also gutted no Saxophone from Bret! Is it a good song? In my opinion it is epic! I don't care that it is cheesy, I don't care it is old (Slash..) hat! It speaks to me. This song is so lyrically powerful that its like it was written just for me! This could be a rock classic. This should be the mental health or pride anthem.

 

So Fireheart are burning and the Phoenix is starting to rise. But have they set the bar too high for the rest of the EP? Outstanding and definitely worth the wait!

 

by Dale Holford