Blackfire - Beyond Warped Live Music Series
Blackfire could have it all going for them. Punk-rock is on a high, and with the abundance of cheesy pop-punk acts around a back-to-basic, energetic act like this American trio might be just what we need. Having been around since 1989 and having played numerous cross-continental tours, they certainly aren't amateurs. Furthermore, in the highly volatile political atmosphere in post-Iraq war America, Blackfire's politically infused anthems may well fall on very receptive ears (this obviously loses them a certain fan base – I doubt that 'Beyond Warped' is rocking the Whitehouse ...) As if that wasn't enough, they have some celebrity endorsement - Joey Ramone did backing vocals on their last record.
At first listen, Blackfire seem to stick quite rigidly to the punk-rock blueprint, producing a rough, raw sound in Minor Threat territory. Songs such as 'No Control', 'The War They Wage' and 'Prove Them Wrong' are all highly engaging, fast-moving punk songs, although it's nothing you haven't heard before, and at times that sound a tiny bit like your friend's punk-rock band from school. It's on songs like 'Exile', when you can hear the influence of their Native American roots, that Blackfire really stand out. The song starts out with some ambient, traditional chanting before launching into the characteristic, pounding Blackfire experience. This is also one of these Live albums which sounds pretty much like it was recorded in a studio - good if your new to the band, but a little pointless if you're already a fan and own the studio CDs.
The problem with a band like Blackfire is that they've nailed a formula to the wall - which is a euphemistic way of saying that all their songs kind of sound the same. Musically, certainly, Blackfire don't exactly scream individuality or inventiveness. But as a political band, at least half of the magic is down to the lyrics. Here, Blackfire give a very mixed account of themselves. 'Exile' is a tale of injustice which would make Rage proud. Planet Earth 1988, on the other hand, is at times painfully contrived and blatant. Take this lyric: "War for oil in Iraq...American imperialist war machine will destroy all our dreams". Well I suppose so - but what's your point? 'War for oil' and 'American imperialism' are really just clichéd leftist buzz words. I also can't decide whether the chorus to this song is wonderfully dreamy, or just annoying...
The accompanying DVD reveals what is perhaps the more important side and certainly the driving force in the band: their culture. In a number of energetic live performances and thought-provoking and intriguing documentaries, including one about voting in America, Blackfire make me feel quite guilty for having ever doubted their integrity. Displaying heart-warming affection for their indigenous culture, compassion for suffering in the world, and amiable personalities, it becomes clear that there is more to Blackfire than three-minute punk-rock songs.
To bring this rambling review to a close, Blackfire are an average-to-good musical force: impressive yet not quite stand-out. Yet one thing is clear from the DVD - they are doing a lot good outside of music, using the band as a platform to launch their message to people who need to hear it. Good luck to them.