Challenging yet interesting rock.
Perhaps the name of the band has influenced the recording nature of Amusement Parks on Fire 'In Flight' ep, as it sounds as though its been recorded underwater. Theres a murkiness and dividing layer over the sound which dogs this recording but doesn't manage to diminish the product.
Lead track 'In Flight' could be a power-pop classic, merging the fuzzy guitar sound of early 90s shoegazing bands with a chorus melody similar to Jane Wiedlins 'Rush Hour.' Which may not be too good for the cool kids out there but it does ensure theres a rather large pop hook coming at you from this record.
At 21 minutes long, its over the length for chart available releases so you'll have to keep an eye (or ear) out for it but 'You Made Me Realise', coupled to the lead track makes it worthwhile to do so. Again, the same production levels exist here but the song is a darker affair, albeit with another great commercial blast.
In case you were fearing that these songs were taking the band into poppy waters, never fear as 'Of the collapsing light' brings the ep back into the experimental soundscape style with a meandering and pulsing intro, into you realise that it's the main body of the track and its not going to push on any further. It suits the collection well and its sampled snippets break up the building tension nicely.
'Alafoss exit' continues in the same vein but over its 7 minutes manages to shove in a few unexpected moments and bring the collection a pleasing end. Its not something that's going to bother the mainstream but as a mini-collection, 'In Flight' works rather well, even if its production hides some of its better features.