Further Seems Forever is a 5 piece melodic hardcore band from South Florida. How to Start a Fire is their sophomore release on Tooth And Nail records. This CD marks two new members of the band: Jason Gleason (vocals), and Derick Cordoba (Guitar). Their first CD was characterized by unpredictable chord changes and off-kilter, but fitting drumming, paired with Chris Carrabba's best vocal/lyrical performance to date. "How To Start A Fire" is missing a lot of the elements that made me enjoy the first CD. The guitars are much more conventional, however the trademark "swirling" lead guitar is still present on about half of the songs. Most of the drumming is work you'd find on most CDs, when it used to be chaotic, but always seemed to fit. Lyrically, "How to Start a Fire" is a totally different experience from "The Moon is Down". That has advantages and disadvantages. Jason Gleason doesn't seem to have a way with words the way Carrabba did. Gone is the heavy use of alliteration and play with words ("I thought You'd leave me next to nothing, but now you're leaving me much less").
However, Jason chooses to write about many different subjects rather than about girls which is a welcome change. Vocally, Gleason brings the goods, he's got a great scream and a strong singing voice. That said, a lot of the vocal melodies seem uninspired. There isn't a single song that really builds to a great conclusion (ala New Years Project on the Moon is Down). The band seems to either be in "Loud Mode" or "Soft Mode" often switching without any warning. This technique is used very effectively on "On Legendary", my favorite song on the album, but gets tedious other places on the album such as "A Blank Page Empire".
I guess basically, this CD just didn't grab my attention in the way "The Moon Is Down" did. It has nothing to do with the departure of Chris Carrabba, musically, there's simply less depth. I hope it's just the "Sophomore Slump" because Further Seems Forever has a lot more talent than most bands in the "emo" scene, and their live show is spectacular. If you are looking for an alternative to bands like New Found Glory and Taking Back Sunday, pick this CD up. But if you're looking for another "The Moon Is Down", you may be disappointed.
C-
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis February 2003Reviewed by Craig KleemannI waited so long for this. So maybe it just feels like it...I didn't even get "the Moon is Down" until a little over a year and a half ago, but it seems like I've been waiting forever. I'm slightly embarrassed to say it, but this band really changed the course of the way I listen to music, possibly placing my expectations a bit too high for this release. I'll get right down to it for people who…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by David SongIt's been nearly two years since Further Seems Forever released its first album, The Moon is Down. Since then, they've undergone a few changes, mainly the departure of their vocalist and lyricist, Chris Carrabba, who moved on to form Dashboard Confessional. Jason Gleason (formerly of the hardcore band Affinity) replaced Carrabba as the vocalist and lyricist for the band. As How to Start a Fire…Similar sounding releases
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