By Squiggly Meyers
Artist Review – Five Iron Frenzy
Ska, ska, ska!!! Are you ready music lovers? Today’s featured artist hails from the mile high city of Denver, CO. Formed in 1995 and over the rest of the decade they journeyed through the snow uphill both ways to gather the ingredients that would make the Mighty, Mighty Bosstones proud.
They reached their peak (pun intended) in 2003, entering a hibernation with a hiatus which ended in 2011. Their sound is a homage to band directors everywhere. They ooze everything that Ska/Punk represents, drawing for such influences as Oingo Boingo, chiefly, as well as others of the genre. I would say there’s a strong hint of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and The Clash with a little Billy Squire to spice things up. Five Iron Frenzy Brings the Bones and Horns to the rock show with no apologies.
Song Review – In Through the Out Door
Alright Ska/Punk fans, Five Iron Frenzy is coming at you with all horns blazing. “In Through the Out Door” is a full on party in a box. Heavily influenced by the genre’s best, such as The Mighty, Mighty, Bosstones, Real Big Fish, and punk icons The Offspring and Green Day, this song is really one of their best offerings.
Musically, it busts through the silence with the intensity of freight train and just takes you for a ride. That fade- in calls to mind a bomb drop, and then the bass charged verse kicks in. The Punk-influenced rhythm section is beyond outstanding, and it had me headbanging along to every measure.
Lyrically, it’s an anthem for humanity and how we have lost compassion for our fellow man. When we put a price on a human soul, we devalue the individual and make it easier to turn a blind eye. An all too familiar critique on the human condition, as it were. Where harmony is preached and then quickly forgotten. An eye opener to say the least. This song is an excellent one, when it comes to production value, and it’s one of the best songs Five Iron Frenzy has, in my opinion. So if you’re into Ska and Punk, give Five Iron Frenzy a spin.
Song Review – Auld Lanxiety
Here we go music lovers, Five Iron Frenzy brings us another horn filled number. This Ska Frenzy is a hidden gem and “Auld Lanxienty”, is a clever title. It well suits the songs awkward feeling.
Musically, it comes in with bang, in typical Ska fashion. It brings the horns front and center while it carries a bit of emo flash as well. Written and performed in the style of Fall Out Boy, Weezer and Real Big Fish, it brings the party with it.
Lyrically, it portrays a picture of someone who is somewhat socially awkward though with the longing to fit in. An all too familiar scene now-a-days. The pre-chorus, with it’s jungle toms, leads the song well into an unforgettable chorus. I keep forgetting how to sing Auld Lang Syne too. So, to all you whose anxiety kicks into overdrive in social situations, this one’s for you. You’re not alone.
Check out our interview of Leanor Ortega Till of Five Iron Frenzy!