Album Review

White Light Parade – We Start Fires

• 8th Jul 2009

An old formula of churning 70s, The Troggs spirited rolling guitars, drilling percussion and a mammoth chorus is used by the Danny and Johnny Yates led Yorkshire outfit, White Light Parade.

‘We Start Fires’, demonstrates that the balls of rock still swing, almost as unashamedly as they did in the past. Tom Emmet’s twisting bass interludes provide the rustic toe, but the song struggles, at times, to captivate. This is despite its obvious heartiness, there doesn’t appear to be any real potency to their thrust.

An intriguing collaboration with Itch from King Of Blues for ‘Rebellion Call’, mimics the funky gnarl of Joe Strummer. Whilst leaping on a well travelled bandwagon.

This B-side ups in intensity and the cacophony of bass, guitars and percussion that is built up to from a slightly incongruous light rock base, is pleasing for its impact and feeling. Although, the reggae interlude has the same modern impact as a Christmas tree these days, in that it’s used more in obligation than with any real meaning or belief.

You get the impression and the hope (for their sake) that White Light Parade are holding a little back with this tolerable single.