Album Review

LoveLikeFire – Tear Ourselves Away

• 21st Sep 2009

This is a dramatic and emotive debut from art rock group LoveLikeFire. Opening with `William’ the album immediately showcases passion and raw emotion. On this track, singer Ann Yu pitifully tells her lover she no longer has feelings for him. Over powerful and haunting guitar and drums Yu’s voice echoes out in pained and tragic tones.

San Francisco’s LoveLikeFire grew up in Las Vegas where Yu shared an apartment and rehearsal space with members of The Killers (whose sound has clearly been a strong influence). Throughout her youth Yu trained as a classical violinist and was denied any form of pop music. The music of LoveLikeFire sounds like her escape, a release tension, and her dissent to the restraints of formulaic classical music.

`Tear Ourselves Away’ features multi-layered instrumentation and polished production. Yu’s voice and intensity has an element of Karen O about it, but is not quite as feisty. There are moments when the music is dark and brooding (such as on `I’ve Pissed Off my Friends’), while at other times it sounds sweet and delicate (like on slower tune `Everything Must Settle’). From rock numbers to lingering ballads this album scales the full spectrum of emotions. Each song has it’s own unique appeal, making this is a passionate and captivating debut album.