It seems to be a trend among indie-rock bands these days to break up, only to reform with former members of different bands, which may result in a better band than the last. Such is the case with former Illinois rock quartet Braid. Not long after Braid broke up, 3/4 of its members went on to form Hey Mercedes, and the remaining 1/4, Chris Broach (former guitarist/screamer), turned his Firebird side project into a full time band. Even though the "former member of Braid" tag will get him in the door, this release could barely be more different.
The first noticeable difference is the use of drum machines and synths. The title track opens with a distorted drum machine and Broach's passionate, somewhat melancholy singing (yes, singing; no screams here). The album goes on and takes us through equal parts of beauty and ugliness. Many of the songs flow well together making the album a coherent whole.
The music is, for the most part, original; you only hear little bits of influences here and there, such as the slightly Fugazi-sounding "Nothing Not Dance Party" or the Cure-influenced "Forever," which features stunning guitar work. The lyrics boast some great edgy lines ("split your head on the pavement," "kick yourself in the head," etc.), which reveals that Broach was the member that brought the edge to Braid (further proof of that is evident in Hey Mercedes' mature, polished sound). The album ends with several blank tracks and a hidden Christmas song that is soft, sad, loungy, and sounds like it was recorded in his bedroom.
If you were a fan of Braid and were expecting another Braid-ish release, you may be somewhat disappointed. But once you get past the post-Braid tag, you'll see this album for what it is: a stellar release that features fine musicianship and spans an almost exhausting range of emotions. The Setting Sun and Its Satellites is fresh and original enough to keep you interested until the next release.
1. The Setting Sun and Satellites
2. Nothing Not Dance Party
3. City
4. Beautiful
5. Around the World
6. Nothing to Blame But Your Fame
7. Forever the City and Driving
8. Kiss Yourself
9. Which Way to Go
10. Sound on Sound
More about: The Firebird Band
