Nostalgia and rueful, youthful memories run amok on the latest single from one of South Wales’ finest, Broken Fires. ‘Underside’ is a confessional letter to either a long lost compadres or love, we’re not sure which but evidently the affection is strong. Full of Frightened Rabbit and Biffy Clyro energy, singer Tom Stephens’ achingly honest lyrics and Ben Gibbard-esque vocals are an emotive compliment to the group’s searingly impassioned guitar lines and high intensity drumming.
Basically, it’s a song that’s gonna either make you leap about doing air guitar in your living room, or bring a little warm-hearted tear to your eye, depending on your frame of mind when listening, so be forewarned.
Along with ‘Underside’ comes the announcement of Broken Fires second album ‘Hymns’ due to be released on 28th October 2022. Featuring previous singles ‘Dreamer’, ‘New Friends’, ‘Midnight’ and ‘Sharks’ the record sounds as if it’ll be full of emotional rock energy. ‘Hymns’ is available to pre-order on Limited Edition Orange Vinyl now.
Broken Fires have also put together ‘Underside’s official DIY video using footage of their recent Canadian and UK tours. Take a watch on the “underside” of this article, lol (sorry):