After an incredible debut release, from the only female-fronted rock band of 2006, Orlando natives, Fireflight, strikes back with their sophomore effort Unbreakable. Gaining much deserved attention from mainstream outlets including NBC’s Bionic Woman, E! Entertainment's Style Network, ABC’s America's Funniest Home Videos, and in music-video reels at both American Eagle and Journey's stores across the country. The band has garnered quite the publicity.
Unbreakable brings us fresh anthems, which are laced with lyrical hooks. The driving guitars are back, but with a distinct new edgy flavor in the mix. The music in general is new as well, it will keep you coming back to the positive message Fireflight has to offer.
Dawn Richardson’s vocals are better than ever, even after months of silence prescribed by doctors after she had a vocal chord issue in 2007. There is an obvious difference in her vocal styles, but it’s a change for the better. They’ve also included Justin Cox (Guitars / Vocals) in the backgrounds significantly more, it’s a very nice touch and adds more professionalism to the song writing. They also put together another song with the duet feel like their NO. 1 radio hit, featuring Josh Brown from Day of Fire, “You Decide” called “The Love We Had Before.”
Kicking off the album is title track “Unbreakable” a powerful anthem asking God to bring us into a place we’ve never been before, and not being afraid of what can happen to us in uncertain situations. “Brand New Day” gives us our first listen of an acoustic guitar. “Stand Up” is another strong anthem, the chorus is a good reminder that no matter what, God forgives us and is there to help pick us back up. “Forever” has the heart of a worship song. Dawn’s vocals resemble what you’d find from a pop/rock artist like Krystal Meyers. The second verse sticks out to me, “I know that You can tell / When I start to let my hope fade away / I need to catch myself / Open my ears to hear You calling my name / Been fighting way too long / But I hear Your voice / You had me all along.”
Another anthem, “Go Ahead,” shares a bitter reality that a lot of people share; ignoring God. The first verse, “Yesterday I heard Your voice / Whispering through all the noise / I pretended I couldn’t hear You / But You kept on pursuing me / And You began to move in me / And I just couldn’t hide any more / I won’t fight You.” Before the song ends, Dawn sings of redemption “God, I was so wrong / To stay away so long / Oh, how I need You!” Before wrapping up the album we’re given a very intimate and personal song. “Wrapped In Your Arms” paints a picture of security and gentleness. “And I’m here to stay / Nothing can separate us / And I know, I’m ok / You cradle me gently / Wrapped in your arms.... I’m home.”
Anthems are a common theme, the album is positive and encouraging. It’s a tremendous follow-up to their debut. The lyrics are incredibly sincere, the music is new and fresh, and is overall the album is one of the best rock albums I have heard in a good amount of time. Fans of their debut, The Healing of Harms, will absolutely love Unbreakable. If you’re not sure, check the band out on MySpace. I think you’ll love what Fireflight has to offer with Unbreakable.
Article by Jeremy Koering, Editor / Photographer / General Writing
