The Fire Theft formed in 2001, collecting most of the former members of Sunny Day Real Estate following the implosion of their (ironically named) label, Time Bomb Records. Formed in 1994, Sunny Day Real Estate diversified what was then known as ‘emotive hardcore’, recording at a slower tempo, in line with their labelmates at Sub Pop while maintaining a fierce emotional intensity. The Fire Theft builds on this foundation but exhibits a strong post-rock vibe - influencers reflecting back those that they influenced. “Uncle Mountain” is an auspicious beginning to the record, dueling guitars and violin sounding like Morricone gone shoegaze. “Chain” is post-Pixies prog rock, loud-quiet-loud becoming louder-loud-loudest. Singer Jeremy Enigk avoids his typical anguished yells, spending much of this record in a register closer to Peter Gabriel than Geoff Rickly. This is a compelling document from a group of musicians with true talent, but a future perpetually in flux. This is the first vinyl edition of this album and is pressed on 180g red and black mixed vinyl. It is packaged in an individually numbered tip-on gatefold jacket with new artwork.

• red and black mixed colored vinyl
• double vinyl pressing
• first vinyl pressing of the 2003 Sunny Day Real Estate side project
• limited edition of 1390 individually numbered copies
• packaged in stoughton "tip on" gatefold sleeve, includes 11x11 printed insert
• music label: Run Out Groove 2019

reviewed by Thursday I'm In Love 05/2019