Five Iron Frenzy
The End Is Here

THE REVIEW

Some time ago, while chatting with some Americans from around the world and asking them for recommendations on any good artists or bands that made good rock music, I discovered the term Christian Rock for the first time. To the Matt or Kevin of the moment, I said I wasn't interested in church choirs; I wanted music that rocked, that put me in a good mood. That’s how I realized that this label is just a way to distinguish certain artists who fill their lyrics with thanks and praises to Jesus or God. I thought it was music too difficult for us or that it would never reach us for some reason when I discovered that a band I was particularly listening to at that time, P.O.D., certainly not four altar boys at first glance, is listed among the many labels also as a Christian band. I pleasantly discovered that there was finally someone in the world who could make beautiful, impactful, and powerful music capable of conveying strong sensations without necessarily stuffing the lyrics with fuck, asshole, and other sweet nothings.

Five Iron Frenzy was a discovery about two years ago, and since then, among the thousands of CDs I own, they have been a constant in my worn-out CD player. Imagine the Reel Big Fish or Less Than Jake, just to name more famous artists, making a perfect record. That's FIF. Their music is a power pop, a punk rock filled with trumpets, with a distinct sense of melody. In the lyrics, the Christian roots often come to the surface, and most of the time, it makes you laugh when you find yourself singing really catchy choruses, surprised that you've just thanked God for the strength He gives us. The beauty of this album doesn't necessarily lie in the lyrics; it simply exudes serenity and at the same time charges you with killer riffs, and you realize you're listening to truly sincere music that comes from the heart. Like in those movies where after a scene, you unconsciously find yourself with a smile on your face, FIF knows how to give you serenity.

After ten years spent on the tour bus, FIF decided to announce their breakup in the most official way, through the title of their latest album. This same album was on sale online last summer with a red cover and the title "The End Is Near" before it was officially released (alas, not in Italy, though) with the cover shown above. For those who want to feel good.