Fireflight Returns

Fireflight has been one of my favorite bands. When I first found them on Pandora years ago, I saw the album cover for Unbreakable with Dawn standing there in the stormy setting and holding onto a giant candle and I thought, yes, light in the dark, that's what I like. Not all bands last forever, so while Fireflight did put out a good amount of music during their active years, I think most of us had begun to think we'd seen the last of them. But then in August I heard the news about their October release of Who We Are: The Head and the Heart. 

This is how I always end up with physical copies of Fireflight albums, even now: all the pre-orders. This package came with a t-shirt and a handkerchief, as well. And so this is also how I end up with oversized tees (tiny five foot ladies don't fit in unisex size small tees). I used the other one (from For Those Who Wait) to sleep in. This one, I don't know, I might just be able to wear it if I play with it a bit--though I don't wear many t-shirts, anyway. We'll see. And the handkerchief I really don't know. Maybe it'll end up in my hair.

But enough rambling about the accessories. The album is composed of two. The head and the heart each appear on one side of the imagery, and there is a CD (with five songs) for each one, as well. Just saying the words makes me think of logic and emotion, but I don't think that's quite what I get from this album. After sitting with the songs for a bit, here is what I find. The Head contains statements and declarations of power and resolution. The Heart contains outpourings of struggles.

I have been learning that sometimes two things can exist at once. You can declare good things--and you can also feel the struggle. That's what I find in this album duo. Even though I'm very much an emotion-centered person (it's just how my mind works), I find that I lean towards the songs in The Head more. Again with that whole light in the dark concept, I like songs that can tear me upwards and remind me to be alive and positive. "How to Fly" in particular speaks to this. "Ready for More" and "Who We Are" call to mind the single that Lacey Sturm released this year, "The Decree." The time is now to choose who we are and what we believe and to act on it. Christian, eh? Live it. Right here, right now.

While I get the concept behind "Welcome to the Show," which starts up The Heart, I don't really see the re-listenability of a song like this. Because, yes, we are an audience listening to a song. "Bury the Dead" I think will speak to so many of us, though in all our different ways depending on our own individual life experiences. Fireflight has always been about acknowledging struggle, and this song expresses the difficulty in living out forgiveness/moving-on/etc. But you know, if you're going to have resolution and power and revival, you have to bury the dead in order to move forward.

So I find that this album is quite relevant to me personally and to the 2020 mindset in general. Live each moment with resolution. Make those strong statements. And allow your emotions to exist but to not tear you down. Welcome back, Fireflight. 

Innova

Though it officially came out today, I've had the digital version of Fireflight's new album, Innova, for a week now and I received my signed CD on Friday--as part of the pre-orders. So I've had a chance to listen to it a few times already.

While some albums can take a moment to get used to and to understand the tone of so that you come to like them more with time, I think I've understood Innova right from the start. From the album title, you already know that it's supposed to be about renewal--and that's exactly how the songs are. They're a slightly different sound from Fireflight's previous music, a little more of that upbeat, danceable pop sound that's been going around lately and a little less on the heavier rock sound. And not only is it a sound that's been popular lately, but it also makes sense: they're songs about not having any baggage and being fueled by the positive light.

"Resuscitate" and "We Are Alive" were the first two singles from the album and they pretty much stand as emblems for all of it. I would particularly like "We Are Alive" to be a sort of anthem for this genre of music: it expresses exactly what the Christian life should not forget. There is light, there is life, and there is passion. Sure, there are moments of difficulty, but there should never be passivity or a lack of passion. Never forget that you are alive. 

I also really like "Safety," which features Stephen Christian; I didn't realize he was the singer of Anberlin and of Anchor & Braille--I may have to look into his music because I really liked his voice in this song. The song's also more along the lines of Fireflight's earlier days (with a modern sense to it, though, I think); maybe that's why I like it. 

I'm not going to go song by song and I really have nothing more to say about the sound (since I'm not a music person and don't really have the vocabulary to describe it). I'll just say that I'm enjoying this new album and you should all go buy it if you haven't already.

Returning to the "Now"

If you look back at my March Favorites post, I addressed why I wasn't doing a separate post for the new Fireflight album, Now. I just wasn't interested in it enough, though Fireflight has been among my favorite bands for a couple years. But this summer I modified my opinion.

I really should have written this follow-up post two months ago, after I finished reading How It Ends and had an emotional moment that allowed me to truly hear what Now offers. Like I said in the Favorites post, Now isn't so much about emotional uncertainty and confusion; rather, it has reached a higher plain. It is a half-breathless keeling out from atop a cliff, a cry for strength that in itself makes you feel strong enough to rise up into the wind--to become stronger than your physical self. To understand more than your physical mind. It's more about resolution, if you will.

And I can't believe I didn't at least mention before the song "Stronger Than You Think." Yes, this is one of the louder songs on the album (and therefore a bit more like previous Fireflight songs), but I liked it from the start. It's terrifically empowering; I'm constantly finding the chorus rising into my mind when I need it to. And the opening song, "Stay Close," I also can't believe that I didn't overly like this song at first--the emotion, the emotion. It's a desire, it's a breath, it's a prayer--all captured in three and a half minutes.

So sorry for my earlier ambiguity. I just wasn't in the right emotional mood to understand this album. For this album has a better understanding of the world than I perhaps did when I first listened to it. Love you, Fireflight, and sorry I didn't get to see you when you were in Phoenix this month.

March Favorites

1) Primeval - I really shouldn't keep starting new TV shows--I just end up addicted until I've watched all available episodes. This particular one is British sci-fi; although the first season is from 2007, I think I am among many Americans just now discovering it (which likely has something to do with it streaming on Netflix). But I have, in fact, so much to say about this show that it will have to wait for a later post.

2) Revlon's Lip Butter - Having heard much about this product, I finally picked one out in Sweet Tart. Although the shade is perhaps a darker pink than I need, it's a nice product. It works much like a tinted lip balm, but is more pigmented, yet not at all like a lipstick. It has a small sheen or luster, but not high gloss--a positive for me. My complaint is actually about the container: the top/lid/whatever-you-call-it is too tight--it should be easier to remove.

3) Crafty painting - Sometimes I like to do things with my hands, whether it's pretending to sew or paint. Now, I have a black jewelry box that I have never particularly liked, but just used because it was convenient (it used to be my mom's--she didn't like it particularly, either). So while listening to the audio for a book for class (I don't do this often), I covered it in coats of acrylic craft paint and added some flowers. I had to be sure and not go overboard with the craftiness; a little offbeat is fine, but I didn't want it to be too much. I think I found the right balance.

 The top section:

 And the side:

4) Graphite pencil sculpture - I actually got this one for Christmas, but kept forgetting to add it to the list. I first spotted it at the Phoenix Art Museum's gift shop, but you can also buy them online. They're beautiful, and you can write with them if you so desire. Yes, the entire piece is graphite.

5) Barse silver and pearl necklace - I have had this necklace for years--there is something in it that I find both delicate and sturdy. The pearls provide the former and the silver piece the latter.

6) Belt buckle necklace - At least, I suppose that's what it is. I found it at a craft table at an event last month and instantly befriended it. Things like this remind me of what labels like Lucky Brand try to recreate--but why pay their prices when you can buy a $10 piece like this that is both unique and repurposed?

7) Fireflight's Now - My intention had been to do a separate post for this album, but I never had enough incentive to. While it's nice enough and has some good songs, it isn't my favorite overall of Fireflight's work. I find their music most inspiring when it is loud and, frankly, confused/unsure (before being drawn back into comfort--the way the songs in Unbreakable work); if I want a quieter, more methodical sound, I can turn on Philip LaRue. Still, it's an album worth getting, and I think the weaker songs (every album has them, whoever the artist) are stronger than they were on For Those Who Wait.

8) The sun - As I was riding my bike yesterday, I started to smile at the feel of the sun, the feel of warmth. As I have said before, heat is a force that is endearing and attractive because it is impossible to ignore. The temperature has yet to reach ninety, but we're moving up into the eighties now; summer doth begin to speak.

9) Noah's ark - Not the actual ark, but a picture I found at an antique store. It has an interesting artistry to it and makes a nice addition to my over-packed walls (although it's actually hanging in a fairly empty space near my desk).

10) Fingerless gloves - These are in thought only as it is much too warm by now to wear mine, especially since they are elbow length. But I so much want to; you will recognize the influence if you have also watched the aforementioned TV show, in which a certain character often wears such gloves (in the first three seasons, that is).

Waiting and Remembering

As promised, here are my thoughts on Fireflight's new album, For Those Who Wait. It took a little getting used to at first; not to say that it was completely different from their other work. This album, instead, seems to combine styles from The Healing of Harms and Unbreakable. Its very upbeat music this time around, with the same compelling kind of lyrics. The opening "For Those Who Wait" and also "Desperate," "Core Of My Addiction," and "What I've Overcome" are some of my favorites. Of the two quieter songs, "Name" and "Recovery Begins," I rather like the latter, but the former is a weak point on the CD. It's too average. "Recovery Begins" is hardly the most original song I've ever heard, but it has a softness that is a pleasant end to the CD; it manages in a way that "Name" failed to. Unbreakable may still be my favorite album (it was, after all, the one that won me over to Fireflight), but For Those Who Wait is equal to showing the strength I love to see in music.

Yesterday, I went to see Remember Me for three reasons: the trailer for Eclipse was playing with it (I only planned to watch the trailer once, so why not on the big screen?), it would be a chance to see Robert Pattinson in a different role (thereby testing my belief that he's a competent actor), and it seemed like a nice movie. Now, I thought that Remember Me's trailer was well put together, but it seemed like one of those trailers that gives you most of the plot. Not the case at all.

I'm a the theatre. I sit through three or so trailers, then the Eclipse ones comes on. I'm nodding to myself, thinking, oh, yes, that trailer seems better put together than the first New Moon one -- it emphasizes "love triangle" more than I'd like, but I suppose that is fitting. Then I remember that I've come to see a completely different movie. From the first, I see it's true that what this movie does, it does uniquely. Poignant is the word to describe it. A love story? Well, yes, but it's more about people trying to interact with and understand each other. And very much about the quote that plays in the trailer and twice in the movie, "Ghandi said that everything you do in life will be insignificant, but it's important that you do it" (I'm going off of memory here: sorry if that isn't it exactly). After you've seen the camera fade in at the beginning and fade out at the end, everything in between all comes together in a way that doesn't always happen. In a literature-like way. It's an emotionally/psychologically artistic movie (not in a complicated way, just a thought-provoking one). I found myself thinking about it all afternoon yesterday. Eventually, it reminded me of this quote from Heart of Darkness (after Kurtz's death), "all the hearts that beat in the darkness" (Joseph Conrad. Barnes & Noble Classics. 2005.) As much as I would love to explain all these "hearts" and the darkness they beat in, I won't on the off-chance that someone reads this who hasn't seen the movie yet. If that's the case, go see it now.

New Things, New Things

Yesterday, a loud banging came on my screen door. Someone very angry and mad must have been there, it seemed. A vicious and loud robber, perhaps. But, no, that's just how the FedEx man knocks -- to make sure he is heard, I suppose. The vicious cacophony I forgive, though, as soon as I get my package. Yesterday it was my signed copy of Fireflight's new album, For Those Who Wait (have to love that name), along with a t-shirt. Completely wonderful. I'll share my thoughts later when I've had a chance to listen to the CD more.

Also yesterday, The Hillywood Show released some behind-the-scenes footage for their Dark Knight video. Take a look here. While their behind-the-scenes always show how much they genuinely like what they do, this one also shows the hard work that goes into every video. Hilly and Hannah have said that Dark Knight was the hardest thing they've done, and I can see why. Professional quality? The Hillywood Show is professional.

Right now, I'm finishing up Elizabeth Gaskell's Ruth for a class (ENG 329: 19th Century British Novels, to be exact). A little base, shall we say, towards the beginning, but not a bad read. I may very well choose it for my paper. Ms. Gaskell does get points for being Charlotte Bronte's friend, in any case.

Two Movies, Two Bands, and Two Sisters

I realize that I like going to see movies. That used to be an occasional, almost rare thing for me, but now that I'm just a few minutes away from a theatre, I find that it tempts me. When I went to buy a much-needed new hairdryer, for instance, I thought I'd pop in to Harkins first. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus looked kind of interesting; I might have saved it for a movie to rent, but it seemed like it had visuals that would be better on the big screen. Definitely had the visuals, which were Alice-in-Wonderland-trippy at times and obviously green-screened, but still a bit of a feast for the eyes. That was all I was expecting to get, but the plot was good, as well. It plays with the Faust idea of bartering with the devil, only Doctor Parnassus is bartering with his daughter instead of his own soul. That sounds just as much like Rumplestiltskin, which happens to be one of my favorite fairy tales, to me. This movie hooks your interest all throughout; definitely one to watch. The ending was too anti-climactic, though. Instead of drawing to a close, it dwindled down. There was something missing, one extra step that should have been taken. All the same, this will probably be a movie I buy.

Classes started again on Tuesday, ending my lovely, long break. They do promise to be interesting, even if I shall have many, many books to read this semester, but I decided I should have a treat Tuesday afternoon. A pre-semester award, if you will. I went to see Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones. As you will recall, I first read the book because I thought I might like to see the movie. The trailer looked good, if action heavy. And during the first part of the movie, I was impressed. Another visual movie, with stunning CG crisper than most of Parnassus and excellent cinematography. But after the halfway point, I was waiting for certain things from the book to happen. They didn't. The movie ended. I didn't expect the man who made all the intensely long Lord of the Rings movies to have cut too much out of this one. Maybe because he was trying not to get the same King Kong criticism? Too long, cut all of such and such out? Now, in the book, the Salmon family really goes down to the depths. They went down in the movie, but they weren't far enough. Abigail's affair with Len Fenerman isn't exactly something I fancy, but it was an important part of the book. At least a hint should've been in the movie. In the book, though the family knows the truth, Susie's case is never solved. It essentially is in the movie. I think that fact, however subtle, is close to fatal. I was surprised when I read the book to find that the peace at the end didn't come from the solving of the case, but from acceptance and love. I didn't get those same vibes from the ending of the movie. Just a couple of tweaks and I think it could have been so much a better adaptation. All the same, I do think it was well-done . . . the things it does achieve aren't easily reached . . . it just wasn't my absolute favorite book to begin with.

A couple of notes:

My new band (for listening, not playing in) reminds me of Blondfire, just a little older and a little more fey. They have some intriguing music, so check out Metric at their site.

Heard of The Hillywood Show? No? Then you must watch them (two sisters, Hilly and Hannah, who do this all non-profit). They parody like no one else, using amazing imitation, fan film experimentation, and parodying that laughs with movies rather than against. Their greatly-awaited New Moon Parody came out earlier this month and already has 811, 281 views. It's unlike any parody I've seen before; they take the opposite approach most New Moon parodies do, focusing on Bella's rebellion instead of her depression. Hillywood, besides being meticulous about detail, also is into layers. You'll notice a new edge each time you watch a parody or episode. Take a look at their website here.

Fireflight's new album, For Those Who Wait, comes out next month. You should really go pre-order it . . . .

And it is very cold today. Methinks I shall go make some hot chocolate now.

Various Forms of Entertainment

I've been busy this past week, I guess. On Thursday, I stopped to watch Where The Wild Things Are on my way home; I'd been to the Toy Story 3D double-feature a couple weeks earlier, so I guess I'm falling for the kids' movies lately. I know the former book is such a classic and I remember seeing advertising and such for it, but I don't remember actually reading it. I knew the gist of the story, at least, though. It makes for an interesting movie, not the average fuzzy family film. Even better that I saw it on the Harkin's Cine Capri screen for the first time. That screen is huge, especially given that there were only sixteen people watching. Yes, I counted.

Sunday night I went to the Fireflight concert. I've known they'd be in Arizona for a while, but I didn't think I'd be able to make it. I was glad I did. Abandon and Remedy Drive also played; nice to hear live, but I don't plan on getting into their music. This was probably my first rock concert . . . I didn't like "loud" music before. And the upside to liking a small band is that you can actually meet them. I got to have my bag (which I bought there before the show started) signed by the band.

Yesterday, I finished Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. It was one of those books I'd heard about, thought I should maybe read, never got to. With Peter Jackson's movie version coming out soon, which I thought I might like to see, I decided I'd better get to reading first. I knew the basic story: a girl is murdered and she watches her family in the aftermath from heaven. I can't say it was quite what I expected, though. I don't want to go off and give spoilers, but I will say that it was a good read. I like imagery (along with metaphors and such), which this book has in clear originality. And predictable can get boring . . . this book wasn't all predictable. I expected Susie's case to be solved at the end; it wasn't really because there was another point to it all. I like that this book remains simple while still making you think. (Molly really liked it, too. She said it tasted delicious, hence my taping together of the cover after her teeth attacked it. All this time, I thought she was a good dog.)

And today I got the CD's for the audio drama on CS Lewis's The Screwtape Letters (which happens to star Andy Serkis aka Gollum as Screwtape.) So far, I'm loving the design work on the website and packaging. It fits in perfectly with the crazy tone of the book. I listened to the first two letters when I got home; I'll give my opinion when I've moved through the whole thing.

Last thing: today was freezing. I know, a high of 60 degrees isn't that bad, but it was 87 two days ago. A little transition, please? And the wind. It would've been nice weather (except for the cold morning -- and evening that's settling in) without the wind. I don't like wind. A bit of breeze on a hot day is nice; rushing wind on a cold day is horrible. But it seems that the weather will go back up soon.

Waiting . . .

It seems I always have a long list of things I'm waiting for. Then once the list starts shortening, new things go up on it. I've realized now that it will never end; I just have to figure out how to learn patience. Here's the list for today:

Books:

1. Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs. The release date for this one has been pushed back once or twice, but it's set to come out in the spring. Liz is one of the few modern writers that I really love; she can turn out such an emotionally dense story.

2. The Twilight Saga Official Guide by Stephenie Meyer. It was originally supposed to come out December 31st, 2008 . . . last I checked, Barnes & Noble was listing the same day in '10. We'll see it that's true.

3. The New Moon Official Illustrated Movie Companion. I've already pre-ordered it, but even though I'll get it in about two weeks, I'm waiting until I see the movie to open it. Insane, I know. But I have to stay away from spoilers and pre-ordering is just too tempting.

4. I think I can now add the next Bran Hambric book by Kaleb Nation. I don't think I'll be holding my breath too much for it, yet it'll be nice to have.

Movies:

1. You guessed it, New Moon. Sixty more days. I'm tempted to go to the midnight showing, but that probably won't be happening. I'll probably see it at a dull time around 2:30, giving me time to go to class, get lunch, and be at the theatre with ample time.

2. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The first two Narnia movies, well, they had their good and bad points. I still love Narnia itself enough that I'll continue watching, anyway. Plus, I think this next one is going to be different from the other two. I'm really starting to think having Michael Apted directing and David Arnold with the music, not to mention the two way-too-old oldest Pevensies mostly out of the picture, will make it better. 12/10/10.

Music:

1. Josh Groban is working on his next CD right now, which will probably come out in the spring. I'm really curious what tone he's going for. Three studio albums (minus the Christmas ones) are still beginnings. A fourth starts to show who you are as an artist overall.

2. Fireflight is also recording their next album. I've been really into them lately. They have great lyrics that make their approach to a loud, hard genre unique. No idea when the release is.

3. After years of just touring, Flyleaf is back. Even when I found them a year ago, their album was already old, so I'm really looking forward to hearing their next one. The single "Again" seems to set a good standard. October 27th.

4. It's just over a week now until the 29th, when Paramore's Brand New Eyes comes out. I wasn't overly impressed by "Ignorance" the first time I heard it, but it's grown on me. One week until I can hear the rest.

5. And let me just add in the rest of them. Hayley (Westenra), aren't you due for another album soon? Emma (Shapplin), will you ever get a third studio album? I would really like one. Oh, and Blondfire, didn't you say you wanted to release at least an EP this year? But I know it's hard for them since they're using their own label; Emma also had trouble with record companies.

Alright, I think I've hit most of them. I guess it isn't that long a list, if you really think about it.

A slight makeover for the page. I'm still not sure if I like the background. It might have too much going on, but I'm really not techie enough to design my own, so I'll try it out for a bit. And I think I may look mad in my profile picture . . .