Boy Sets Fire - Live For Today

Boy Sets Fire
Live For Today
Windup Records
Grade: A-

Boy Sets Fire, the quintessential emo-core band from Delaware, is back with a new EP and first release on Windup. Overtime the band has been a high quality machine with widespread appeal and broad support. Always a strongly politically and socially aware band, lead singer Nathan Gray's lyrics do not drop off in the least on this EP. Songs such as "Release the Dogs" discuss the U.S. government and society's move to ultra-militarism and the slippery-slope of giving up on our civil liberties. Hence, this EP is sure to be on high on Ashcroft's 'albums of the year.' But what I like about BSF in general, is that when they attack issues that "matter" it is not done in a trite or weak manner. Often it is done with authority and a unique sense of flow. What surprises me the most about the three new songs on this release is their optimal quality. Surely, this is a combination of BSF maturity and the ability to take their time on producing strong material in the studio. Partially, in song structure, BSF has taken a note from their compatriots Snapcase as in "Release the Dogs." The EP also includes three songs ("After the Eulogy," "Handful of Redemption" and "Rookie") recorded live at Club Krome in South Amboy, NJ. As with most of the releases from Boy Sets Fire, the EP sets itself apart from other releases on the market. Any fan would surely be blessed with this EP.