Fire Mountain
Album: All Dies Down
Label: This Is American Music
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.firemountainband.com/

This Alabama-based five-piece released a six-track EP (Of The Dust) back in 2011/12 that impressed many of the critics but didn't quite get to me in the same way, sounding a little under-nourished I guess. Perhaps it's the fact that they get the chance to stretch out a bit more on this full-length collection, or it might be that the intervening couple of years have seen a shift in my own musical sensibilities, but I find this set pretty convincing, altogether more so in general, although on first play it seems to sprawl rather than cohere, at least in terms of sharpening the band's influences into a more consistent vision.

A few plays later however, and it all begins to gel quite nicely, with the band's lead songwriter and guitarist Perry Brown's increased confidence and maturity showing through in his lyrics - heartfelt portraits of the eternal human journey of life, love and faith that focus on the process of settling down. These are ably complemented by the band's taut and well-considered musical settings, which stride purposefully across the plains of Americana taking in driving southern rock (Wired And Dying) through to the decidedly Springsteen-esque Factory Line via slow-burning country (At The Seams) and a rolling acoustic finale that builds anthemically (Moving Target).

The band sound is muscular, full and satisfying, with prominent electric guitar lines and busy yet tightly coordinated keyboard fills and a convincing corporate identity. Although there's not much (if anything really) to criticise, however, some Americana lovers may find the overall feel of Fire Mountain just a touch derivative until, a few plays in and with careful aural scrutiny of the lyrics, the band's music starts to fall into a natural place within your consciousness.

David Kidman