These are two fairly short EPs, so I'll write a laconic summary of them to keep things simple. Obviously inspired by New Order (and as a few other blogs have pointed out, Close Lobsters as well, who I have to admit I haven't really listened to much), The Friendly Fires' first 7", Arkansas on Deadbug records is composed of resplendent, heaven-sent 80's new wave with jangly guitars and velvety vocals. Every song on here is pop perfection, especially the title track "Arkansas" and "Looks Like Rain" both which sound like they could have been New Order B-sides. They had two other EPs during their evanescent time as a band (they were only zoetic for a year or so between '86 and '87), the second of which, I Said to Him 12", is featured here as well. It's not quite as good as Arkansas, and kind of sounds like more of the same (although they definitely changed their style up slightly), but its still decent. I may come back and edit this and write more on these guys later (I had a difficult time hunting down info on them for some reason), but I'm a little hungover and and have school stuff to attend to. In the meantime, enjoy.
Features:
Arkansas 7" EP (1986)
I Said to Him 12" EP (1986)
DOWNLOAD
