Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Fireflight, On the Subject of Moving Forward - EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Fireflight
On the Subject of Moving Forward - EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 5 tracks: 17 minutes, 56 seconds
Street Date: 2004


READER RATING:   


On the Subject of Moving Forward is Fireflight's sophomore album, an EP containing five songs. It shows a maturing of dynamics and lyrics, and whether intended or not, the title, in part, sets the stage for FireFlight's musical tone for the next two or three albums. Some of the songs in this album would go on to experience minor revisions in their next album.

"Call" is the original version of what you might recognize as "Serenity" from The Healing of Harms. "Call" is the first Fireflight song I know of that has just a touch of thrash metal screaming in the background vocals. Wendy keeps a strong bass presence throughout, complementing Phee Shorb's drumming and leading Glen and Justin on guitars. To me, this song is about God reaching out to someone in need but with His will in mind, not their desires. "I offer down My hand but without your plans." God goes on to suggest to the listener that they have done enough, need to let go, fall, and open their hands to Him in their lament.

"Waiting" gives us a primer on what's to come in later albums. Here, we find excellent raw yet refined bass, guitar, and drums, all nicely stitched together, with Dawn's clear, confident voice leading it all. Dawn is singing what we all think to ourselves, asking for God's protection and healing, longing for Him to call our name.

In "Last Kiss," we find an energetic and fast beat throughout the song. Contrasting the guitar and drums are Dawn's incredible, powerful, raw vocals and lyrics in just three refrains sung from Jesus' perspective at a seemingly alternate pace. In two of the refrains, it's almost as though the instruments are on one time signature and Dawn is on another. It is an amazing composition that may have benefited from an additional refrain to highlight those contrasting time signatures. To me, this song is clearly about Judas' betrayal, Jesus' trial, His torture, and His ultimate triumph; "Where are your nails now?" says it all. This is one of those songs I wish Fireflight would perform again today.

"Are You Alone?" is about finding redemption in Christ's love. I like the quiet intro passage about being alone and ears being clogged, followed by the strong verses about redemption, "You hold my hand so tight / That it spills Your blood." One aspect I struggle with in this song, and "Liar," is the use of thrash metal screaming. It seems distracting from an otherwise congruent flow of music.

Finally, "Liar" offers a darker glimpse of others or of ourselves. I wonder if this song relates to difficulties one or more band members may have been experiencing, as the theme is of someone obsessed with themselves, fame, fortune, and deceit. Nonetheless, this song is well-executed and highlights Justin's accompanying vocals (even if some of it is that thrash metal screaming). Overall, On the Subject of Moving Forward is a good EP that gives Fireflight fans a tease of bigger things that would come with succeeding albums.

JFH Reader Review: Review date: 5/24/20, written by Paul Novelli for Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 


. Record Label: None
. Album length: 5 tracks: 17 minutes, 56 seconds
. Street Date: October 19, 2004
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Call (3:10)
  2. Waiting (2:54)
  3. Last Kiss (4:11)
  4. Are You Alone? (3:22)
  5. Liar (4:19)



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images