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

JFH Music Review


Consumed By Fire, Lean On Me EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Consumed By Fire
Lean On Me EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Southern Pop / Rock
Album length: 4 tracks: 13 minutes, 17 seconds
Street Date: November 13, 2015


READER RATING:   


Listening to Consumed by Fire's latest release, Lean On Me EP, is like getting a letter from an old friend. Equal parts unexpected and uplifting, these four tracks carry a charisma meant to bring a smile and a message intended to keep it around. While it is short, clocking in at just over 13 minutes, Lean On Me is an enjoyable collection of songs that primarily serves to showcase the group's creative songwriting capabilities.

The EP opens with "Lean On Me", the album's ultimate centerpiece. With simple guitar and piano laced with whistles, claps, hums, and full brass accompaniment, the title track is obviously the reason for the release. It's catchy and relevant, resembling much of mainstream pop/rock radio while boasting enough individuality to stand out from the humdrum crowd. But perhaps most importantly, it provides worthy validation for a band who so apparently enjoys making music and maintaining a benevolent message. From the start, lead singer Caleb Ward belts out encouragement with the slightest of southern draws: When you don't have the words to explain the hurt / You can lean on me". It's a simple but poignant lyric, principally meant to uplift and paired with the perfect music by which to do so.

Yet, with such an outstanding opener the rest of the tracks seem to struggle under its weight. "Walk Through The Fire" and "Follow Your Heart" are passive efforts, displaying the group's vocal talent alone rather than a composition of parts and foregoing impact as a result. The release concludes with "You And Me", a song that is both more of the same and a partial reflection of the inspiration that the EP initially displayed. All things considered, the album structure is understandable if not utterly necessary. In the relative flatness of the latter tracks "Lean On Me" shines all the brighter, further promoting what may be the band's most exceptional work to date.

All in all, Lean On Me is a testament to the Oklahoma-based three-piece's ability to craft radio worthy hits. Within the release "Lean on Me" is the heartening letter, filled with purpose and inspiration, and the other tracks are the envelope in which it arrives. In the end it may be for the best, as all pieces play their part and the message is delivered loud and clear: Consumed By Fire are a band to watch.

- Review date: 11/18/15, written by Jeremy Barnes of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Inpop Records
. Album length: 4 tracks: 13 minutes, 17 seconds
. Street Date: November 13, 2015
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Lean On Me (2:58)
  2. Walk Through The Fire (3:18)
  3. Follow Your Heart (3:14)
  4. You and Me (3:47)

 

 

 

 

 



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 Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

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