"Great album, this is what freedom sounds like. Tod A always finds a way to reinvent this band and he has done it now with eastern influences. This one is right up there with their debut "Get Off the Cross..." and "The Man on the Burning Tightrope." I'm not a fan of many "bands" but Firewater combines rock, world music, and sea chanteys perfectly. Drinking songs for the thinking man and a hell of a lot of fun with heavy subject matter."
Returning to Form after 4 Years
N. Chandler | SF, CA | 05/21/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What I have always respected about Tod A is that he's in the music scene because he has a passion for making music. He doesn't pander to anyone's tastes except his own. Clearly this is a road less traveled and it does make his music slightly less accessible to some listeners -- but if you're reading this then you're likely not one of "those people." If you are new to Firewater then "The Golden Hour" is as a good a place as any to get introduced. Lyrically it's a bit more straight forward than some of their previous works but stands well above "Man On A Burning Tightrope." Firewater has always produced music that is intended to be chewed slowly and then digested in a four chambered stomach. What this means to me is that it takes several listenings to really get the groove of what they are putting forth (note: while some work is 'better' than others, I have never once been disappointed by anything they have produced). On "The Golden Hour" the band returns to form and cranks out some rockin' rhythms and Tod A writes some authentic and righteous lyrics. The video that is included on the disc is a friendly peek into the making of the music. Thank you Tod A and Firewater!"
I Love This Album!
Red | OH! | 08/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am blown away by this album! I have loved Cop Shoot Cop since I first heard them 14 years ago, and this is the first album by Firewater to be in my player, and it's playing even when the cd stops. Great lyrics, great creative and interesting beats and songs, wonderful vocals. On one or two songs, I feel like Tod A. is about to break, and others he's so nonchalant about the tragic comedy that is real life, worded so poignantly that you picture everything in your mind when he's singing.
Pick up this cd, give a try, it will stir you!"
Strange, exotic, and downright ornery!
Amazonian | Atlanta, GA USA | 08/14/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Heard this playing over the sound system at a local brick and mortar establishment, immediately went on the hunt for it. Turns out this is unavailalbe via conventional means, and has to be purchased online, or by special order. So Amazon it was for me.
The minute this baby arrived, I jumped into the car, my favorite listening room, and spun it up. I returned home after running through it a couple times (some songs got more spin than that!) and added it to my travelling case of "must have with me" CD's.
The blending of middle eastern and asian styles with pure American angst expressed with an indy rock sensibility is irresistible...and refreshing! As with all worthy artwork, there is also an interesting story behind its production. The journey of Tod A. through Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Indonesia, and India while recording the music, with local musicians, that would be released as 'The Golden Hour,' makes the music all the more compelling.
The Golden Hour is upon us, and it is worthy of a spot in the collection of anyone who enjoys music that is art, and not simply filler for the empty spaces we move through.
Go get you some!!!"
WOW. Just....wow.
M. James | Seattle | 07/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anytime I listen to a new CD, and it ends, and I immediately hit "play" again, that music has found that little spot inside me which resonates strong. Very few bands find that spot.
I was not familiar with Firewater before I heard a couple of the new songs on the local listener-powered radio station KEXP, and I was completely sold on them after buying and listening to this CD. It has all the elements of so many bands I've loved over the years...the references to similarities with Nick Cave and Tom Waits are spot on, and I would also add that Firewater brings to mind why I loved the Pogues. The songs tell you something, and the beat is contagious and distracting. Most of my music time happens with headphones on while I'm throwing pottery. Firewater made me want to stop throwing, get up and dance around the studio. It's definitely a CD I want to share with friends.
Methinks it's time to investigate some of their other work...and soon!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1