antiMusic.com: Through Fire

Through Fire - Breathe

by Kevin Wierzbicki

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This Nebraska-based foursome probably never dreamed that their single Stronger would find success the way it did. Besides coming in hot on the air and in both audio and video versions on line, the guys got tons of exposure in an unexpected way. The song is an angry and pummeling kiss-off to a relationship gone sour but Stronger has taken on a more literal meaning to the athletically-inclined as the song has found placement during the Stanley Cup finals, during mixed martial arts matches, play in 3,200 health clubs throughout North America and even as the theme song to WWE's Backlash events. Regardless of how fans get turned on to Through Fire, if they like Stronger they'll certainly be pleased with the rest of Breathe. The grinding yet melodic Damage finds lead singer Grant Kendrick once again throwing shade on a less than satisfying relationship; a similar attitude prevails on the self-explanatory Dead Inside. But all is not lost; Blood on My Hands is a cry for redemption, and on Jar of Hearts Kendrick portrays a man doing his best to not fall for the overtures of an ex who wants to reunite. The album's title cut Breathe probably sums up the lyrical vibe here perfectly in one short sentence: Can you unbreak my heart so I can breathe? So this is a great album for those who are a bit out of sorts with their love life and need someone to commiserate with; for everybody else the forceful guitar work, crunchy rhythms and easy to sing along to choruses will do just fine. Breathe is available in a standard edition or in an expanded edition with extra songs.

Through Fire - Breathe
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