SAFIRE - Safire EP [reissue] (2013)

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As mentioned on the previous post, Aussie Melodic Rockers SAFIRE returned after a 18 year break with a new CD.
To coincide with the release, Safire has reissued in limited quantities their first self-titled EP with enhanced packaging and additional photos.

The Melodic Rock in this very first release by the band is dominated by melodious guitar riffs, lots keyboards and really accomplished vocals.
Opener "Now You've Gone" offers a catchy refrain and a chorus akin Safire's fellow countryman Juno Roxas from Roxus. The melody is infectious and so the chorus.
Next arrives the excellent midtempo AOR anthem "Love Conquers All" (very Warrant-like) immersed into a great atmosphere by electric pianos and subtle guitars, followed by the more guitar oriented yet extremely melodic "After The Rain" featuring quality harmony vocals.
Safire goes pure mid-half '80s AOR in the superb keyboard driven "In Your Eyes" with seasoned vocals and where again the terrific refrain is brighter than the sun.
Electric and acoustic guitar mix dominates in the Tyketto-esque "Set You Free" for good measure, a solid melodic rock tune with a catchy rhythm and nice breaks. "White At Night" rounds the recording in a groovy rocking way where the guitar has more weight and the song structure pays homage to various classic English acts.

Considering the year this 6-track EP was created (1995) when the musical climate was not the best for this kind of music and the scarce rock circuit at the moment around the Melbourne area, "Safire EP" is a very good Melodic Rock / AOR indie recording in all aspects including mix and production. The songwriting is truly classic and the guys show an effervescent musicianship all over.
A collector's item for many years, get it now before it's too late again.
A little Gem.


01 - Now You've Gone
02 - Love Conquers All
03 - After The Rain
04 - In Your Eyes
05 - Set You Free
06 - White At Night

Jase Old: lead and backing vocals
Steve Martret: guitars, backing vocals
Aaron Suter: keyboards, backing vocals
Mozz Walters: bass, backing vocals
Bill Georgio: drums, backing vocals





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www.ebay.com/itm/SAFIRE-S-T-Reissue-Original-Melodic-Hard-Rock-CD-Aussie-with-more-band-pics-/330872413996

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SAFIRE - All Because Of You (2013)

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Australia has produced lately excellent Melodic Hard Rock acts, but the land of Oz never was precisely the mecca for the genre.
One of the bands keeping the flame alive during the nineties around the Melbourne circuit was SAFIRE, whom released a very nice self-titled EP in 1995 that have acquired quite reputation amongst collectors.
Now, after a 18 year break, all Safire original members have finally reunited to record a new album entitled "All Because Of You".

Safire's Melodic Rock sound is strongly infused by AOR elements, especially keyboard stabs and elaborated harmony vocals; all members contribute backings for good measure.
Stylistically, the quintet recalls eighties European bands of the genre, particularly from UK. I hear similarities with Change of Heart, Shy, Steve Overland, first Dare and obviously comparisons with pioneer Aussie bands could be made, being Roxus and Juno Roxas the first coming to mind.
Solid melodies crafted by melodic guitars garnish rockers like "Say You Love Me", "In Your Arms", the extremely catchy "Memories Live Again" and the
soaring "Crying". All really good and performed with good pulse.
The sound turns more sharp close to Melodic Hard on the punchy, Shy-like "Let You Go" and the groovy "Only Forever".

As said, Safire plays AOR too, and the ballads are impregnated with classy melodies: the beautiful acoustically filled "Why" and the American sounding, piano-driven "Could've Been Beautiful"
For the end Safire has reserved one of the highlights of the CD; "Making Me Feel", perhaps the track which best represents their sound: AOR overtones at the beginning and then explodes into a catchy Melodic Rock song with a winner chorus.

"All Because Of You" has been managed entirely by Safire, and curiously the band has decided to sell the album by themselves as well.
No Amazon, no iTunes nor even a website... it's only available on physical CD at the drummer's eBay store. By the way, the EP debut long time out of print can be found there too in limited quantities.
Despite its indie pedigree, "All Because Of You" is very well recorded, mixed and produced, but most important of all; this is real Melodic Rock / AOR with an '80s heart.
Recommended.


01 - Say You Love Me
02 - I'll Be There
03 - All Because Of You
04 - Crying
05 - In Your Arms
06 - Why
07 - 1995
08 - Memories Live Again
09 - Let You Go
10 - I'd Just Like To Say
11 - Could've Been Beautiful
12 - Only Forever
13 - Making Me Feel

Jase Old: lead and backing vocals
Steve Martret: guitars, backing vocals
Aaron Suter: keyboards, backing vocals
Mozz Walters: bass, backing vocals
Bill Georgio: drums, backing vocals





BUY IT !
www.ebay.com/itm/SAFIRE-All-Because-You-New-Release-Original-Melodic-Hard-Rock-CD-Aussie-/330873950376
www.ebay.com/itm/SAFIRE-All-Because-Of-You-S-T-Reissue-bulk-buy-X5-CDs-Original-MHR-Aussie-/330871201561

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