Spectral Fires // Left Behind

Song: Left Behind

Band: Spectral Fires Album: Wayfarer EP Location: Melbourne Date of release: 07/06/2017 Genre: Melodic Hardcore/Punk-Rock Reviewer: Michael Dixon For Fans Of: Defeater, Touche Amore, Carpathian

The last we heard from this Melbourne-based Melodic Hardcore band was in October last year with the release of their debut EP “Wayfarer”. So far this year, they’ve been a little quiet and only playing a few shows here and there. But now they’re back with another single released off that aforementioned EP called “Left Behind”. Compared to their previous single and music video, this is a big step up for the boys. The music video was filmed in a rural country area with dirt roads, paddocks and overcast skies. Lead vocalist Jack dominates the landscape and delivers some throaty free-flowing screams in a loose denim jacket and a white cap. Soon we meet the other members of the band including guitarist and clean vocalist Harry who joins Jack in a 70’s styled white and orange panel van after hitch-hiking along the dusty road. The lyrics explore how being true to yourself and being left behind isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a reminder that it’s better to be surrounded by friends who support you, accept you and motivate you rather than going with the crowd and changing yourself for others. Vocally Jack and Harry balance each other out well here with Harry dominating on the chorus. Musically, it’s a very fast-paced track with some punk-rock elements, heavy guitar riffs and a head-nodding melody during the chorus. Going back to the music video, we soon meet Jonah in his broken-down car and who has sneakily kidnapped poor Daniel in the boot. Next, we see Lachlan and Daniel on the side of the road dressed in oversize ponchos and sombreros before a bunch of groupies rolls into the van. In the final scene, everyone gets out of the van and walks down the road in a street parade of sorts complete with cheerleaders and puffs of confetti.

Vocals: Screams 8.5/10 Cleans 9/10 Guitars: 8/10 Bass: 7/10 Drums: 8/10 Production: 9/10 Lyrics: 9/10 Songwriting: 8.5/10 Personal Enjoyment: 9.5/10