Call Upon The Author

The deluxe edition of Be Human is something that all Fightstar fans should have for no other reason than the acoustic show they recorded. It gives people a chance to see them sit back and relax and perform their songs on a completely new level. Their stripped back set takes nothing away from the quality they like to deliver and it somehow maintains the raw power that exudes from them.
Of course, that’s not to say that the rest of this special edition release isn’t any good. Fans won’t be disappointed that the CD still has the same track listing as before, but with a few extra songs. Alongside The English Way, War Machine and Mercury Summer, all of which are ripe with explosive energy, are tracks like 28k Resolution, a breathtaking display of guitar and drums with an outstanding delivery of vocals, and Mvua Nyeusi, a slow song, brilliantly performed and sung with wonderfully haunting lyrics.
Back to the main attraction, the acoustic show. The set is interspersed with segments of interviews where the band explains why they decided to put on such a show and the history behind some of their songs. And anyone who is a fan of the strings throughout Be Human will be pleased to know that Audrey Riley, the woman behind the orchestra on the album, has been invited back to add her special twist to three songs.
In a way it’s refreshing to hear their songs in an acoustic format, The English Way, Palahniuk’s Laughter and Sleep Well Tonight all transfer nicely and in their simplicity become something truly remarkable. It is, however, their cover of Don McLean’s Vincent that is perhaps the best four minutes of the show. Be it because Charlie’s vocals were supported only by his guitar and Audrey’s cello, or because of something else that is hard to pin down, it doesn’t matter. Al l that matters is that it is a good investment of time if someone were to choose to watch it over and over again.
As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve even added four of their videos for everyone to enjoy. The only problem with this release is that it’s their last before they take a break, after six years of working constantly together with fantastic results to show for it, they deserve a little time off. But only if it’s a little.