Call Upon The Author

Many of the bands that were part of the whole “emo” movement in the early 2000’s have either broken up or faded into obscurity. It’s refreshing to see that Funeral for a Friend are still pushing themselves to create new and exciting music, not allowing themselves to stagnate as so many of their peers have done.
Those expecting brand new material should look elsewhere – the main aim of this collection is to serve as an expansion for their last studio album Welcome Home Armageddon. Mainly consisting of live and acoustic versions of songs from that album, they do treat fans to one fresh song.
Kicking off with High Castles, the track is a clear statement of what the band are about today. Passionate and energetic, they’ve delved into their past for a more hardcore orientated sound. Following it up is a competent Strife cover, proving the band’s hardcore credentials.
That’s not to say they’ve totally jumped ship and changed genre, as the four live tracks attest to. They’re more than capable of crafting a memorable hook, and everything you loved about Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation is still there. It just happens to have grown up.
Rounding out the EP nicely is a couple of acoustic songs, something that the band have always had quite a knack for. What better way to soothe your ears and bring the CD to an end.
As with most odds and ends collections, it’s one that will only appeal to the fans – but those fans are in for a treat. Don’t count out Funeral for a Friend, on the strength of their latest material they still have plenty left to prove.