SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FREE UNDER FIRE – GRAFFITI IN THE GARDEN

FREE UNDER FIRE
GRAFFITI IN THE GARDEN
RUNNING ON INSTINCT

Free Under Fire is a band based in Ajax, Ontario, where Steppenwolf’s John Kay got his start with The Sparrows. Free Under Fire carries on the hard rock-heavy metal tradition of that area in the province. Graffiti In The Garden is their third album, and their first since their self-titled album, released in 2023. Graffiti In The Garden is pretty much what one has come to expect from this Free Under Fire, straight ahead rock and roll. And they do it extremely well.

“Lose Your Place” is more of a laid back song than a power ballad. It does show their ability to adapt to acoustic guitar and a more mellow sound. The same can be said for “I Won’t Regret A Thing”. “Hope In A Heavy Heart” is much more the power ballad, and they do it very effectively. A strong melody combined with power chords and an expert guitar solo. All the ingredients are there for a brilliant song. Elsewhere, it is heavy and hard rock, again, the band is not trying to reinvent the wheel, but what they do do is inject enough of their personality to create their own unique sound.

One can hear their influences throughout the album (such as Guns N’ Roses, especially on the opening track, “Hitch Your Wagon To A Star”), but, again, they take it and go in different directions, blending various other sounds and genres. Lead vocalist, James Hastings has the power, and he needs it with the tight rhythm section of drummer Paul RIsk and bassist Konstantinos Xanthios. Guitarist Justin Paul is a very talented guitarist who can shred with the best of them, but is also able to show great restraint when the song calls for it.

Graffiti In The Garden is a strong and enjoyable album. It does have a retro feel to it without being completely steeped in the past. It is refreshing, sometimes, to put on an album and just rock out. The lyrics are great but it comes down to just really enjoying some hard rock and roll.

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