aaamusic | On 15, Nov 2010

LoveLikeFire release their second, self produced album, ‘DUST’ through Heist Or Hit Records.

Recorded in June 2010 by drummer/producer David Farrell. San Francisco’s LoveLikeFire enchant their way back into the hearts and minds US/UK indie scene. American ‘West Coast’ culture has a certain cannon of bands that all share a stock sun drenched sound / iconography; the sun, the sea, the surf. LoveLikeFire’s follow up to 2009’s debut album ‘Tear Ourselves Away’

is anything but ‘West Coast’. ‘Dust’ reassures us that the bands hearts and minds are on a dark Conradian voyage of discovery.

Following the unforeseen departure of a bass player and guitarist new members (Marty Mattern&Eric Amerman) joined at a turbulent time. Coupled with a new approach to the recording process (drummer Farrell at the helm) most bands would feel gripless on such a feeling of newness. Yet somehow it has only served to seal the bands identity, confidence and voice in the alternative music scene.

‘Dust’ Could have been recorded in England. Winter. 1986. Not to say that this is a retro sounding record by any means, but sonically Farrell has achieved something stunning as atmospherically ‘Dust’ blends ‘Porcupine’

era Echo and the Bunnymen with the modern snaps and glitch of The XX. The percussive drive and minor guitars inhale with a loosely industrial groove and exhale with Ann Yu’s captivating vocals and literate lyrics.

The poise and uniqueness of the group is now hatching and sonically sounds an Atlantic ocean away from the rehearsal room they used to share with The Killers. Although still greatly admired by their peers LoveLikeFire have not tacked on a formula to their output, instead vowing to concentrate on ‘re-decorating, re-inventing and re-discovering’ every aspect of their band. It’s less a DIY attitude, as the band are far too accomplished sounding to be tarred with that brush, but more a ‘Do it FOR Yourself’

attitude that have allowed them to strive for and accomplish originality.

After self releasing two EPs in the US, the band signed to new independent label Heist Or Hit Records in the United Kingdom. ‘Tear Ourselves Away”

was released exclusively in the UK preceded by three 7” vinyl singles, William, Stan In Your Shoes and Boredom. This was followed by two full UK tours and a wave of good press from the NME, Clash Magazine, The Fly and Artrocker. Influential DJs Huw Stephens (BBC), Steve Lamacq (BBC) and Jon Kennedy (XFM) were also quick to fall in love with both the album and live shows, giving the band the tastemakers seal of approval.

Finally, LoveLikeFire are able to turn their attention back to the UK. New album ‘Dust’ (out on Heist or Hit Records 22nd November 2010) is a stunning achievement that will enthrall, mesmerize and entrance anyone within listening distance.

LoveLikeFire are:

Ann Yu // Vocals, Guitar

David Farrell // Drums

Eric Amerman // Bass, Keys

Marty Mattern // Guitar, Keys

“DUST” Tracklisting:

Moon // Dust // In My Room // Came To Me // What Happened To You // Golden Age // So Be It // Feet On The Floor // Unexpected Visitors // St. Martin // Young And Gifted // Falling Asleep