Forest Fire – The Luminaire, London, 14/08/09

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A clammy night in Kilburn and the New York four piece Forest Fire take to the stage at the Luminaire for their first UK show. The band recently debuted first record Survival with a UK release via Broken Sound Music.

With the album clocking in at just under 27 minutes long, I wondered whether the band’s live show would be equally short and sweet. Led by Mark Thresher, with his big glasses, pointy moustache and a rather dapper looking hat, the band launched into their set with album opener ‘I Make Windows’. The scratchy guitar, mellow drums, bass and keyboard all fit together to create a warm, completely charming sound. Not only did the band play songs from Survival but they treated us to some new ones as well. Mark came to the mic to announce nonchalantly “This is a new one I wrote a week ago” and proceeded to play a guitar song accompanied by Natalie Stormann on flute and backup vocals for some beautiful harmonies. By the end of the song the band had quelled any chatter and the room was completely silent. Ending the set with some manic drumming and a wall of feedback, Forest Fire went out with a bang. Brilliant. Go see them live.