CD Reviews

IST IST - Light A Bigger Fire

September 2024

Kind Violence Records

IST IST are putting our world on fire with their fourth full length album, "Light A Bigger Fire"!

There are moments that bands have to cross that line that will eventually transform them and go to next level. We have seen this happening this year with some bands that they were ready to conquer the world of alternative sound for some time now, and they just unleashed their "weapons" through albums that reshape them into something really, really bigger! We are just witnessing their recast from post-punk revivalists to rock stars.

IST IST started walking that path with their previous album, "Protagonists". The signs were obvious and those who believed in these were the Manchester based quartet themselves. Now that path reaches its peak with the release of "Light A Bigger Fire". A sonic journey that guides from the Manchester alleys and the post-punk bleakness to the catchy synth pop that masterfully blends with the darkest tones of the strong bass lines and the sharpness of the guitar riffs, without leaving any of the elements that formed their sound so. The piece of art is completed with the baritone deep vocals of Adam Houghton who goes from darkness to light in a most smooth way.

"Light A Bigger Fire" explores themes of loss, yearning, and hope, as tracks like "The Kiss" and "Repercussions" paint stark emotional landscapes. Houghton's voice, reminiscent of the deep timbre of Matt Berninger (The National) or Ian Curtis, heightens the sense of urgency, creating a captivating tension throughout the record.

The opening track, "Lost My Shadow", sets the mood with dynamic basslines and stark, moody vocals. It’s an instant attention-grabber, delivering a feeling of being in the beginning of something  that comes out of darkness yet so bright and pop-ish . The interplay between the rumbling bass and synth stabs creates a stark but catchy contrast, drawing immediate parallels to early post-punk but to the sounds of Interpol as well. With "The Kiss", IST IST delivers a melodic yet melancholic track. The deep, baritone vocals glide over a rhythmic bassline that feels hypnotic. The synth layers add a haunting, atmospheric quality, making this track feel like a ghost story, pulling you deeper into the band’s somber soundscape.

"Repercussions" has a more essential feel, featuring a driving beat and darker, almost gothic undertones. This song delves into themes of consequence and regret, with its sharp guitar riffs adding tension. "I Can't Wait For You" carries a sense of impatience, with a quicker tempo and shimmering synths, creates a dancing mood. The contrast between the upbeat instrumentation and the introspective lyrics creates an emotional combination.

"Dreams Aren't Enough" is a deeply emotional track based on IST IST darkest sound elements brought into the fields that completes the soundscape of "Light A Bigger Fire". Atmospheric guitar melodies match perfectly with the desire depicted in vocals. "Something Else" goes even deeper in the emotions of what IST IST want to bring, keeping a strong bassline. The synths retains the balance between brightness and darkness.

"What I Know" is the mark where "Light A Bigger Fire" becomes even more introspective. The minimalist synths and delicate sound beats and patterns give space for more elements to come forward and prepare the listener for the last part of the album, starting with the "Hope To Love Again". In the 8th track of the album we find a masterpiece and genius blend of modern post-punk alternative elements and synth-pop sound. A romantic yet powerful track that its clever synth lines dwells you into a hazy dance.

Going into the last turns of "Light A Bigger Fire" one of the best tracks, "XXX", brings a darker, more experimental edge. The basslines are heavier, and the vocals feel more distant and emotional. The synths swell dramatically, and the song tension escalates, evoking a feeling of chaos before ultimately resolving. Perhaps one of the best moments of the album. "Ghost" is the closing track, taking you deep into the haunting soundscape of IST IST. An atmospheric closer that encapsulates the band’s strengths. The intense vocals, melancholy guitar riffs, and ethereal synths create a haunting atmosphere, perfectly wrapping up the themes explored throughout the album. 

"Light A Bigger Fire" is a true masterpiece! IST IST deliver a collection of tracks that balance between darkness and light so perfectly and in a way that, at the end, there is this bitter-sweet taste and the, unexpectedly, makes you feel emotionally completed. A powerful, melancholic journey with instances of brightness that showcases IST IST’s strength in blending dark, moody atmospheres with driving, infectious rhythms.

Info:

https://www.ististmusic.com/

https://ististmusic.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ististmusic

https://www.instagram.com/ististmusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YiRgqaj5yVjVtUp4G6iUq

https://www.twitter.com/ististmusic

https://www.youtube.com/@ististmusic