Line Of Fire
Scars (EP)
Self-Released
It’s a strange anomaly that some of the very best in Americana is being produced right here in the heart of the UK and if proof were needed then look no further than Nottinghamshire’s Line Of Fire. They’ve been refining their blues-based brand of Southern rock for almost a decade and things have finally come to fruition on their latest EP, Scars. Born from the band’s recent travails (most notably vocalist Baz Shaw’s battle with cancer), Scars features four hard, yet melodic, songs that come fully loaded with groove to ensure the band emerge from their struggles with all fists swinging. And the first thing that hits you is the thick and sludgy sound; the bass has a satisfying twang, the drums assault your ears whilst it seems that the guitar strings have been soaked in honey. However, the band’s biggest asset is undoubtedly the aforementioned Mr Shaw who, like a modern day shaman, turns ‘Reason’ and ‘Medicine Man’ into hypnotic affairs. You get feeling that these songs will transfer well to the live environment (always the litmus test for a rock band) but wherever they’re played, at a rowdy gig or on your stereo, Scars will leave a lasting impression.
Review by Peter Dennis.