Spitfire – Cult Fiction
Goodfellow Records – GRF053 – 29 April 2008
By Jason Jordan
Each
Spitfire record marks a transformation of some kind. Due in part to line-up changes, this distinct metalcore unit are always evolving, and the trend continues on their third full-length
Cult Fiction, which, I’m pleased to report, is a step above their lackluster, 2006 effort
Self-Help. And even though it also appears that they will never eclipse their 1999 debut
The Dead Next Door, there’s still much to glean from the latest installment in the
Spitfire saga.
Scratchy screamer Jonathan Spencer (ex-
Scarlet) remains in tow, offering a versatile performance, and is joined by guitarists Matt Beck (ex-
Mae), Dan Tulloh (ex-
Scarlet), and drummer Chris Raines (
Norma Jean). As for the songs themselves,
Cult Fiction has quite a range.
‘Arrhythmia Drift’, a tense, frantic opener, delivers the goods immediately, eventually launching into an unexpected, clean sung chorus followed by a laidback, instrumental section. The cleverly-titled
‘Chemo Therapist’, on the other hand, broods for a few seconds before it levels with its jarring riffs and flooring drums—
Spitfire’s heaviest moments, for sure. Chaos intermittently reigns in
‘Crossed’,
‘Mother Earth in Labor’,
‘Brain Debris’, and others, but there are several, interlude tracks like
‘Apnea 1’,
‘Dawn Patrol’,
‘Track Marxist’,
‘Apnea 2’, and piano-filled closer that both slow the action and show a different side of the foursome. Aside from the music, the packaging is pleasing, even if it’s overtly political, because it features photos of animals and humans in various states and situations, plus a corporate logo or three.
When all is said and done,
Cult Fiction will likely appeal to fans of the usual suspects, which typically refers to
Botch,
Coalesce,
Converge,
Deadguy, and their ilk. While
Spitfire may or may not garner many year-end honors, I’m just glad they’re back on track. Here’s to the follow-up.
Official Spitfire Myspace
Official Goodfellow Records Website
