REVIEW: Firewater, The Ponzi Scheme (Universal)
- Lang Whitaker
If the "Spy vs. Spy" cartoon in Mad Magazine had a soundtrack, it would sound like Firewater's new album The Ponzi Scheme. Taking the unbeatable attitude of brit-rock and proselytizing it with the pop sensibility of The Beach Boys, Firewater creates a boisterous yet refined sound. Owing as much to the chutzpah of Anthony Quinn's Zorba the Greek as to The Eagles harmonic balance, on Ponzi, Firewater's second full album, the kids show us that they are alright.
After their debut album drew as much noise for its title (_Get Off The Cross, We Need The Wood For The Fire), the more controversial subjects are abstained from in order to focus on the music.
The ringmaster of Firewater's circus is lead singer Tod A., formerly of Cop Shoot Cop. He's totally British, faking the accent, but all balls, guts and lager. On "So Long, Superman" he manages to rhymes the phrase "...I will follow" with "...like Lou Ferrigno." A's scuffed baritone is gutteral and at odds against the clean arrangements.
Despite their clean sound, Firewater injects a soul and drive to the music so that it's not as hollow as Fastball.
There really aren't any duds on The Ponzi Scheme. The opening track, "Ponzi's Scheme," sounds relatively sinister yet orchestral, pitting brash horn stacks against guitars howling to be heard above the din. "Another Perfect Catostrophe" is a swarthy and romantic tango in Tijuana. Another shot of tequila please, senor. "Knock 'Em Down" is a pew stomping good time, a Civil War-era, anti-church hymn ("I don't believe in God because he don't believe in me," A. sings).
A real gem is the track "Isle of Dogs," which is surprisingly uplifting and, well, beautiful. It's a song where Firewater doesn't get caught up in their own war games, and as a result they are able to create a slow jam that borders on the serious.
Thankfully, the tongues are immediately shoved right back in cheek, exactly where they belong.
