The title track, "We Are All Fire," is repeated three times in three varieties: as the broken instrumental "intro," the proper song itself (final track of side-a) that sees a slight moment of hip-hop (I believe), and as the grandiose "outro." At times, songs like "Asking" and "Nations" remind me of bands such as Neutral Milk Hotel or Emperor X, as Filepp takes his comforting, Beck-like voice and strives for higher, unexplored notes (Mike Doughty comes to mind as another reference meant compliment). "Slow Song" accurately wraps up all of the efforts of this album; you'll find yourself bouncing your head to this downbeat-indie-pop-gem as if it was the latest jam by Prefuse 73.
The packaging for 'We Are All Fire' is what initially caught my eye. The fire-like illustration and overall theme are very warming like the fire that's been burning for the past week as I've been taking in this album. At first glance, I would have pegged this to be a summertime album. But after having listened to it continuously fireside, the night-loving wintertide nature of 'We Are All Fire' is more evident and welcomed.
I'll have to say, the only strike against this album is that someone had the idea of putting a sticker with the band's name and title of the album on the actual record jacket. I'm hoping this was a mistake at the manufacturing plant and it was supposed to go on the outside of the plastic wrapper instead, because otherwise it makes no sense; its simply not needed.
What I do like is that there is no digital download card inside the record; that's got balls. If you are releasing music on vinyl, you obviously understand and appreciate the many benefits and finality of vinyl. It's so easy for record labels and bands to include a digital download card, and trust me... I'd be a hypocrite to say I didn't appreciate it when they do. But recently, as a consumer of music solely on the vinyl medium, and one that does utilize the digital download cards to put the music on an iPhone for mobility, I've begun to respect those labels and artist that choose not to provide this digital fix for their listeners. Everyone knows that the music quality is diminished when it is converted to an MP3 file; this is a fact. So when a record is release on vinyl without providing a digital download card, you are forced as the listener by the label or artist to take in that album through one fashion only... the physical vinyl record that you're holding in your hands. And being that it was most likely your choice to pay money for that record, you obviously already support the analog side to the digital argument ...which is what brought me to the realization that it is a badass-ballsy move (that I like more and more) when a record label or a band such as Fake Four Inc., Circle Into Square, or Cars & Trains release their vinyl records without a digital download card. It demonstrates their own level of respect for the music and commitment to quality. Nice job guys; my hat goes off to you (again, balls).
The packaging itself is very simplistic and well thought out, like Cars & Trains' music. The congruence between each element is spot on, not exaggerated. The translucent gold vinyl is classic and exactly what it should be. There is very little text, and no liner notes; again, a brave move that not every band has the kahonas to pull off. The album (music + artwork) speaks for itself, and I like it what its saying.
