Customer Reviews

Man on Fire

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's true they resemble a lot of artists from the 80's scene. And you can find any comparisons plausible. But we have to remember that Man On Fire didn't invent the Pop or Progressive scene.They are just playing with it and they do it so good that I'm inclined to state this to be ONE OF THE BEST NEOPROGRESSIVE BAND AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY. Get the CD; you will not be dissapointed.

This recent acquisition of mine is a pleasant surprise, as I had delayed getting it due to it getting too many rave reviews. Other than backing up the other reviewers, I would like to add a few of my own comments. First, I would have to classify this one as New Wave Pop redone 15 years after it's prime, with some Prog leanings, which really puts it in a class all by itself. I would best compare them to the poppier side of Saga mixed with Simple Minds, Duran Duran, and vocals being a cross between a subdued Geddy Lee and David Bowie. And believe it or not, most of this music is not danceable, as lyrics like Just Out Of Reach are what push it into prog territory. The one instrumental, called Hanglider, is almost fusion, with their dominant fretless bass (which takes center stage on most of the songs). Secondly, this CD manages to straddle the fine line between being an extremely polished production while not being overproduced, as the production on this is near perfect. For any prog fan who does not mind some well-crafted pop thrown into their musical recipe, Man On Fire is worth a try.

This is the record that won "The Prog-Net 1998 Reader's Poll Album of the Year Award". Well, is it really that good? I have to admit that it is surprisingly good. This is intelligent dark 80's Neo-Progressive Rock mixed with 80's New-Romantic Synth-Pop oriented groups. Here you get strong melodies, good musicians and interesting arrangements. You can hear similarities with ABC, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Peter Gabriel, Japan, Nik Kershaw, Pink Floyd, Power Station, Rush, Saga and Scritti Politti; a mix you haven't seen that often in progressive rock! That is also the unique thing about Man on Fire. The group is primarily a two-man band with guest musicians that share the drumming on this album. The bass work is influenced by Mick Karn of Japan. The vocals are sometimes close to Geddy Lee of Rush. Man on Fire may not be one of the most innovative progressive groups, but the overall feeling is convincing. This is one of the most impressive debut albums from 1998, and a must have for all lovers of Neo-Progressive Pop. I will definitely listen to this many times in the future. Recommended!

Man On Fire's eponymous debut is a hell of a find, an awesome, ambitious amalgam of Pop, New Wave, and Neo-Progressive Rock music. Synthesizing elements of acts like Peter Gabriel, 80's-era Yes, Rush, Thomas Dolby, Pink Floyd, Saga, and Depeche Mode into a magnificent, textured whole, this duo writes killer tunes that are both deep and polished. From the creatively rhythmic "Internal Combustion" to the flute-laced funk of "Not Just For America," the infectiously danceable prog of "One To Live, One To Die," the moody instrumental "Hanglider", and the radio-ready singles "The Rain And The Rainbow" and "Just Out Of Reach," "Man On Fire" sizzles from start to finish, over 65 minutes of dazzling performances and compositions. This is very possibly the most impressive debut album of 1998!

Man on Fire is an eclectic mix of hard charging cutting edge rock and roll combined with the melodic rythms and lyrics reminiscent of 80's classic art rock. They sound like a new age combo of Styxx, Rush, Yes and Kansas but with a force and sound unigue to the new millenium. VERY GOOD.

Cloyingly produced prog-pop cleanly delivers hooks in a typically non-moving manner.