Strive
Fire
4/5
The Chicago based rock/pop band comprises of Derek Thompson - lead singer songwriter - also on piano; Rich Klucklow on bass and rounding off the trio is Will Puth on guitars. They recently signed with “GoDigital” records and “Fire” is their latest album to be released under this label.
Without question, the band members are genuine, insightful and have their fingers firmly on the pulse with regards to current affairs. The selfless message they are sending through their music embodies all that is pure, uplifting and thought provoking, as they encourage listeners to explore and discover what drives them as individuals and to use their passions in a positive manner, to make a difference.
“Fire” opens with the song “Smallest Things”, a truly inspiring track both lyrically and instrumentally and one with an uplifting impact. To mention but a few equally enthralling songs that follow, “Silent Like a Secret” which is the first single to be released from the album, is a beautiful song that evokes emotions deep within as you are encaptivated by the lyrics, also the heartfelt, powerfully sincere tones of Thompson’s voice - a sure-fire hit; “Leave With Me”, a piano driven track conveys such an honest message that you succumb to it entirely. The track “Fire” explores and expresses how it feels to be so enamored by someone when you first fall in love and is yet another memorable song on a CD that showcases the tremendous talents of this band with their endless will for optimism.
If Strive continue to produce albums like “Fire”, encompassing reality and sincerity within their music, then they will indeed be 'striving' towards a hugely successful career, attracting a large fan base. This is a CD you will not tire of and one that takes you on a worthwhile, passionate journey. I will definitely be adding it to my collection.
+Juliette Amor
August 9, 2008
