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Fresh Squeezed: The Press Fire!
Merisa Libbey is a force that will soon have to be dealt with. One way or another is going to stomp all over your eyes and hearts. She, a registered dental hygienists, joined up three fellows known as The Press Fire! (TPF!) back in 2004 and completely changed the intensity of their sound. Rumor has it, she found the band through Craigslist by searching the keyword "Bikini Kill." For the last year TPF! has been a mainstay in the Los Angles scene, and now as they prepare to release their debut ep, Es Slash Tee, they are finally breaking on to the national scene.
In an era where it is nearly impossible to categorize bands, I suppose you could call their sound dance-punk, but it changes from track to track. On the lead single, "143", you have a synth filled track that is much cleaner and perhaps dialed back than say "Hipster Crickets". Regardless of classification you can not deny the energy and fierce attitude of Libbey, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
The Press Fire! - Es Slash Tee (self-released, July 9th)
1. 143 (mp3)
2. Deal Breaker
3. Hard To Break
4. Hipster Crickets (mp3)
5. Party Fowl
6. Pushed Too Far
Syndicate
Just did my column about these guys and their band has easily become a favorite of mine. I'm not usually drawn to female singers but Merisa's presence on the tracks alone makes me want to meet her, drink with her, and possibly break a wall.
While there is absolutely no doubt that Merisa brings a presence to the stage that can only be described as bruise-worthy, the band should be appreciated for the sum of all it's parts.
Clay, Justin, and Pepper are responsible for laying the musical groundwork for Merisa's in-your-face lyrics, and together all 4 of them can lead the eye stomping parade onto the national scene.
I didn't mean to slant the review too far in the direction of Merisa love and I apologize to the band. Of course each piece of a band is vital to the sound.
I've seen this band.. It's all about the girl... the drummer is good too.