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AS DECEMBER FALLS keep pushing their sound on their fourth album Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine. The Nottingham pop-rock band have carved their path through grit and determination. Their breakthrough album, 2021’s Happier saw them reach a wide fanbase, and their 2023 follow-up Join The Club saw them hit the number one spot on the UK Rock and Metal and Independent Albums charts. They even reached Number 11 on the UK Official Album chart, narrowly missing out being in the Top 10. Despite their success, the band are still carefully balancing their day jobs and being in the band, Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine is a raw and honest look at what being an independent band is like in 2025. It is also for anyone chasing their dreams and trying to make a living.
Opening song Burn It All Down is a synth-backed introduction to the album, highlighting lead singer Bethany Hunter‘s haunting vocals before launching into the title track, a bass-heavy rock song that will have listeners bopping their head along to the catchy beat. The song even has some vocal distortion, which adds a unique edge. The lyrics are relatable, regardless of where you are in life, as we’ve all felt out of control at times.
Something that is noticeable about this album is that it is full of surprises. AS DECEMBER FALLS throw everything into this record. Whether it is the grunge-infused Ready Set Go that includes a metalcore breakdown near the end, Therapy‘s synth-pop-punk sound, the pop-rock of For The Plot, which is about relying on best friends in the wake of heartbreaks, or the fast-paced electro-rock of Fall Apart, the album works because every song has time to breathe. Despite often short runtimes, AS DECEMBER FALLS show that with the right amount of care and attention to detail, short runtimes work in any genre.
Another thing that sets AS DECEMBER FALLS apart from other bands are their lyrics. Whether it’s describing heartbreak (Bathroom Floor), showcasing vulnerability (Angry Cry and Grim Reaper), or the self-destructive thought patterns that we all have (Sometimes I Hurt My Own Feelings), the band leave no stone unturned, creating an album that is relatable to any situation. Closing song This Isn’t Us is a stripped-back song that consists of just a guitar, drum, and Hunter‘s voice. It’s a haunting closure that brings the album full circle, and the heartbreak in Hunter‘s voice moves the listener to tears.
Overall, Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine is an album for everyone. Whether you’re heartbroken, stressed over the pressures of life, or don’t know what you’re doing, there is a song on here for any occasion. AS DECEMBER FALLS craft an album that is a labour of love and a therapy session rolled into one. The album’s lyrics are raw and unfiltered, and the band shed off their pop-punk label – and keep the audience on their toes – by throwing in every genre, from synth to rock, and creating something truly unique. AS DECEMBER FALLS‘s hard work has paid off.
Rating: 9/10
Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine is out now via self-release.
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine – As December Falls appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
