"What were you thinking, starting fires? Were you just trying, to reach the stars?"
People start fires for a number of reasons. Sometimes for warmth, sometimes to be seen and very often, especially during this time of the year, to get a party started.
It is for all these reasons that Starting Fires, the second full-length from melodically-grandiose pop rockers hue, will soon garner lots of attention. Not only does their honest take on songwriting produce lyrics for all walks of life, but their crisp, joyous sound has the ability to turn heads and make a statement. Gather around everyone: Starting Fires is going to be the record that launches the career of hue and will get the Canadian music scene talking.
The five-piece act hail from Toronto via London, Ontario, though there is a striking quality to Starting Fires that represents the country they call home. Produced by Youtube phenomenon Mike Tompkins, there is also a diversity throughout Starting Fires. The opening rush of the piano-driven ‘You Will Be’ highlights the band’s atmospheric side, and ‘Colours You Would’ shows off the band’s ability to pen a comfortable, toe-tapping number. With the range of sounds available on Starting Fires, it’s no surprise that hue plans to perform extensively to promote the record.
Fires always have the ability to spread quickly, and likewise, there is no track on the record that doesn’t deserve to be shared amongst friends, family and eager music lovers. ‘Follow,’ a soon-to-be pop-rock classic hints at a maturity and confidence within the band’s voice that is sure to find its way to radio soon enough. ‘Rooftops,’ while still displaying a mature touch, is a groovy track that will be sure to get listeners through tough times while the rallying call of ‘The Bump,’ the album’s closer will leave listeners wanting more. Piano and keys are an important part of hue’s classic, radio-friendly vibe; it’s hard to believe that this record is only the band’s second. Surely, there is able warmth on Starting Fires, more than enough to spread around.
“Idealism and enthusiasm carry the day on song after uplifting song.” - London Free Press (top 10 album of 2007 for their sophomore release)
Having supported such Canada indie rock mainstays as We Are Wolves, The Wooden Sky, Two Hours Traffic, Said The Whale, Hollerado, Lights, and Mother Mother throughout their careers, it’s clear hue have been studying up on what makes not only a solid recording band but a formidable live act as well. Teaming up with Tompkins who also worked on Shad K’s Juno winning album allowed the band to expand their sound, both in content and instrumentation. Midway through the recording of hue’s album, Timbaland hired Tompkins to work on his latest project while he is the second most subscribed Canadian on Youtube with over 40 million views and second only to Justin Beiber.
There are many reasons to start a fire, and there are just as many to hear hue’s Starting Fires. Bold, uncompromising and eager to spread its wings, like many an eternal flame, hue will not be fading away anytime soon.
For music and more info please visit: http://www.hearhue.com
Live dates here:
July 20th – Toronto, ON – The Piston *CD release show*
July 22nd – London, ON – Call The Office w/USS and Michou
July 28th – Hamilton, ON – The Casbah
July 30th – Kingston, ON – The Merchant Tap House
August 5th – Burlington, ON – Red Rooster Café w/See Spot Run
August 19th – Sarnia, ON – Paddy Flaherty’s
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