By: David Schultz

Fronted by Ed Anderson, one of the hardest working songwriters in the game, Backyard Tire Fire have developed one the broadest repertoires, surpassing by leaps and bounds what you would expect of a young band from Illinois. Anderson, who writes new songs at an inhuman pace, draws inspiration from a vast spectrum of road house styles: outlaw country, blues and classic rock. Depending on where they play, Backyard Tire Fire – rounded out by Tim Kramp (drums) and Ed’s brother Matt Anderson (bass) – can easily transform themselves into any region’s greatest bar band.

Their latest album, The Places We Lived, finds the Tire Fire in a reflective period, pausing to take a look around and noting what’s changed. It’s a modest shift from the raucous Vagabonds and Hooligans and adds depth to an already deep catalog. Without becoming a list of grievances, The Places We Lived consists of Anderson’s sense of frustration with the people around him (“Everybody’s Down”); the consequences of speaking his mind (“Shoulda Shut It”); the concept of marriage (“Legal Crime”) and of people who just won’t leave (“How In The Hell Did You Get Back Here?”).

BTF approaches this album with an ear towards the studio setting, focusing on delivering the song as opposed to a visceral impact. “Welcome To The Factory” clanks along in a slight homage to “Welcome To The Machine” and “Rainy Day (Don’t Go Away)” nicely uses tape hiss to replicate the melancholy effect of a downpour. Places puts an emphasis on Anderson’s vocals, which are more suited towards Johnny Cash style dissertations than some of the album’s more personalized offerings. On the stripped down songs, Anderson’s voice draws attention away from the nicely plotted melodies; however, in pushing his vocal limitations to convey the proper emotion, he adds a strained quality that perfectly suits the thoughtful vibe and somewhat troubled sentiment of the album. Those who like their Tire Fire raw and pissed off will not be disappointed; The Places We Lived is far from ten songs of mediation. “How In The Hell Did You Get Back Here?” zips along with angry guitars and a properly righteous growl, “Time With You” motors along on Tim Kramp’s driving drums and on “One Wrong Turn,” Anderson belts out a prisoner’s song of regret over a wonderfully boozy saloon hall piano.

The Places We Lived is being released by HYENA Records, a label with a fine knack for finding young artists with unlimited potential. In teaming up with Backyard Tire Fire, HYENA does nothing to jeopardize that sterling reputation.

Labels: Backyard Tire Fire