Search - Supagroup :: Fire for Hire

Kenneth W. (Eyesore) from TAUNTON, MA
Reviewed on 12/4/2007...

Never judge a book by its cover, people say. Not a bad suggestion, but generally one that no one adheres to. I've been seeing albums by Louisiana's Supagroup in stores for years now, and I've always figured them to be some weird indie rock band. When I was asked to review their upcoming album, Fire For Hire, I almost just declined the request without a second thought, but there was a link included in the e-mail to Supagroup's latest video "What's Your Problem Now?," so I checked it out. Whoa, now...this isn't indie rock! I thought. "What's Your Problem Now?" was a modern take on old school rock 'n' roll, akin to the almighty AC/DC. The next day I picked up their self-titled album from the used bin at a local music shop. Again, it wasn't indie rock, and I found myself very impressed. Since first checking out their video I've acquired three albums, including Fire For Hire, and each one is a solid slab of good time rock 'n' roll.

So-called "retro rock" has been on the mainstream platter in moderate amounts the past few years, with bands like Wolfmother, Priestess, and Airbourne making waves. Unlike their fellow "retro rock" brethren, Supagroup has been plugging away for over ten years now, releasing their debut album in 1996. It's easy for people to just write off "new" bands when they feel the bandwagon is getting a bit crowded, but Supagroup has put the time in, and if the three albums I own are any indication, Supagroup sits high upon the ladder.

Fire For Hire is introduced with the outstanding old school rocker "What's Your Problem Now?" With an opening declaration that they're here to "kick your ass," you can expect a good dose of the rock 'n' roll cliches and excess. Some will complain about this, but what's rock 'n' roll without a little indulgence -- or a lot? "Born In Exile" and "Lonely At The Bottom" step up to the plate next and hit back-to-back homeruns. "Sold Me Down The River" and "Jailbait" infuse some of their southern roots, most evident on "Jailbait," the Winger-esque ode to underage foolery. The album steamrolls along at a steady pace, revealing gem after gem. Among them: "Promised Land", a solid rock tune with a chorus that brings to mind a gospel choir; "Long Live Rock" states the obvious, but in undeniable fashion; and rock lessons are belted out in "Hey Kiddies."

Lead by the brothers Chris and Benji Lee -- the former doing his best Bon Scott imitation throughout much of the album -- Fire For Hire is twelve tracks deep in solid, old school rock 'n' roll fun. There is nothing outwardly original here, but good music remains such no matter how original it may or may not be. Not so different from Canada's Priestess and Australia's AC/DC clones Airbourne, Supagroup clearly knows how to craft quality rock songs in the spirit of good time rock 'n' roll. Fire For Hire doesn't disappoint.

Website: http://www.supagroup.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/supagroup

Great Album

Rhinestone K. | Dallas, TX | 01/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This review is simply to counterbalance the one star rating that "music man" left for whatever store (which is never even named!) that sold him the album. Why in the world people can't figure out that a review is for the PRODUCT and not the company is beyond my understanding. Supagroup does not deserve to be punished! This is an awesome hard rock album. Fans of their previous efforts will not be disappointed."

AWESOME!

Angel A. Jara Jr. | santa cruz, ca | 10/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"if you like SUPAGROUP, you will not be dissapointed with their latest. it rocks and we should all "Bow Down"!"