Engine of a Million Plots

Like most of the people writing a review on this album, I'm a fan who's been looking forward to this album for two years. I listened to it non-stop on Spotify before it came to my door. So yeah, you might not quite give it 5 stars, but give it a couple listens. Or a couple dozen.No, most of it doesn't fit into the 3rd wave ska genre, but come on, FIF stopped doing that by 2001 anyway (but if you must insist on that check out Less Than Jake's "See the Light", and then remember that they're still trying to make up for "In With the Out Crowd"). Lyrically, it's like a Five Iron Frenzy album but with themes of imagery related to fire and winter. Given the themes, this album doesn't have another "Every New Day" or "A New Hope." If you listen to the band's descriptions in interviews or on their promo video, they give a fair description of what to expect (including, yes, the drums are more distinct).The album feels like a solid work as a whole, and the arrangement of songs and transitions fit with the darker themes espoused in this album. But to really say something, I think you've got to discuss each track individually.Track by track:Against a Sea of Troubles - Kicking off your album with the first track taking a title from one of Shakespeare's best known soliloquies (Hamlet's "to be, or not to be" speech) makes a strong statement. A simple guitar melody with this crescendoing note in the background sets the stage for a different kind of album. Because of the long intro (you don't hear Reese until 0:52 in; and when he comes he comes in softly and wearily) the song sounds like it stops short. Doesn't really repeat a chorus enough to get stuck in your head. Parts that might have formerly used horns use a lot of background vocals. (There's also a great Shakespeare theater in town in Staunton, VA, where Reese lives now).So far - Has a Calvin and Hobbes feel to it; contrasts the mellowness to a high-energy fun song. Employs child-like imagination (superhero imagery) and grammar ("so far, well mostly so far it's all been you"). Use of horns builds through the song, then it fades out. Can't help but contrast it to the self-mocking "so far, so bad" from TEIN.Zen and the Art of Xenophobia - this is probably the most classic Five Iron song so far, a great source of under-appreciated biting satire, really an indictment of the way conservative Christians view foreigners (also the jab "Jesus was American" is the only use of Jesus' name on the album). You get the full effect from the video. But if you enjoy this song, the terrorists win.We own the Skies - speaks to what it's like for the band. They're touring largely on weekends trying to fill in what they can, and this song seems to mourn the loss of what was left of their youth. Again, the horn riffs are there, but there are a lot of parts where what would have once been horns becomes background vocals.Someone Else's Problem - reggae feel like "See the Flames," but the lyrical themes are more like American Kryptonite. Kinder and gentler than some of FIF's evils of capitalism stuff, but the second verse spells out what they're saying.I Am Jack's Smirking Revenge - something of a counterpart to "Farewell to Arms," but a bit kinder and gentler. Speaks to both the combative and those who are either proud or anxious over their material situation. The chorus alludes to John 21. Horns here sound like where you'd hear horns on an Aerosmith song, but still add to the song well.To Start a Fire - Great horn riff to kick it off, and this would be a likely candidate for track 1 on an older FIF album; probably the most prominent trumpet on the album. That might have been a good strategy with this one, though, as my impression is that it's a good song, but I don't find myself getting as excited about this one.Battle Dancing Unicorns With Glitter - This track is the latest sequel to Suckerpunch and You Can't Handle This, and I can somehow imagine Reese singing it to his daughter before bedtime.Into Your Veins - This would be the other candidate for track 1 on an older FIF album. The horn riff sounds a lot like the chorus from The Offspring's "Hit That." Also heh, Reese is a nurse now.It Was a Dark and Stormy Night - This is the song that was released two years ago, and they put it way down on the track listing. Smart to get you to listen to the whole album again. The transition from the previous track into this one fits so nicely though, that you won't think that the songs were written 2 years apart.I've Seen the Sun - Dennis wrote the words for this one - this would have been the last track on an earlier album, possibly. Same themes of fire/sun/warmth against cold/winter/darkness. "Everything's gonna be all right."Blizzards and Bygones - Ties together with Against a Sea of Troubles. Scott wrote the lyrics, final line asks a question of whether one can really handle seemingly endless harshness, a bit reminiscent of a land where it's always winter, never Christmas.

If I could do a song by song synopsis to do this band justice, I would. I will tell you this, Five Iron Frenzy hasn't skipped a beat. Every track illuminates subjects like faith in the unseen, Christ's death, resurrection and return. a look at narrow minded beliefs, empowerment as a believer, inspiration, and to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at you. A little humor gets chucked in for good measure. Check out the song "Robot Dancing Unicorns With Glitter" . Sounds like the perfect recipe for a good time. Reese Roper as the band's frontman, cuts to the chase with his witty introspective lyrics. Songs like "Against a Sea of Troubles", "So Far", "Blizzards and Bygones", Zen & The Art of Xenophobia, "Into Your Veins" " I Am Jack's Smiling Vengeance" and "To Start A Fire" are ingenious. And I love hearing how well the horns, bass guitars, lead guitars and synthesizers sound on this album. It's been crafted and mastered very well. There are no interludes, no commentary, It's just BAM!! straight to the music in each track with a setup that will knock you out of your boredom. FIF's 1,2 punch delivery with the background vocals, and powerful notes from the lead singer. How can he sing that high, Reese Roper is really talented. Song choruses have been treated with dutiful care, incorporating a generous placement of "ooh's and ah's (sung of course) in each song." Song structure isn't layered on too thick, mostly with each verse, a chorus and maybe a vamp or repeat of the chorus at the end. But, they all sound so good! The rhythmic prowess from Reese Roper and company are at their best on this album. The fact that he rhymes with xenophobia on track 3, that alone deserves a purchase. With the many thanks to the generosity of it's fanbase, the band delivered what fans have been asking for. Engine of Million Plots clocks in around solid half hour for your listening enjoyment. So you can listen to it, and not feel bad about skipping a track or so. And get back to cutting the lawn, or being mad stuck in traffic, But, why would you do that?! Play this album over and over again, at least until the point where you can sing word for word with Mr. Roper. My only gripe is that the album is a little on the short side, But for the low, low price here on Amazon, you can't go wrong. The musical showmanship that the band will give you is like getting a gift within a gift on Christmas. Maybe, its a robotic dancing unicorn with glitter. LOL Here's to many more years of Five Iron Frenzy keeping the party going. They went all out on this one. i love it! Pick this one up if you have a love for ska music, clean, non-radio mainstream sounding music, Christian bands with awesome names, Jesus, puppies, kittens, and killer whales. Oh and tell your friends!

This isn't a review of the music itself because 1) I have terrible taste in music, and 2) Five Iron Frenzy is terrible music (quoting Reese Roper on any Five Iron song - "Hope you hate it.")This is a review of the experience I have listening to this album, and I think that's what FIF wants; they want people to have an experience that's not just worthwhile, but meaningful. It's supposed to be meaningful for people who aren't spiritual as much as it is for those who are (Scott Kerr isn't a Christian and makes no apologies for it, unless you use 'apology' in the classical sense of defending his reasoning). Five Iron is, and has always been, a band that wants you to do the following things:-Have fun-Don't take the wrong things too seriously-Take the right things very seriously-Question what you believe, question what others believe, and question everything in generalI thought about giving this album a 1 star review, because I thought that would be fitting considering what the band stands for, but I'll instead give it 5 with this last closing comment. Five Iron found me (or I found it) at a point in my life from which I nearly didn't survive. The music isn't a magical formula that solved the sadness and depression that nearly buried me but the lyrics told me something I had never heard before - sometimes, in those dark times, you will be overcome with sorrow and rightfully so. Embrace it. Endure it. Hold on to whatever you can and step by step, make it through it. In that pain, and in that suffering, you will find the greatest treasures in life. Just don't give up.That's what Five Iron is, that's what Five Iron does, and that's why I love this album.

The vinyl packaging is fantastic and the quality is outstanding. However this doesn't make a fantastic vinyl album all by itself. The music feels like a breath of fresh air, lyrics sung with feeling, a beat you can rock to and outbursts of jazz from the brass section to lift the entire experience. Whether you are a newor long term fan of Five Iron Frenzy you will love this record. In fact even if you've never heard them before buy it and give it a go. I honestly can't reccomend this Record enough.(also it arrived 5 days early! much joy )

Ich liebe diese Musik und besonders dieses Album von FIF, es ist einfach cool. Die Texte sind sehr durchdacht, witzig und mit guter Aussage noch dazu. Die Songs sind abwechslungsreich und spassig.

As a long time FIF fan I was excited and skeptical of this new album. It is very different, but its just as good. I live the lyrics sober yet fun and full of hope. Musically they have improved over the years as well, this us less ska and more just good honest music. Plus vinyl! Packaging is great, art work done by earth worm Jim artist I think.

thank you, just, THANK YOU