Artist of the Day: 10 Paces, Fire

Following up my 2012 top albums and EPs list, I wanted to make this post after I saw Twenty / Twelve come out last year; I didn't get around to it then, so I'm working on it now.

In 2010, 10 Paces, Fire shattered genre definition by releasing an album that was essentially progressive indie-rock fused with 90's emo, math rock, and post-rock, all with a solid vocal foundation. Released three years after their formation, Stop-Motion Recollections was a beautiful release that garnered them attention towards their sound, and helped them form their completely individualized niche in music. The album's sound was incredible - it struck deeper than emo on an emotional level, carried complexity matching up to any prog-rock band and sounded sincere and honest, much like any indie folk band would try to put forth on a record.

Mat's Albums and EPs of 2012

2012 was a great year for post-metal. Half of the albums on my list had something to do with post-metal, and I surprised myself by having two emo albums on there. However, my list pretty much explains itself, so I think it's better to follow through and read each description rather than explaining the list in the blurb up top. It is slightly important to note that I included some EPs I found notable, and separated the lists, rather than mash everything into one list. Click on the album or EP name to read our coverage.

Artist Of The Day: 10 Paces, Fire

You may remember seeing 10 Paces, Fire on my honorable mentions from last year. The band resurfaced in my memory when I won half off some merchandise for a silly little Facebook fan-page contest, and I received their full length, Lakes Refract & Lakes Reflect, in hard copy shortly after. You can read more about the album on my review of it, but honestly, I had so much as forgotten about it until I'd gotten that CD, and I started listening to it again.

Lo and behold, I was instantly immersed in a wave of nostalgia, thinking and analyzing the record before Andy Wambach's 90's pop-punk, not-so-in-tune whine kicks in on the second track, "Party Hats At 2 O'Clock," and quickly remembering just how truly brilliant I thought the album was on my first time through it. I was a little taken aback by how similarly I'd felt six or so months after release, but in the early morning, on my drive to the daily grind aboard gritty public trains, the record really picks me up emotionally.

Album Review: 10 Paces, Fire - Lakes Refract & Lakes Reflect

Album Rating: A

It's hard to find music that stays true to its roots, appeals to a wide audience, and contains a sort of depth that makes it truly relevant, while still remaining accessible to each and every person that takes an interest. 10 Paces, Fire has come up with some kind of black magic voodoo formula that satiates all of these requirements, and still surpasses expectations with clearly-burning brilliance and passion that makes it serious, light-hearted, and "underground" enough for snobbish hipsters. Lakes Refract & Lakes Reflect is a beautifully complex album in many ways, yet is completely down to earth at the same time. With tastes of everything from Moonlit Sailor to Manchester Orchestra to Minus The Bear, the album is emotional, exciting, deep, exhilarating, calming, creative, and most importantly, fun.

MuzikDizcovery Exclusive: 10 Paces, Fire - Lakes Refract & Lakes Reflect Album Stream

Today, we are happy to premier 10 Paces, Fire's brand new EP Lakes Refract & Lakes Reflect. Combining the post-rock like ambiance of Moonlit Sailor of with mathy rhythms a la This Town Needs Guns or Look Mexico and a little bit of 90's emo, 10 Paces, Fire gets the best out of their musical creativity while creating their own multigenred sound. You can stream the EP below, and purchase it on the band's Bandcamp page here.