Memphis-originated rock band Fireworks Over London debuted a collection of new songs and a new line-up at the Rutledge on April 7.
Since relocating to Nashville in 2009, Fireworks Over London has continued to evolve, and as someone who has been aware of this band since their days in Memphis, I can say that this most recent presentation is the most solid yet.
Sounding focused and mature, the band played a set consisting of all debuts. Singer Daniel Kenney opened their set by informing the crowd that this was the group’s first time to publicly perform any of these songs, and humorously added, “This is only a test.”
Newly-added auxiliary player Kyle Kelly added depth to the performance with background vocals, guitar accents, and floor-tom booming. An injection of tasteful technology in the way of an iPad acting as another auxiliary player without distracting from (or doing the job of) the live musicians. Most notably, the songs, as a collection, were the best I’ve heard from the band. Complementing their signature jangly guitar riffs and powerful drums and bass, I noticed a more focused song structure giving the tunes a feeling that these guys have hit their stride.
You can keep up with Fireworks Over London at their newly renovated website, fireworksoverlondon.com. –Jonathan Parrish