If I were told to describe Miramar in one sentence, I would probably say that they are 5 musicians on a mission to deliver a message. Hailing from Oz, formally known as Australia, Miramar are described as being a combination of alternative and progressive, with hardcore characteristics lining the remainder of the mix. If you’re a fan of bands like I-Exist, Absolute Asylum and Resolve to Burn, you will most likely dig Miramar (according to Last.fm). These guys are driven by their passion to create music and this album displays it in spades. The real question: will Miramar find a meaningful place in our hearts and minds, or will listeners send them walking down that yellow brick road back to Oz?

Miramar’s debut album Fight Lights Up The Skies is a powerhouse. Melding accessible alternative with hardcore breakdowns, keyboards/pianos and some guttural screams that often seem to reach for the heavens, the band explodes onto the scene with more than just a bone to pick and a world to conquer. With songs like “We Are The Future” and their title track “Fight Lights Up The Skies”, their style is truly defined and their power is engraved in stone. Each track is driven by Craig’s emotionally-charged vocals which seamlessly soar from one spectrum to the other; accompanied by crunchy guitar, hammer-ons and politically/socially charged lyrics. “Fight Lights Up The Skies” commands your undivided attention with guttural battle cries, accompanied by infectious bounce and a guitar line that will get you singing along to the closing chorus. This is by far one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Songs like “Breathe”, “Tonight” and “We Were The Future” strive to expose a different aspect of the band. “We Were The Future” opens up with an acoustic strum, accompanied by a meaningful piano line and a helping of Craig’s captivating vocals. This track delivers their ultimate message: “Look at us now, we are the way, we are the future”, in regard to the human race and their own generation. It is indeed one of their definitive tracks.

In my opinion, there is no doubt that Miramar is a force to be reckoned with. Despite their power and delivery, their debut album has some drawbacks. Although most listeners probably won’t pick up on it, the entire album was recorded with the volume cranked. The amount of clipping on each song, especially their intro, is a prime example of what I’m referring to. For those of you who aren’t familiar with clipping, it occurs when a signal exceeds the maximum range available. The result is a signal that is “clipped” or flattened at its peaks (learn more). You’ll hear this the most on the opening guitar chords. Miramar’s debut album needs a mastering overhaul in general. The guitar often sounds muddy where it should command the track, and the bass is often times non-existent in the mix. There are also times where Craig’s vocals could be tightened up in the control department. Sometimes his vibrato and changes are shaky and shift off key.

Despite its drawbacks, Miramar’s debut album Fight Lights Up The Skies is a memorable introduction that is soaked with aggression, raw emotion and devotion to a passion. I think that with the right mastering and a record label contract to back them, Miramar could have a loving fanbase and a long-time career in the world of music. These guys are determined and it shows through in their music. I hear you loud and clear, Miramar and you’ve earned a new fan.

4.0/5