Fire Dances by Killing Joke

Fire Dances is the fourth studio album by English post-punk group Killing Joke and the first to feature new bass player Paul Raven. It was released in July 1983. The album was remastered and reissued in 2008, with eight bonus tracks. The bonus tracks include the non-album single "Me or You?"/"Wilful Days", an alternate version of "Dominator" (B-side to "Let's All Go (to the Fire Dances)"), an unreleased early version of "The Gathering" and four tracks from a John Peel session from 1983. Review After stalling a bit with their 1982 album "Revelations", Killing Joke nearly split up, with lead singer Jaz Coleman disappearing to Iceland in order to "survive the apocalypse." By the time Coleman returned to the band, bassist Youth was gone and replaced by Paul Raven, a perfect fit who would stay on board as the band found its way up the charts over the next few releases. As a reaction to all these comings and goings, this is a decidedly tribal album that opens with a track called "The Gathering," follows it with the "join the mob" anthem "Fun & Games," and features words like "we" and "us" throughout the album. The ultimate communal moment, "Let's All Go (To the Fire Dances)," is also the key track, with guitarist Geordie Walker bouncing between crunching barre chords and a Duane Eddy-on-steroids riff while Raven and drummer Paul Ferguson throb like a veteran rhythm section. Even if Coleman's lyrics are filled with venom as always, he's rounding up allies to fight the system here and considering the idea of connecting with his audience rather than just confronting them. "Fire Dances" bridges Killing Joke's primal past with their more melodic, accessible future and without compromising any of their thunder. Personnel Jaz Coleman - vocals, synthesizer Kevin "Geordie" Walker - guitar Paul Raven - bass guitar Paul Ferguson - drums, vocals This Compilation ℗ 2008 Virgin Records Limited