Underground reviews our EP

Hi all,

The great feedback from fans and listeners keeps on coming in, especially with the latest review given by Bun from the Underground website. Bun really talks us up big and makes me feel glad to be a member of FBI. I am really happy that we can have this effect on people. I love how he comments on us not only having a great CD, but that it reflects our great live performances. You know we try to give you everything we've got everytime you see us, and more. Have a look below to see the article he has written about us.

In other news, we are taking a break from shows until we go back to The Vine for an all ages gig on the 6th of February. But, we are not sure when we will have the next +18 show (at a bar) in Hong Kong, because we want to try and create a few more new songs before we start gigging properly in 2009. One thing I would like to know is this: Are you sick of hearing the same old songs? Do you want to hear some new songs? What songs can't you get enough of (that you want to hear more)?

We will make sure next time we play for you that we play all of your favourites, plus some new numbers which I can tell you right now, are going to be just as good, or even better than our last set. 

Some exciting news is that there has been talk about us going to the Macau Underground at the end of February and even talks of us flying to Singapore in April to be part of a festival. But nothing is confirmed as yet. When it is all confirmed you can be assured that we will keep you in the loop.

For now, enjoy the review below:-

Peace

Cain

http://www.undergroundhk.com/v2/?page_id=486

[CD Reviews

碟評](http://www.undergroundhk.com/v2/?page_id=54)> Fire Bird International EP - F.B.I.

Hard-working F.B.I. is a local favourite. They don’t seem to lack performance invitations. On an average month you can catch them in three or four separate shows. And Cain, lead vocals, never lets up on his delivery, unless he is either very sick, or lost his voice completely. So, after more than a year of playing together, they have put out an EP of six songs. Not tired of giving more, they also included two bonus tracks, which were previously published in Underground’s compilation double-CD “Something Alternative”.  The EP was recorded at K-Town Studios, which is closely associated with Soler, the brothers duo. Still, it maintains all the necessary independent components. The production is “directed” by F.B.I. themselves, and the EP release is self-published, even though we’re reaching a stage where there are no shortage of indie labels in Hong Kong. It’s important to also point out that Soler made friends with them first, which led to this production benefit.

F.B.I. is a live band first and foremost; they wear matching T-shirts, and both guitarist Archvictor and bassist Jerald print “F.B.I.” boldly on their guitar straps; all four of them have incredible stage presence; they communicate endlessly with the audience; some of the members stare constantly at their girlfriends. Still, the EP captures their live essence successfully, whereas some bands can lose their power when recorded. Put it this way, play their EP at a party, and you don’t have to worry that you can’t put a live band in your living room for your own anniversary party (whatever it is you want to celebrate).

And true to the party spirit, the EP plays like a good party. It starts with the hit “ Man Love! (not in a gay way)“, moves onto the adrenaline pumping metal number “ The Masquerade“, then, yeah, yeah, a breather and time to look into a gal’s eyes, a ballad of all ballads “ Loneliness“, and, afterwards, sure, we’re “ Gonna Make Love“, which features Chris B in a play even her husband probably would envy. Cain shows us some more loving through “ Haunted“, and the main portion of the EP ends with “ Ghouls ‘n’ Ghosts“, an energy-lifting graveyard rocker. Two bonus tracks “ Man Love!” and “ Don’t Quit Your Day Job” completes the CD. A friend said, “Listening to F.B.I. is like listening to a mixed tape.” Now you should understand.

In an interview (probably in all their interviews), F.B.I. explained that their strength is in four guys bringing along their stuff and everyone contributing to make that into a collection of great pop tunes. In fact, the EP itself should serve as an invitation to their live shows, where you could hear even more musical styles they have not included (like - rap?), and experience their incessant love for cover songs. And have I mentioned the incredible live performances? Not just one guy. All four of them.

Reviewed by Bun Ng

December 2008