Ignite "Our Darkest Days" (Abacus)
By Nathan Blaney
Friday. Jun 30, 12:01 AM
Long-awaited return of melodicore heroes was not in vain!

It may have been six years since the last Ignite album, but they’ve come back with what all their fans have been waiting for: a tight, fast, and melodic set of singalong anthems. Our Darkest Days fits nicely with the band’s previous two records, but stands clearly on its own as well. Instrumentally, the album delivers as expected, and that’s a good thing. Although his voice is unmistakable, Zoli seems to have tried some different things on this album. Most attempts are subtle, but I like them. I’m hearing a bit more Pennywise in there than I have in the past, and on a few songs Zoli seems to be channeling his inner Ray Cappo.

There are two things about Our Darkest Days that are bound be an issue for some people. First, Ignite have chosen to include a really random (but well performed) cover of U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” I know there are some who will hate it and some who will love it, so I’ll leave it to the individual to debate the merits of covering this particular song. I happen to like it, but it seems oddly out of step with the rest of the album and would probably have been better as a 7” b-side. Secondly, the album also concludes with the acoustic (a la Dashboard Confessional) track “Live For Better Days.” Nice song – very radio worthy – but like the cover, it’s strangely out of place. Forgivable sins, I suppose!

Long story short, Our Darkest Days is highly recommended and well worth buying, whether you’re a new listener or longtime fan!
www.igniteband.com
www.abacusrecordings.com

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Nathan Blaney

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