With it being fully into 2020, there are many bands set to release new music. One of the most anticipated albums this year has been Asking Alexandria’s new offering, ‘Like a House on Fire’. Following their most recent release which welcomed vocalist Danny Worsnop back to the fold, the hype for this album was relentless. Coming off a worldwide tour for their self-titled album released in 2017 and backing vocalist and guitarist, Ben Bruce’s work with the television drama, Paradise City, who knows when these guys had the time to record new music. But, they pulled it off. Working with Matt Good, who has also produced Hollywood Undead and From First to Last, AA seems to have adopted that highly produced, commercially successful crossover sound enjoyed by such bands. Keeping the same roster with Worsnop on vocals and Bruce on backing vocal and guitar, James Cassells on drums, Cameron Liddell on guitar, and Sam Bettley on bass help to keep the band grounded in their roots while expanding their musical capacity.
‘Like a House on Fire” is evidence of lead songwriter, Ben Bruce’s, emerging maturity regarding songwriting and also in his personal life as detailed in the few interviews he’s done in recent weeks. The record opens with “House on Fire” which has a slow synth opening leading to a decidedly pop-heavy track almost reminiscent of mid-2000s Maroon 5, not unlike many songs on this record. “They Don’t Want What We Want (And They Don’t Care)” is a good example of today’s anthem rock. It still has that pop feel but it’s fairly heavy in comparison to the rest of the album. “Down to Hell” pulls from many different musical influences but tends to stray from the classic AA sound. “Antisocialist” is one of the early singles from the album. It has the staple catchy chorus and edgy lyrics proclaiming to “…please stay away from me ‘cause I don’t f’n like you…”. This is more relevant in this day and age than most care to admit. “I Don’t Need You” is a slower-paced track with added vocals from UK-based singer/songwriter Grace Grundy. Upon opening, it sounds much like a full-blown hip-hop song. As a music reviewer, I can appreciate different musical styles and techniques. I just was not expecting programmed drums and backbeats. “All Due Respect” follows in this same vein.
“Take Some Time” and “The Violence” are two more that take me back to 2000s Maroon 5. It pains me to even say that. “The Violence” does have an overarching metal edge that stands out. “One Turns to None” has a groovy drum line that’s kind of entertaining. “It’s Not Me (It’s You)”, “Here’s to Starting Over”, “What’s Gonna Be”, “Give You Up”, while all are good overall compositions, they have that more pop, radio-play feel than has been apparent on any of AA’s previous discography. “Lorazepam” rounds out the 15-song lineup which sounds straight-up radio-ready although it has a rather odd and abrupt ending.
With all of this being said, while this record is definitely a departure from what we’ve grown to know and love about Asking Alexandria, this new chapter of the band is just as valid. While delicately treading the border of overproduction, and falling over the border on a few occasions, their new music is somehow more thoughtful, it’s well-written and still has a hint of the classic AA sound. Is it heavy? No, not particularly. But, it does still rock and will translate well to a live setting.
