If you don’t turn off your stereo within the first 20 seconds of FireBonfire’s EP, chances are you’ll find yourself 21 eye-opening minutes later, desperate for more. Charmingly dissonant and eclectic, this Winnipeg group sounds like a series of boss battles from “Sonic the Hedgehog” accompanied by a few surf rockers, a cellist and some excellent poetry. Though the numerous musical themes in each song sometimes jumble together, the result isn’t necessarily bad. The combination of quick, powerful guitar work, lyrical cello lines and schizophrenic synthesizer ornaments works as an excellent counterpoint to the solid vocal melodies. The EP as a whole becomes catchier with each listen, both lyrically and musically. FireBonfire’s self-released EP attains an excellence in songwriting and production quality with just enough essence de garage to warm a Winnipegger’s heart. Maybe even in winter.

Published in Volume 65, Number 5 of The Uniter (September 30, 2010)