OK – so when is a ‘Riot Grrrl’ band not a ‘girl band?’ How about when it has a BLOKE playing drums!! Darlington based four-piece, We Start Fires have been attracting increased mainstream media attention in the build-up to their recently released eponymously entitled debut album. 
Unfortunately, ‘misinterpretations’ and misquotes have resulted in one of the UK’s most promising young bands being portrayed variously as a bunch of loud foul-mouthed ladettes; a group of unabashed feminists with forthright and radical views on the subject, or just simply a ‘Riot Grrrl’ band.
“Well – we are ‘feminist’ in that we all believe in empowerment and equal opportunities etc,” explained bassist Nikki, “but sometimes it seems that reporters may have a hidden agenda when talking to us, and they focus purely on certain points and accentuate them to the exclusion of the main reason as to why we are chatting in the first place …. the music.”
“Yeah, and you’re right – they do tend to conveniently ‘forget’ Ashley and describe us as being a ‘girl band,’ which we’re quite obviously not. I mean Ashley is such a great drummer and a massive part of the band. We are four equal parts.” Singer and guitarist Becky was quick and proud to show support of her younger sibling. “To be honest though, I don’t think he gives a damn what’s said.”
She was right. “Playing in a band with three girls just means more ‘rider’ beer for me,” grinned Ashley when he joined us later.
Becky met synth player and vocalist Melissa at Sunderland University in 2002 – around the same time as Ashley and Nikki met at college in Darlington. On getting together as a group of friends and discovering so much in common with regard to music, film and art, they formed the band later that same year, and so started their long climb towards the summit of their chosen career.
At ‘base camp’ they self-released several 7” vinyl recordings, the last of which (‘Caught Redhanded’) was picked up on by John Peel no less, who included it in what was sadly his last Recordbox.
“We only managed that through sheer bloody-mindedness, though,” said Becky. “Originally, the show’s producer turned it away, but we didn’t let that stop us, and somehow managed to get hold of John’s home address, sent it direct and he actually liked it!” Becky’s face lit up at the memory.
‘Acclimatisation’ stopovers were then made with classy label Marquis Cha Cha, who issued several more 7” vinyls for the band, gaining more exposure, and garnering more positive, critical reviews.
Some three years down the line We Start Fires are ready for the final ascent. Now with new label Hot Noise, (set up by Independent Records Ltd to exclusively handle their output) and their album on the shelves of record stores up and down the country – as well as Japan where a promotional tour is also being arranged – a somewhat accelerated ascent it could be too.
You see, We Start Fires have the rather special, if not unique, ability of producing music which sits comfortably on the cusp of ‘mainstream’ and also the more ‘edgy, underground punky’ genres – recent proof being sessions on both Radio 2 but also Radio 6 Music. Their infectious style and (no offence intended to any ‘unabashed feminists’!) eye- catching image, reach out to both ‘all ages’ and more ‘mature’ audiences alike. On stage, they produce a real hard rocking set – if you enjoy the album, you’ll absolutely love the show! From Melissa’s frantic foot stomping and swirling hair as she hammers the keys and tweaks the knobs on her synth, through Becky’s aggressive, yet sultry delivery of the vocals, to Nikki’s stoical and smouldering gaze into the audience as she pounds her low-slung bass, the pace just doesn’t let up. Meantime, at the back of the stage, Ashley captures all the energy of the other three, instantly binds it together and through synergetic means, expels even greater bursts of vigour onto the well- worn skins. You wilt at your peril!
Comparisons with other bands are however inevitable, but are something that Becky and Nikki (who also run the prestige and successful Club Strut in Darlington) detest and are quite vociferous in their opinion.
“All we hear right now is ‘Blondie, Blondie, Blondie. Blondie this; Blondie that!! It’s just so LAZY!” That smouldering gaze mentioned earlier? It ignited! Nikki’s eyes reflected her abhorrence at the thought.
“You know, to be honest, when I read reviews that say I must have been idolising a poster in my room of Debbie Harry when writing certain songs, ……..!” Becky couldn’t finish the sentence. “I’ve NEVER had a poster of her or her band! We’re definitely more inspired by their image and that combination of punk and glamour, rather than being influenced by their music. Our influences are more along the lines of The Clash, Devo and even The Go Gos. Still, I guess everyone has his or her view,” she conceded as the wave of anger subsided and the real Becky returned.
All four agree that there is still a good bit of the mountain to climb. It will be an arduous journey, with many potential pitfalls. However, they have prepared as well as anyone out there. They are wholly professional in their approach, and have the determination and material to succeed. We Start Fires will reach that summit. They will then do as they’ve professed for five years now, and burn a beacon that will announce their conquest, whilst at the same time shine a warm and vibrant light to illuminate the path that others might follow.