It’s good thing there’s no tort of “sound and aesthetic borrowing,” because former RISE AGAINST guitarist Chris Chasse is probably guilty of such as it translates to his new band NATIONS AFIRE… and the band doing little to mask it. Off the strength of the lead song “Exit Strategy,” NATIONS AFIRE immediately impress with an arena-sized glossy anthem of driving melodic punk and hardcore. Steve Ludwig’s vocals are similar, though not quite in the same super-sized range of IGNITE’s Zoli Teglas (notable since NA feature Brett Rasmussen and Nik Hill, bassist and guitarist respective, from IGNITE), and the band’s generous backing and gang vocals once again bring up RISE AGAINST.  As a five song debut EP, the release works as a communication of style, songwriting ability, and musical talent – all three elements come through perfectly clear. But after “Exit Strategy,” the four remaining songs are a bit samey, and interchangeable, with only “Curtail Call,” showing an uptick of energy outside of the band’s mid-tempo comfort zone.  I want to believe a full-length will force NATIONS AFIRE to differentiate their songs more, and going heavier too wouldn’t be a bad thing. If you’re a purchaser of singles on iTunes, “Exit Strategy” is a song not to be missed.

- Self-Released CDEP, with a limited three song 7″ available from Think Fast Records