Bands with a lengthy history always face greater scrutiny when replacing key members for live shows, and even more stringent review when recording new material. Chicago’s The Effigies faced a difficult decision when they initially replaced deceased singer John Kezdy with Geoff Sabin, but feedback has been positive since they resumed. Kezdy passed in 2023 after a mysterious bicycle accident, leaving loved ones struggling to make sense of it all and putting The Effigies in limbo. Kezdy earned a reputation for explosive live performances and helped build Chicago’s DIY punk community, creating a subculture renowned for supporting unique artists with uncompromising ethos and a sonic onslaught that challenged fans. Together with his brother Pierre Kezdy of Naked Raygun, The Effigies are rightfully credited as one of Chicago’s premier underground groups that pushed Punk’s creative boundaries.
The Effigies could have folded and celebrated their legacy as one of the more creative hardcore/post-hardcore groups, but with renewed vigor and creative drive, they moved forward and began writing new material in preparation for Fire. Aim. Ready. This record features hook-laden riffs that are complex enough to quickly grab one’s attention but without forcing the idea of crafting music for the sake of complication in some vain attempt to sound unique. This is where The Effigies continue to distinguish themselves from their peers; they refuse to recycle proven riffs or retreat to creative safety by attempting to write simple hardcore music that will retain their core fanbase. Songs like Neighbors Divide feature well-paced interludes that reinforce the band’s strong rhythm section, driven by guitarist Andy Gerber and supported by Sabin’s guitar work. Rapid Decline drives forward with a simplistic main riff that undeniably proves the band’s power has done anything but decline! Maintaining their DIY ethos and hallmarks of confronting alienation, capitalism, and corruption, The Effigies maintain all the strength that defined them during their rise within Punk’s subculture in the ‘80s.
Fire. Aim. Ready. features lyricism examining the tech-driven modern society that thus far sadly proves new ways of government control that work at hyperspeed to drive division and capitalism, but there is nothing suggesting The Effigies are overly preaching to their audience. Lucy’s Song begins with their most accessible melodies and power pop sensibilities, but with lyrics filled with a more inspiring and positive call to action. Sabin’s vocals sound strong and melodic, with some frantic delivery that complements the more angular riffs of The Effigies. Sabin often sings in the key of REM’s Michael Stipe, in a lower register that doesn’t sacrifice power or melody when needed, and it sounds effortless, even when conveying anger. This record proves that bands with longevity can revisit the ol’ creative well without fear of running dry. Powerful, melodic, and unique, Fire. Aim. Ready. should be embraced by long-time fans and welcomed by new fans, perhaps changing the minds of jaded music lovers who complain that nothing new and engaging is being released. The record’s opening song title, Move Forward seeks to challenge that misguided notion.
