The first time I listened to Light Up, I had a big problem with it; I wasn't listening to it loud enough. This trio of veterans deserves your full attention and if you aren't willing to give it, Just a Fire's rugged performance on the album will grab it. Although already known for their previous work with June of 44, Sweep the Leg Johnny, and Abilene, singer/bassist Fred Erskine, guitarist Chris Daly, and drummer Scott Adamson manage to fashion a collection of tracks capable of dismissing any sort of identity only by association.

Just a Fire's ability to mold anxious dissonance is inherent. Daly's tinny, but full distortion enhances his abrasive chords and accents the angular melodies sitting in precarious harmony over Erskine's bass. Pushing all this forward is Adamson with his ability to construct beats that perfectly punctuate. Just like the band's musical style, Erskine's vocal style isn't exactly what one would call orthodox, but with the amount of energy and passion present, it's easy to dismiss the fact that they aren't really in key.

More impressive than the lively punk-inspired tracks are those with more obvious reggae roots. Even on tracks such as "Graduation" with a more relaxed tempo, Erskine's sincerity is demonstrated. However, there is one track where Erskine's vocals weren't required; "Gradubation", the dub version of the aforementioned "Graduation" makes it clear for anyone still questioning it that reggae is a definite influence.

Even though most initial interest in Light Up will undoubtedly be driven by the member's prior projects, Just a Fire's ability to innovate and blend their influences will make them a distinct entity and worthy of more than just a curious diversion from their other work.