Recently, I ran the rule over Flock of Seagulls’ latest album, Some Dreams. In many ways, the group were the ultimate ’80s hair band, and I wonder if they were one of the acts that Adam + Attack by Fire had in mind while penning their latest track, All Good Hair Bands.

By Graeme Smith

Hailing from Apex, USA, Adam + Attack by Fire have featured twice before on this blog. In November 2024, I was introduced to their weird and wonderful world through their David Bowie and true crime-inspired single Chateau Clink. A month later, Rhythm That Was delighted me with a timeless composition and a sense of catharsis.

They’re one of those acts who are able to run the gamut of styles and approaches with ease. It makes them difficult to categorise but interesting to follow. Chateau Clink was edgy and poetic while Rhythm That Was pushed their sound into the world of folk rock.

All Good Hair Bands introduces ’80s synth to the repertoire. Yet it’s not all floppy hair and shoulder pads. There’s a darker, modern undercurrent about it too, especially in its surreal, picture-painting lyrics. They speak of greeting world-changing events with a shrug and a sigh and the downside of hedonism. Meanwhile, the instrumental constantly keeps you guessing, shifting rhythm and tempo with abandon. It’s delightfully experimental, and a breath of fresh air in a music industry that’s become overly manufactured.

Formed in 2019 and fronted by songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Adam Tarsitano, Adam + Attack by Fire certainly aren’t afraid to do things different and that’s why I come back to them time and time again. “There is something very special about having the freedom to experiment with different genres and sounds,” Adam says, “and also to mix and match all of those elements to create something new. All Good Hair Bands is a bit of a departure from most of my previous work in terms of overall sound, but its spirit of adventure fits directly into my catalogue.”

We’re not the only ones who think they’re neat. Earmilk suggested Adam is “creating his place in rock history” while Sinusoidal Music compared their sound to T.Rex, The Kinks, Mott the Hoople and, of course, David Bowie. It’s easy to see why they’re lighting up the blogosphere and will likely continue to do so. I can’t wait to hear what curveball they have for us next.

All Good Hair Bands is out now and you can give it a listen below.