From a global pandemic threatening everything we knew as normal, to civil unrest based on race, sexuality and belief, 2020 will go down as one of the hardest years in human history. Throughout these trying times, the music industry has been one of the hardest hit – with bands unable to tour, their main source of income has vanished. Some bands have folded as a result, whilst others have hit new heights of creativity. For Fever 333, these challenging times are what they are all about.
In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, Jason Aalon Butler joined the marches and protests for 13 days. On the 14th day, Butler started to write this EP, the third official collection of tracks for this band. Taking inspiration from all of the social injustice happening around the world every day, Butler channels his rage and gives one of the most passionate vocal performances of the year.Â
Opening with the venomous ‘Bite Back’, Butler spits his lyrics with precision, demonstrating his innate ability to ride any rhythm or beat put in front of him. As the chorus picks up the distortion, Stephen Harrison down tunes his guitar, playing an almost industrial level riff, whilst Aric Improta pummels his drums with fury. There’s always been more than a hint of Rage Against The Machine influence in Fever’s music, but it’s increased tenfold here, both musically and lyrically. This is a band who are not afraid to speak their minds.Â
‘Block Is On Fire’ comes straight out of the 90s hip-hop playbook, with Butler slinking his way through his delivery. With one of the simplest choruses and an incredibly catchy guitar riff from Harrison, this is a song that will find its way into many people’s heads. The title track ‘Wrong Generation’ continues the hip-hop sound, with percussion led beats punctured by Harrison’s buzzsawing guitar. Then there’s the mosh call of “you fucked with the wrong generation”, before we’re launched into an explosive breakdown – when live music returns, this will be one of the standout moments of this band’s live sets.
‘You Wanted A Fight’ heavily references the death of George Floyd, including references to taking the knee and the famous “I can’t breathe” quote. There’s an almost britpop riff that drives the track, with Butler sounding at his most visceral. When the band want to, they can be a great punk band, as evidenced on ‘For The Record’, a song Anti-Flag would have been proud to have written.  Fever 333 are proving to one of the most adaptable bands today, showcasing the ability to be a hip-hop oriented band, a noisy punk band or, most impressively, melding both together and making it work with ease. The beautifully written ‘The Last Time’ features Butler on a piano, double recording his vocals and layering them into one of the most affecting songs he has ever put his name to. This EP easily presents Jason Aalon Butler as one of the most distinctive singers in the scene today, being able to rap, scream, bellow and croon all at will.
‘Wrong Generation’ ends with the single ‘Supremacy’ which will surely be a live staple for a long time. Butler delivers his lines like a young Eminem, including some harmonies to boot. This song is the obvious choice for a first single and ends the EP on a high.
Overall, Fever 333 have taken inspiration from something horrific and created a masterpiece. Through eight songs, totalling 18 minutes and 31 seconds, this musical experience is a journey through the mind of a group who want to see change in the world. On the day ‘Wrong Generation’ is released, the band will be performing a series of live streamed gigs, aiming to provide a safe space and connection for those looking for interaction at a time where connections are at a minimum. Practising what they preach, Fever 333 are fighting the good fight, being the voice of the voiceless. Long may it continue.
ADAM ROSARIO