Album Mini-review: Raging Fire — These Teeth are Sharp
File next to: X, Lone Justice
After toiling in relative obscurity though the 1980s, Nashville country-punkers Raging Fire threw in the towel. But the under-appreciated quarter left behind some superb music; that material was eventually reissued in 2015 as Everything is Roses. Positive response to that collection led to a full-scale reunion, and the fruit of that is These Teeth Are Sharp. Showing that the quintet has lost none of its, er, fire, the album features Melora’s Zaner’s distinctive vocals, backed by barbed-wire, slashing rock ‘n’ roll with just the right amount of twang. A rock sensibility – in the form of speedy yet brief guitar solos, memorable riffage and pummeling tempos – is balanced by a modern rethink of the classic country lyrical approach. Rock listeners who think they don’t like their music with a bit of Nashville flavor are encouraged to spin These Teeth are Sharp and then reconsider their preconceptions.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.