Like they say in Texas – go big or go home. Houston’s Wild Fire, a sister duo with honey-dipped vocals and harmonies that stretch the Rio Grande, are all-in with their new hit “Seventeen”. Not holding back on their thoughts on being not-quite-an-adult yet in lyrics, Wild Fire quenches both the pop and country cravings. A guitar that cranks its way to the top, meandering just a bit around some rumbling waters, and steady percussion, “Seventeen” is one likeable track on the scene, just in time for back-to-school.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wildfiresings/?hl=en
Before you get too cozy thinking this is just another girly, homeroom-crushing song, remember that the young women behind Wild Fire have quite a few songs to-date on their curriculum vitae, er, discography. “Seventeen” follows a string of singles that includes “We Got the Summer”, “Hold on to That” and “Billboard Sign”. Their future sure looks bright and “Seventeen” is a clear indication that they show no signs of slowing down, nor have they ceased to evolve their sound. Class is back in session and “Seventeen” proves that compared to other contemporary country pop singers/songwriters, sisters Kayla and Kelli Iutzwig are in class unto their own. They have the entire package – they can sing, play instruments and can write an earworm better than most.
I swear I know who I am…sings a beautiful voice. I’m not sure which sister it is, and it might be both of them taking turns. I felt like the vulnerability was remarkable. It’s admirable because we hear some of these same feelings in songs from much older artists. Throughout the song, the lyrics communicate this back-and-forth, tennis match in their minds. Are they good enough? Do they know what they are talking about – would anyone take them seriously because they are 17? I liked the way it’s lighthearted, not funny, but optimistic. As their name suggests, the wild fire, the burning spirit that is always building and expanding, mimics the song’s storyline strength. I also felt like the guitar work, much like a fire, catches on quickly and before you know it, it’s a massive sound. They know who they are – they know how to sculpt their sound. I don’t think you will hear or find much more self-assured artists. And they sound like they are having the time of their lives in the process.
SONGWHIP: https://songwhip.com/wild-fire/seventeen
Maybe that’s the point of “Seventeen”. Isn’t it? Being a teenager is about having the time of your life. It’s about taking risks and questioning them later. I loved the innocence that is captured in this song, but I also loved the way Wild Fire sweeps it all together with an entertaining hook and catchy guitar riff. This song might feel like summer, or usher in the school year in many ways – it has that nostalgic factor for what I was probably thinking about when I was that age. It’s nice to visit that spot and escape, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Wild Fire’s “Seventeen” is a standout and the duo’s best yet.
Rachel Townsend