The Day the Sun Went Out is the cliff from where Boy Sets Fire took a huge leap and succeeded to bigger and better things (although some will surely debate it). This 11-song album is the lyrical zenith of what the punk and hardcore scenes are meant to be: political struggles, personal awareness, and evolution, and the frustrations that sweep everyone away. Stylistically, Boy Sets Fire is also reaching the summit, performing a beautiful combination of hardcore power, punk angst and emo grace. Some of the material on the album isn't as polished as later works, thus showing the immaturity of the band at the time, yet it is that same passion and energy which makes The Day the Sun Went Out such an exciting album. Not only is it impressive in that nature, but because of the diversity displayed there is literally something on here to draw almost every type of harder indie music fan. The guitars display a mid-'90s chugga-chugga form at some points, but other times shift to indie rock stylings and all along are accompanied by Nathan Gray's diverse vocals. Interesting and creative, the only unfortunate thing is that this might very well be their best album. ~ Kurt Morris