For those unaware, The World is On Fire takes an outward look into society and reverberates with the zeitgeist of today’s uproarious socio-political landscape.

The World is on Fire is Isaiah Collier’s observation journal reflecting on the tumultuous period from before the pandemic to the present day. The title itself wields his lens on vile acts committed by those in power addressing themes of economic upheaval, systemic racism, and the relentless fight for justice.

The potency of Collier’s compositions is reinforced by utilizing harrowing real-life news clips throughout the album that emits the urgency, somberness, and turmoil during this time in history as the album as a whole serves as a requiem for countless lives lost and injustices that remain unacknowledged.

It pays tribute to individuals like Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Sonya Massey, among many others, whose stories have often been overshadowed.

1. The Time Is Now (4:53)
2. Trials and Tribulations (6:21)
3. Amerikkka The Ugly (8:08)
4. Ahmaud Arbery (6:21)
5. The Hate You Give Is The Love You Lose (10:40)
6. Crash (6:28)
7. Our Truth Is Marching On (4:21)
8. Metamorphosis (The Effect Of The Butterfly Remains Unknown) (10:43)
9. The World Is On Fire (9:19)
10. We Don’t Even Know Where We’re Headed (8:34)

Collier’s observation journal reflecting on the tumultuous period from before the pandemic to the present day opens on the imposingly confident The Time Is Now and then we get the strident Trials and Tribulations (which opens on an audio clip of a news reporter from the April 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old boy who was shot twice after knocking on the wrong door to pick up his twin brothers), the veritably transcendent Amerikkka The Ugly (which is ushered in by audio of Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson, who headed the January 6th Committee), the stridently flared Ahmaud Arbery (inspired by the tragic video of Ahmaud Arbery’s death in February 2020), and then comes the organically-driven, near ten minute The Hate You Give Is The Love You Lose.

Along next is the percussion-urged Crash (which reflects on the subtle, yet profound impacts of economic collapse) and which is in turn backed seamlessly by the free flowing musical majesties of Our Truth Is Marching On, the sumptuously gorgeous, ten minute Metamorphosis (The Effect Of The Butterfly Remains Unknown) (inspired by Wayne Shorter’s last quartet), the album rounding out on the profound title track The World Is On Fire (which was inspired by the Amazon wildfires and the protests following George Floyd’s death), coming to a close on the formidable, studiously crafted We Don’t Even Know Where We’re Headed (which itself reflects on the collective uncertainty of the future).

“This project is a sonic exploration, blending sounds, consciousness, and activism to raise awareness about the pressing issues of our time,” says Collier, “Through my music, I strive to capture and personify the profound impact of the challenges we face.”

Musicians:
Isaiah Collier -Sax, Vocals, Auxiliary Percussion
Michael Shekwoaga Ode - Drums
Julian Davis Reid - Piano
Jeremiah Hunt - Bass
Kenthany Rodman - Flute
Mayshell Morris -Flute
Corey Wilkes- Trumpet
Ed Wilkerson Jr. -Alto Clarinet
Cassie Watson Francillon - Harp
Olula Negre-Cello

Vocals:
Manasseh Croft
Kiela Adira
Jessica Walton
Meghan McNeal

Official Purchase Link

www.colliersworld.com