Reviewed by Mitch Andrews and posted on December 16, 2012

"To The Rescue" is the debut album by the Dutch bubblegum dance group "The Fireman". Released in 2001, To The Rescue is one of the rarest bubblegum dance albums ever released, and I am very lucky to be given the opportunity to review it. It is a traditional bubblegum styled album in the vein of Toy-Box and Aqua, with lead high-pitched female vocals and male backup. Here is a track-by-track review of the album.

"Firemansong" is the best known song by The Fireman, and is reasonably easy to obtain. Released as a single in 2001, "Firemansong" uses the melody of a well-known children's song "This Old Man". The song is well-produced, with lots of sound effects and synths. The vocalists are very good on this album, as they are very enthusiastic and energetic, and the girl's high-pitched vocals are very childish and cute - perfect for their image. The second track on the album, "Grandpa Fireman" was the second single release by the group. The production is very different to the previous track, and is less danceable. The vocals are as comical as ever, and the voice acting amazing. Though I do feel this is one of the weaker tracks on the album, it is definitely catchy. "Do You Feel On Fire" is the next track, with excellent synth production and a thumping beat that is sure to hook you the instant you listen. This is one of my favourites on "To The Rescue" and has some excellent hooks (feel so hot hot hot!).

"Early In The Morning" acts as a break for the album, and a transition to the next song. It is a short audio story about a day in the life of The Fireman (and girls). The audio production is excellent, with close attention to detail, top notch vocal production and sound effects. This is an amusing little track that is sure to make you laugh. Once again, the voice acting is gold. If you thought the previous tracks were cheesy, wait til you hear "Snowboard Funpark", the next song on "To The Rescue". Snowboard Funpark is a bubbling and bouncing adventure to the mountains, as The Fireman and girls go on a holiday, taking a break from their fiery work. Snowboard Funpark begins like a video game, and then jounces into action with catchy melodies, meaningless lyrics, and plenty of "snow-e-oh-e-oh"'s! This is bubblegum dance at it's best - and cheesiest! "Fireman Academy" is the next track on the album, and definitely not one to be missed. The production is very good with thumping beats and rippling synths. Following this song is the ballad "Flames Of Love", which is actually a very pretty ballad - even though the girl's cheesy vocals might have taken away the real potential of this song.

After the slower ballad, The Fireman returns with a pumping dance number "Flexx To The Music". Although the production feels a bit ''all over the place'' in this song, the concept is awesome, and the chorus is also very catchy. The next songs, "Holidaysong" and "Fire" are synth-riddled covers of popular songs from the 80s. The comical vocals are great in these songs, and full of energy, even though the actual songs don't stand out as much as the other songs. "Casino Latino", the final song on the album (not including the remix), is a great Spanish flavoured bubblegum dance track about the Fireman who goes gambling every night. Again, the vocal production is splendid.

"The Fireman" is a tongue in cheek bubblegum dance group that was obviously aimed at a younger audience. In comparison to other bubblegum acts, the female vocals are extra cheesy and high-pitched and could be compared to that of Minnie Mouse. The lyrics for all of the songs are amusing and well-written.  However, what stands out most on "To The Rescue" is the excellence in vocal production and performance. The voice acting is fantastic and can be compared to that of a children's cartoon show (think "Police Academy"). What the vocalists lack in singing ability, they make up with in energy and enthusiasm.  You can literally feel the energy vibes in their voices, making this an incredibly fun album to listen to.