SO, I have some good news. In a scene that seems to be suffering a slight lull since the dizzy heights reached by Ryedale bands over the last five years, it brings me great pleasure to announce that a total legend in the local area, Matt Clarkson (Cruithne, The Final Sigh, etc) has taken on a new project based in Kirkbymoorside, going by the name of Surprise…Fire.

Having been freshly supplied with their new EP (which doesn’t have a title, adopting the age-old position of letting actions speak louder than words), here is a brief look at what the guys have to offer:

Track listings

1 West Coast
2 You Left Your Roots at the Scene
3 Rocket Work

West Coast: This song has definite influences lying in the American emo/progressive/alternative rock genres, although we could argue all day about exactly what these genres consist of.

The easiest way to put it is place Brand New and Taking Back Sunday in a wrestling ring, give them both a stick made of Thrice, and let them smash each other around until they become one big pile of band.

This song has the meaty ballad chorus, the mid-song breakdown and the stuttered kick-back into the chorus with a more up-tempo beat.

It isn’t original and could be considered a little predictable for those well-versed in the aforementioned genres. However, two things really stand out from this song. Firstly, Surprise...Fire are enjoying their music and creating something they would choose to listen to; and secondly, they actually have the writing skills and ability to make a perhaps over-used genre still sound interesting and fresh.

This is a great opening track, and really sets you up for the rest of the EP.

You Left Your Roots at the Scene: Whereas West Coast really hits you with a big chorus straightaway, this song opens with some nice finger-picking and soft vocals.

The lead vocals have elements of Jesse Lacey (Brand New) and carry the song well. The lyrics are also well thought out, but do seemingly lack emotion at points. The choruses again bring a big sound, with some great two-part vocals and some crunching guitars which offer the listener (and you would imagine a live audience also) the chance to really scream along and get involved. This song does show a bit of range to Surprise...Fire’s music.

Rocket Work: Wow, this song is great. Rocket Work is my personal favourite from the EP. It offers some up-tempo guitar strumming for the verses with vocal melody patterns most akin to those of acoustic Fall Out Boy. The chorus works really well and this song seems to complete the EP nicely.

If you are a fan of any of the bands mentioned in this review, then you will enjoy Surprise...Fire. Their music is well thought out and works really well. They bring a mix of good music that isn’t too complicated in its approach, vocals that are not over the top, and, well, the whole EP, especially considering it is the band’s first offering, suggests that a mix of consummate writing and pure enjoyment of music can create something that is pretty special.

Surprise...Fire are:

Josh Finn – vocals
Matthew Clarkson – guitar/vocals
William Illingworth – guitar
Freddie Holden – bass
Sam Knowles – drums

A surprise gig of the month

GET yourself down to the legendary venue that is Fibbers and treat yourself to Ryedale’s finest rock in the form of Surprise...Fire.

The Kirkby-based five-piece will be playing in support of In Case of Fire, who are currently out on a big UK tour with Charlie from Busted’s (he’d hate to be referred to as that, I’m sure) Fightstar.

This will be the first chance for a lot of you, and me, to hear the guys live, so let’s have yet another strong Ryedale following down to cause a stir.

Details:

Date: Wednesday, May 27.

Cost: £6 advance, £7.50 on the door (I’d book ahead if I were you.) Venue: Fibbers, Stonebow, York.

Age restrictions: 14+ (you must bring ID).

Tickets: 0844 8472424 or www.fibbers.co.uk

Don’t forget

KEEP checking out the One Night Only Myspace for updates on how their second album is coming along, and if you want to be entertained by the ONO lads, or fancy learning something new in Sam’s Facts, then check out their Youtube channel, it’s awesome. www.myspace.com/OneNightOnlyOnline; or www.youtube.com/OneNightOnlyOnline