EVERY generation of Ryedale bands has one that seems to take that extra step.

The last generation had My Friend Juliet and, of course, One Night Only, and this time it’s surely Surprise...Fire.

So, who are Surprise...Fire?

They have got the Ryedale music legend Matt Clarkson involved, but there are a few others beside the bearded wonder. The line-up is Josh, vocals; Matt, guitar and backing vocals; Fred, bass; Will, guitar and Sam, drums.

Why are people getting a little bit excited about Surprise...Fire? Well, they have had a string of solid successes in their short time as a band that lend themselves to an encouraging future, including:

* BBC Radio Live sessions

* Some good headline shows

* A very decent EP

* Radio 1 airplay

However, something that will get you a bigger fan base and make people stand to attention is the small matter of the band playing at a local festival, I think it’s called... the name escapes me, oh yeah that’s it, Leeds Festival. Yep, that’s right the band will be playing Leeds and Reading this year as part of the BBC introducing line-up.

Try www.myspace.com/SurpriseFire for more information, pictures and all sorts of band related fun.

There are plenty of chances to check out Ryedale’s hottest new band and here they are:

August 29, Leeds Festival at 12.30pm; September 30, Reading Festival at 7.30pm; September 5, Suddaby’s Headline at 8pm; September 12: Music Event, Minster FM, Pocklington at 8pm; September 13, Boardwalk, Sheffield at 7.30pm and October 19, Fibbers at 8pm.


No weaknesses on EP

WITH all of the live gigs and radio appearances rolling in The Vibe has got a sneaky copy of th new EP from Surprise... Fire.

The EP featured five tracks and here is a quick run down of them one by one.

Track 1 – West Coast

West Coast is a fantastic start, building from a nice picking pattern on the guitar before kicking into a meaty guitar part and the ballad chorus that is nicely harmonised between Josh and Matt.

The vocals melody in the verses is upbeat and brings a really nice tempo in a similar way to many Panic At The Disco tracks. As the song progresses it reaches a breakdown, showing influences of Taking Back Sunday and Brand New with some soft vocals before the song kicks back into the chorus. This song is stupidly memorable, you will find yourself singing the chorus under your breathe all day.

Track 2 – Mountains

Starting in a much heavy fashion, it’s all cymbals and guitar. The vocals are more aggressive than West Coast and the lyrics and clever and well thought through.

The Mountains chorus is not as catchy as the previous track but offers a different type of satisfaction and is an accomplished song showing Surprise...Fire to be more than your average teenage/early twenties band.

Again the band influences are apparent, with the two and three-part vocals standing out and adding a lot to the weight of the song.

Track 3 – Boxer

The opening guitar part is awesome. It sets an upbeat and reflective mood for the whole song, and the vocals and music carries that theme throughout, but with a few really nice touches.

What really stands out for me is the chorus and the nice balance between the clean picked guitar and the odd crunchy guitar part to keep you guessing.

You often find that songs three and four on an EP can drop away in standard but if anything this takes another step to solidifying the quality – if not even raising the bar a touch.

Track 4 – Burning Art

Burning Art begins slowly in comparison to the rest of the EP but does show a nice ability to change the style up.

You might be forgiven for thinking its going to be a downbeat instrumental number, but when the vocals kick in the pace picks up and helps to create a satisfying song which will no doubt sound absolutely huge live.

Track 5 – Rocket Work

Starting with a nice vocal melody this song has the feeling of Lostprophets’ Last Summer mixed with My Heart is the Worst Kind of Weapon by Fall Out Boy.

It offers a nostalgic end to the EP and leaves you with a definite feeling of completion by the end.

I don’t think there is a weak track on this EP at all. Make sure you get a copy and keep checking back on the guys’ progress on their myspace site.