Album Notes

The songwriting of this band is well crafted with vibrant, dynamic instrumentation and visually evoking lyrics. Matzen's raw songs are always inspired, rarely formulated and instinctively on-the-money with very little throw-away material. This combination of players serves to transform the songs into dynamic and harmonious compositions which vary from earthy to otherworldly. Influences range from Beatles, Django Reinhardt, Tom Waits, Violent Femmes, The Who, Zeppelin, and some other stuff.

What makes this band so very unique is the ability to create a signature sound amidst a stew of different approaches. Cookie cutters are for bakeries. FOYS pays homage to the great players of the past, present, and future.

-M. Bloomfargen

Fire on Your Sleeve currently explore something like Rock & Roll Gypsy Jazz with a Punk Rock edge.
Django Reinhardt meets The Beatles with a tablespoon of Tom Waits and a touch of old country and garage sounds. Have a listen to the mp3's.

-THE ONION
June '07
"...Fire On Your Sleeve adds a refreshing dose of twisted irreverence to classic sounds. Playing a particularly catchy blend of revved-up alt-country and rock, with rough-edged vocals lending a slightly Tom Waits-ian feel to soulful numbers like "Let's Dance," Fire On Your Sleeve isn't quite as dangerous as their name suggests, but they will grab your attention."

-MAXIMUM INK MAGAZINE
by Lane Klozier
September '06
"Boogie. I like to boogie... As well as the occasional woogie. A good band to do this to is Milwaukee's Fire on Your Sleeve. These guys jump with a sound that is hard to put your finger on... Especially when you're jerking about to their infectious beats. Country meets punk and swing with a very original twist, showing top notch musicianship. On record these guys are great. Live, these guys kick total ass! Want your ass kicked? Then check 'em out at ..."