Album Notes

\"In the continuing evolution of underground music, Scribes of Fire brings innovation in the form of their self-described “cerebral fuzz rock” by pushing forward the institution of complex riffing and balancing its many degrees of sonic intensity. In the midst of a post-rock environment that often favors noise experimentation and loose song construction over well developed tonality, Brooklyn, New York’s Scribes offer respite in the form of an imaginative soundscape that resonates with the shadowy, yet intellectually aware character of their home. Scribes of Fire formed in 2006 with the intention of providing electroshock therapy to a stagnant musical scene, bonding over the belief that deep pocket grooves, hypnotic droning, and dynamic sensitivity to emotional output can be effectively grafted into the spine of traditional grunge, metal, and blues-based rock.

Scribes of Fire is a union of musicians who understand the importance of each member deferring to the talents of the others. Throughout each carefully composed, multi-sectioned song, Phil Salvagione’s guitar work embraces the full spectrum of his instrument, from the familiar density of low-end chord use to oddly satisfying melodies formed in the upper register. To give definitive shape to the breadth of this melodic attack, Dan Kurfirst’s drumming concentrates on establishing an enduring pulse that only begins with a subscription to the gospel of head-banging groove, penetrating deep into the Scribes\' most intriguing, esoteric moments. With bassist Mike Delfino keeping in perfect step, while also finding choice opportunities to reveal the harmonic voice of his own instrument, the band’s emphasis on rhythmically dictated melody brings their music beyond any clichés solidified by their predecessors. However, it’s the grit and bite of Ben Abelson’s vocals that retain the edge demanded of truly heart-pumping music, while retaining a melodic sensibility. His voice assumes many characters that are expressed through the honesty of his haunting, thoughtful lyrics, which affirm the harmony of darkness and light that rests at the core of the band’s philosophy.

Scribes of Fire, while exciting and eye-opening for their resistance to conventional rock approaches, proves that their specific brand of song-smithing does not alienate any open-minded listeners, and is therefore accessible to a wide audience. So long as there remain fans of heavy music, hungry for new sounds and configurations of the most deeply soul penetrating rock elements, Scribes of Fire will continue to push musical boundaries, seeking new ways to unite performer with audience through their sonic creations.\"

-G. Wersching