Artist: Fire and the Wheel

“Blow Darts,” the new single from DC local act Fire and the Wheel, sounds like 80s synth rockers channeling Beirut, or possibly the other way around. It’s an upbeat, danceable track that makes unique use of the unexpected horns, and the vocal performance lends it that 80s revival edge. The single is a follow up [...]

• Fire and the Wheel - Blow Darts

It's been a while since I did a true D.I.Y. Ethic column, one entirely devoted to the independent musician, slogging it out on their own. Rising above the countless obstacles to produce the music they love. So, let's jump in, shall we? Fire and the Wheel - S/T Truth be told, it was when this album plopped out of postman Sal's bag that I got inspired to write another D.I.Y. column. Along with the album, was a very cool [...]

"Well, that was not what I expected to hear." That was my first thought as the brand new, self-titled LP from Fire and the Wheel started playing in my headphones. You are immediately pulled into layers upon layers of a wall of sound that marries an electronic rock groove with a bold trumpet declaration reminiscent somehow of an American western; an aura of Clint Eastwood, if you will. And then, out of nowhere, the beat takes a groovy turn that makes you want to get up and dance and you've moved into the second track of [...]

Fire and the Wheel is a band from Washington, D.C. who released on May their first self-titled album. Starting as a recording band, they had in mind to record a concept album inspired by Pink Floyd's The Wall. When listening to the LP you’ll notice that every song segues seamlessly into the next, musical melodies and themes recur here and there, and the arrangements feature prominent keyboards, horns, and vocal harmonies.  The lyrics tell the true story of a friendship strained by pride and a mind afflicted by illness; neither ended well. [...]

• Fire and the Wheel - Wheelbarrow de la Muerte

I carefully stuck to the pattern, piece by meticulous piece, and this was my life. I built it up until it no longer had legs to stand on. The pattern became random; I couldn't keep track. And I was finally happy. This is my life. Fire and the Wheel - "Wheelbarrow de la Muerte" [MP3] Fire and the Wheel on the web | Bandcamp

• Fire and the Wheel - Wheelbarrow de la Muerte