Heels on Fire
New York City, New York, United States | SELF
Music
Press
These guys want to take you for a ride. Put on your dancing shoes for this one; actually, hold that thought, you might just end up having to take them off after hearing “Joanne” and “Freak Out.” The drum breakdown, noise effects and wailing guitars of “Joanne” bring to mind all of the things your mother would cringe at if she only knew what you were really up to: dancing on pool tables, bar tops, New York City bridges and more. This track makes you want to take your hair down, forget it all and lose yourself in the moment. The Killers’ influence is heard from the synthesizing effects combined with penetrating vocals in the track “Freak Out,” giving you a new wave, 80s sound to get down to.
Now, imagine the happy feeling you get when something you thought was lost and gone suddenly comes back to you. “Note On My Wall” is the kind of song played during the stress, both good and bad, of those moments you can’t waste wondering if a situation is going to work out or not. Even though the lyrics bring forth a tinge of uncertainty about whether this ending is good, bad or ugly, the overall positive vibe burns the doubts in mind and clears a pathway for you to dance in the light sparked by the fires of your heart. In the midst of forgetting what you thought was gone, it suddenly comes back. Success.
The band’s upbeat energy is at its best on the dance floor, or while riding the fast lane on the expressway on a hot summer day, windows open and music blasting. The drummer packs a punch that complements the guitar riffs, keys and vocals, which gives the band its strongly felt dance rock sound. This CD might set more than your “Heels on Fire,” so get prepared. If you’re up for a fun time and a lot of upbeat energy, check these guys out.
Check out Heels On Fire’s website to hear their self-titled EP or to find where to download it. - Elephant Talk Indie Music Magazine
Discography
Heels on Fire (EP, 2011)
Photos
Bio
Heels on Fire was born when drummer Ricky Watts and guitarist Scott Johnson began to discuss the prospect of forming a new, mainstream group that would incorporate the sounds of 80s dance music with rock influences such as Nine Inch Nails, The Killers, and the Rolling Stones. At the time, it may have seemed an unlikely notion as both had recently ended projects that were far off from the "dance rock" genre. Watts was the drummer for the Florida-based hard rock band Love & Mayhem. Johnson was the lead singer/guitarist for the Brooklyn-based rock and roll band the Champions of Justice. However, both enjoyed the electronic-infused rock that was becoming prevalent in NYC clubs and felt they knew the right musicians to help them create a unique sound.
Watts and Johnson recruited singer Luis Ramirez, formerly of Love & Mayhem, who was also excited about moving in a new direction. Johnson then approached former Champions of Justice bandmate keyboardist Jonathan Kuhr about joining the project. Kuhr had wanted to stretch his synth and analog-modeling chops and was eager to be in a project where anything could go.
With the members all in place, the sound that is Heels on Fire began to emerge. Born out of all of their various influences and training, from Trent Reznor to Chick Corea, the band knew that they were creating music that brought something different to the table. Of course it didn't hurt that the members felt an immediate chemistry with each other, and the result of that chemistry is that after playing together for only a short while, the band has taken the city by storm.
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