Crashing Tiles

Steve Killen, founder of Safire, has written, arranged and co-produced (with musical master mind, Keith Sommers) a new work called Crashing Tiles. The album would not be the same without some of the notable talents in the band roster. Matt Burnett, Keyboards and pianos, provides seamless melodies that compliment every part of the song. He played a critical role in both the arranging and rhythm section production of the album. Colby Hendricks drops hints of Tony Levin as he lays down foundational heart beats and slick buttery lines. Erik Storm adds fluid grooves and is featured in "War Cries" where his drum fills mimic approaching helicopters. The album features themes of surrendering hope and dark tales of war. Steve's writing and arranging style is unique. At one point, his guitar sounds of dropping bombs. It is haunting and strangely realistic. Steve's influences clearly pull from the uplifting melodies of Cold Play, the epic guitar tones of Rush, and the vulnerability of American song writers like Ryan Adams and Jay Farrar. The attention to production detail is exquisite. The album leaves you feeling like you want to hear more of Steve's themes of loss and hope. "I wanted to create music where people could find refuge. The theme that kept coming up for me in my writing sessions was "loss". Loss is something the we all experience. In this way it is an emotional access point for everyone. In Crashing Tiles, I have written about this universal theme of loss- the loss of a lover, a job, a friend, a mother losing her kids to adulthood, a child losing his father to war, the loss of one's own spiritual path, and even death. Sounds depressing huh? I don't see it that way. Wisdom is cultivated in times of adversity. The loss that I have experienced has been the best gift possible, and I am thankful for those experiences. This is therefore the true meaning behind this album. It is intended to bring people back from their loss experiences with a new and fresh return to their true selves. It is a welcoming home and a hopeful return."