“The Sky Catching Fire” releases latest album

Nicole Bullard

Singer and Saddleback College student Thomas Monroe, 27, English, released his newest album, “Monsters,” as his one man band “The Sky Catching Fire.”

The first song on the album is titled Monsters, and the last song is the second part of Monsters, titled Monsters II. The album has 12 acoustic songs, with titles like “Monsters,” “Yes,” “Ballad of a Tin Man” and “Cinnamon.”

“‘Cinnamon’ is my response to Neil Young’s song ‘Cinnamon Girl’,” Monroe said.

Another of Monroe’s songs that gained popularity was “Dog in a Sweater,” which he performed last month at Saddleback.

“Everyone really liked it,” Monroe laughed. “I didn’t expect that.”

He records all of his own music and performs all vocals and instrumental pieces by himself. Although he is the only person in his band, he prefers to have a band name instead of just his name.

“I originally was in a band, but I got tired of it,” Monroe said, “It was like being married to four people.” The band was called Vendetta Valentine and our music played on KROQ radio.

Monroe’s music is unique yet familiar as well, and could be considered under the same sound as David Bowie, Radiohead and Modest Mouse.

According to Johnny B, host of the Tunecast Podcast, “‘Monsters,’ the title song on the CD is so catchy that it leaves you singing in it your head. Not only are his songs fun to listen to but Thomas’s lyrics dig deep into the heart felt minds of us all. ‘Monsters’ is a must have in everyone’s collection.”

Monroe has many fans and is ranked seventh in Laguna Beach on reverbnation.com. and doesn’t work under a label.

He has performed at the Viper Room, an Irish pub called Sonny McLean’s and has performed at Saddleback several times.

“I plan on getting a drummer or guitarist soon,” Monroe said, “It depends.”

Monroe also has five other albums, including “This Is A Protest,” released March 2011.

His album can be purchased on iTunes and downloaded for free on reverbnation.com. Monroe plans on a summer tour for two to three weeks through cities like San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and New York.

 

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