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“Emerging from the collective unconscious of Brooklyn's creative labyrinth, The Library is on Fire embodies the archetypal trio, crafting a sonic odyssey transcending realms of alternative, shoegaze, and post - punk. Led by Steve Five's soulful vocals and guitar, the rhythmic pulse of Pete Sustarsic's drums, and Vedran Mehinovic's anchoring bass, their forthcoming album, "Degeneration Elegies," serves as a musical mandala. A symbolic journey through the shadows, this album symbolizes the individuation process, inviting listeners to explore the depths of the psyche and emerge transformed, resonating with the timeless echoes of the collective unconscious.”
“In the haunting echoes of "Back Pocket," The Library is On Fire unveils a dirge - like anthem, reminiscent of existential quandaries. With grungy tones akin to Nirvana's "Lithium," the song delves into the abyss of longing and missed connections. A lamentation echoing through the void, questioning existence's elusive grip.”
Genres: Alternative Rock / Shoegaze / Post-punk
Label: Independent
Location: Brooklyn
Upon moving to NYC in 2004, singer/guitarist Steve Five was looking for ideas. While writing songs in his Bushwick apartment & working at the Strand Bookstore, Five took the band’s name, La Bibliothèque Est en Feu, from a poem by antifascist & proto-surrealist war poet René Char, after weekly meetings over coffee with Television guitarist Tom Verlaine, who suggested the name.
The band would go on to release a number of albums, including 2010’s Magic Windows, Magic Nights produced by Guided by Voices producer Todd Tobias, kicking off a long friendship with GBV. Eventually former bassist Mark Shue would join Guided by Voices. The band released a number of now out-of-print albums, as well as 2014’s Halcyon & Surrounding Areas, before day jobs and relocations caused an everlong hiatus.
After a decade of political activism, writing, & other projects, Five re-formed the band in 2023. 2023’s second single by The Library is On Fire, Hotel Jugoslavija, features the famed bassist Mike Watt (Minutemen, Dos, Firehose).
Now accompanied by Vedran Mehinovic (bass) and Pete Sustarsic (drums), The Library is On Fire has returned with the announcement of a new album, The Degeneration Elegies, and a small number of curated shows in NYC.
Booking VedranBooking@gmail.com
Phone: 203-809-9429
Artist Inquiries: thelibraryisonfire@gmail.com
Steve Five: 718-864-5583
