Five Alarm Funk Announces New Album 'Sweat' Out Today

"We have all literally given blood, sweat and tears to this project which is why we named it Sweat," Tayo adds. "The album artwork represents us preparing for battle. When we hit the stage, that's how we approach it. Once we hit it, we give it everything we've got, every time!"

Over a decade into creating music, FIVE ALARM FUNK--Tayo Branston (drums/vocals), Gabe Boothroyd (guitar), Oliver Gibson (guitar), Jason Smith (bass), Thomas Towers (congas), Carl Julig (timbales), Eli Bennett (saxophone) and Kent Wallace (trumpet)--remains as impossible as ever to put into a box. Although they are rooted in the style that gives the outfit its name, FIVE ALARM FUNK thrives on being able to transcend genre by seamlessly mixing in elements of gypsy rock, Afro-funk, Latin, ska, punk and even prog-metal.

"I would say that it's intense, passionate, and fun, genre-spanning music that really anybody can get onboard with," Tayo explains. "It's got such an array of different sounds, and you can tell that each player has his own individual take and input into each track."

FIVE ALARM FUNK will be hitting the road in support of Sweat; U.S. dates will be announced in the coming months. The live experience is where the collective really shines--hot, sweaty dance floors with feet stomping and everybody moving. FIVE ALARM FUNK has taken their relentless and unforgettable live show to clubs and major festivals across Canada and the United States for over a decade; some highlights include the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Saskatoon Jazz Festival, Sunfest, and Summer Meltdown in Washington State. The band recently released a live DVD/album called LIVE In The Moment. A clip of them performing "Gods (May The Funk Be With You)" can be seen here.

Sweat cover artwork by Noah Stacey

Track listing for Sweat: