Fire Bug - End Of The World
"End of the World' is their new EP. The title track is at over 7 minutes, and starts with some gentle guitar playing and a delicate vocal from Juliette that brings to mind PJ Harvey and the Throwing Muses. The music is minimal to begin with, but gets louder as 'End of the World' progresses with the guitars becoming stronger and the bass and drums giving the track an added lift. It eventually becomes a rock number, but one of very serious attitude. Masterfully played, it is a definite head bopper. 'Paradise' also recalls PJ Harvey and the Muses. It is louder and more full on and has the added bonus of some sad string arrangements, which bring it down a peg and give it a different texture. The ending is as elegant as any classic rock track, with some strong hymn-like harmonies. A damn fine band and one worth checking out."
- Penny Black Music Magazine UK FIREBUG - End Of The World EP
"It takes a special kind of band to create overwhelming atmospheres that suck the air out of the room and leave you enraptured in the sound drifting from your stereo, and Fire Bug are that kind of band. Maybe its the effortless groove, maybe its the powerful yet strangely soothing vocals or maybe its the way they plead for escapism through their smart lyrics...whatever it is, it works. At heart they're an indie band, albeit drenched in psychedelic 60's suss, and they're thrillingly unafraid of experimenting."
- 44 Caliber Magazine UK "Fire Bug is going to be huge. I guarantee it. Thier new four-song EP End Of The World showcases the bands musical talent and diversity. The title tack "End Of The World", shows off Juliette's incredible vocal range, and lyrics are some of the best I've heard in a while. "Paradise", is getting airplay on Chicago's Q101 as well as Donkey Punch Radio, of course. If you are in the LA area, go see this band, buy their EP and tell them Jemo sent you. You might get a discount, or better yet, a nice hug"
- Donkey Punch Radio Chicago "Sometimes our posts here on the Daily Dose are carefully prepared and well researched. Except for nights like this, when clicking a random link on a forum lands you here, a myspace page for LA Based Fire Bug, a group that sounds like the best of old psychadelic rock revived with clever hooks and a fresh new sound. What was I saying? Ok. Heres the deal: They're amazing!"
- Insomnia Radio Let's Hear It For The Girls!
"After sincere efforts to enjoy Jenny Lewis' solo record, I'm all the more impressed by women who never play the coy/precious card, but plain old kick
ass and shoot prisoners: Witness L.A.'s Fire Bug! This is a klassic roots-rock band with a truly special singer named Juliette Tworsey, who sings bold and tough but a little broken, smart but not wise. Minor chords and lotsa stiff-upper-lip heartbreak and slide guitars. WARNING: CONTAINS NO
EMO SELF-PITY."
- LA Weekly By Kate Sullivan, Music EditorFire Bug - End Of The World 2005 EP
"This is a really great EP from Fire Bug. The LA band has a slight '70s feel that sounds like Zeppelin or early Heart, although they're not stuck in the
past. Their style is really hard to describe in that it has a slight retro feel but not really. You have to hear them to see what I mean. The band is
made up of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Juliette Tworsey, guitarist Jules Shapiro, bassist Ian Solomon and drummer Ty Dennis.
There are four cuts on here with one being a radio edit of a previous song. The first song, "End of the World" starts off cautiously with just guitar
and Juliette's almost fragile voice, before giving way to the rest of the band. The sound has almost a hazy psychedelic feel to it, sort of like
Melanie or a subdued Janis Joplin meets Soundgarden.
The second cut, "Paradise" is even better, again starting off with a subtle intro before cranking away. The band has a great sense of dynamics however,
trading off the quieter passages with the more raucous parts. "Forever Won't Wait" is very Zeppelin-esque with really nice guitar and a good vocal
filter. The last cut is the "End of the World" edit.
Fire Bug is a band that is capable of really great things. I can't wait for the full album."
Fire Bug - End Of The World
"America's sweethearts Fire Bug are possibly the prettiest things to have come out of MySpace, ever. The band is made up of vocalist and rhythm
guitarist Juliette Tworsey, guitarist Jules Shapiro, bassist Ian Solomon and drummer Ty Dennis.
Picture the scene; Juliette and Jules formed Fire Bug in a park. Juliette has the cheekbones of a younger Kate Moss, and a quirky dress sense to match.There is a grace and charm to their songs paralleled by their good looks and positive outlook.
They've hit the American club scene to promising results playing such musical meccas as CBGB's and The Roxy, with little reason to look back."
- AngryApe webzine UK
" L.A.'s Fire Bug reminds us a bit of Concrete Blonde. It's all very competent, and Juliette Tworsey has a powerful voice."
- Time Out New York Magazine Fire Bug - "Footsteps To The Sun"
"Fire Bug ventures into some interesting musical territory on their second album Footsteps To The Sun. Mixing the passion of emo, the melodicism of pop, the magnitude of classic rock and the delicacy of folk, the Chicago-to-LA quartet finds a way to inhabit the spaces in between all of those various sonic touch points without identifying themselves too closely with any one specific area. Guitarist/vocalist Juliette Tworsey establishes an energy at the front of the band tha distills and blends any number of like-minded personalities. She can soar like Annie Lennox ("Curve Ball") or warble like Kate Bush ("Concrete Jungle") or balls-out rock like Heart ("Packin' Shoes") . Tworsey's partner in Fire Bug, guitarist/keyboardist co-songwriter Jules Shapiro, is clearly a big part of the band's genre hopping, with the two of them fashioning an indie pop/rock version of "Over The Rhine". A major advance over the 2001 debut Fragile,, Footsteps To The Sun finds Fire Bug embracing their musical diversity by playing to the strength of each song and increasing the intensity of the colors in their genre palette."
-- Amplifier Magazine Review by Brian BakerFire Bug - "Footsteps To The Sun"
"If Lou Reed were a woman and inclined to sing instead of mutter, he might sound a bit like Juliette of Fire Bug, whose voice is all over the place-in a good way. "Seven" is a lyrical conceit backed by a solid rock ensemble and enough distortion to keep all the indie kids happy. Think Patty Smith a la Reed a la Weezer; with strong riffs and kiiler vocals. Fire Bug has produced something altogether new, and it's pretty damn good."
- IM Magazine Review by Paul Tardo Editor-in-chiefFire Bug - "Footsteps To The Sun"
"Superb indie band that is fusing a whole new style of alt-rock"
- G-Man Review by The G-ManFire Bug - "Footsteps To The Sun"
"Fire Bug's new record 'Footsteps To The Sun' contains energetic, alternative music of the highest quality. Singer Juliette Tworsey has a dynamic voice that suits the music well. The title track is a sedate, psychedelic swirl. Tworsey sounds like Concrete Blonde's singer here. Jules Shapiro manages a nice rhythm with his expert guitar playing. "Hole in My Head" is a punky song where Juliette adds the right attitude with her vocal power. "Packin' Shoes" is another song that displays Juliette's amazing voice. "Beautiful Day" has a positive message and some nice mandolin playing. The heavy rockin' "Dogs" sees the band display a slight resemblance to Jane's Addiction. FireBug's new album is varied in sound and makes for a great listen."
- Collected Sounds Review by Anna Maria StjarnellFire Bug - 'Fragile"
"Fire Bug is a 4 piece outfit hailing from Los Angeles. (Fragile) starts off with "The Hard Way" a pleasing off-beat rocker to get things started. Frontperson Juliette Tworsey has a real awesome voice, able to sing both soft and innocent and hard and bluesy. My favorite here is "Wise Girl", in which Juliette sings with both power and regret simultaneously "If I knew then what I think that I know now way back when, I'd be a wise girl." A frontperson can say so much about a band, and hearing this song the way Juliette sings it, I wouldn't be surprised if this band makes it. You can just picture women of all ages identifying with this lyric, singing along as loud as possible. Heck, I identified with it and I ain't even a girl. I can even see the video for it now... hmm maybe I should produce it. This band can really rock out, evident on the title song, also the longest song on the record "Fragile." One band that I'm reminded of when I hear this band is 4 Non Blondes. They don't sound all that alike, but I get that same feeling when I first heard Linda Perry sing. There is a real fire in this band, and you can just hear them itching to get out. There are some interesting lyrics to sink one's teeth into throughout this album, and alas... none are available in the CD jacket. Why is it that bands do that? I still don't have my answer. Overall, a great listen from a band that I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from."
- The Muse's Muse Review by Eliot PopkinFIRE BUG: Too Much Of Everything Is Just Right
"Emigrating from the Windy City, it would be hard for Juliette Tworsey, Jules Shapiro, (Miiko Watanabe) and Ty Dennis, aka Fire Bug, not to be influenced by the blues. This is particularly evident in Jules Shapiro's guitar leads. To pay too much attention to this observation though, would be to do this wonderfully modern rock act, a great disservice. They are as much a blues band as was the Pretenders, Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, or the Doors. Lead singer Juliette Tworsey's vocal style sits somewhere between Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks and Jim Morrison. Sometimes, when the band takes on a certain early Jefferson Airplane ambience, Tworsey reminds an old timer like myself of Grace Slick. Think Traffic and Cream with Annie Lennox at the helm and Morphine for current measure. Fire Bug can groove, set an introspection or downright rock. They blend all the above ghosts into their own ownership of the modern rock universe; and while accusing themselves of being "eclectic", they actually have the balls to stamp their own signature on everything they do or perform. Special attention on their debut CD, on Buddha Belt Records, to "Wise Girl", "Old Friend", "Least You Can Do", and the Doorsian title track "Fragile"."
- L.A. Beat Magazine Review by Joe BagFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Not to be confused with the Yes album of the same name, this Fragile is a collection of seductive progressive pop rendered by a fiery Los Angeles via Chicago quartet led by vocalist Juliette Tworsey. Fire Bug expertly incorporates strains of metal, folk, pychedelia, glam and alternative, displaying an obvious flair for the dramatic. Like U2, The Verve and Jane's Addiction, Fire Bug's rattle and hum could easily fill arenas or college dormitories with equal aplomb. Tworsey's acerbic and aggressive wordplay is the perfect foil for bandmates Jules Shapiro on guitar, bassist Miiko Watanabe and drummer Ty Dennis, all of whom exert considerable muscle. "Wars to Win" succeeds via Tworsey's Lennon-meets-Dylan phrasing and "Be Like You" is a post-grunge anthem that ascends into spontaneous cacophony without warning. Changing gears from a shouting blues women to a coy diva on "One Step Behind", Tworsey and Fire Bug seem to care little for convention, which is a work ethic sorely missed on the current modern rock landscape."
- Amplifier Magazine
Amplifer Select Review by Tom SemioliFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"There are precious few unique-sounding female-fronted bands. I get a raft of CD's in each week that pretty much sound like the other. Not so with Fire Bug. Front-woman Juliette Tworsey is very different sounding, sort of in the PJ Harvey, Eleventh Dream Day, or Concrete Blond vein. Her voice is ever-changing - one moment it's a delicate scream, the next it's a blistering wail. Backed by a crack guitar/bass/drum ensemble, Fire Bug throw everything from from bluesy rock to modern alternative at you. Fragile gets off with a strong start with the bluesy sounding track, "The Hard Way." The next track, "Wise Girl," begins with a subtle blend of electric guitar and haunting, multi-tracked vocals. The song kicks in, and Tworsey wails "I'll be a wise girl" to great effect. "Want It Need It," with its vocal hook, is very radio-friendly - maybe the college programmers will discover this track and give it the airplay it deserves. While Fire Bug's sound focuses upon vocalist Tworsey, the solid playing of guitarist Jules Shapiro is the glue that holds the album together. Shapiro's picking is adventurous, but shows restraint where needed. "Fragile" begins with a slightly psychedelic bit of six-string noodling. "Wars to Win" features wah-wah, and the guitars slam like a pile-driver in hard-rocking "Be Like You." Impressive slide-guitar propels the swamp-rock track "Least You Can Do." Tworsey possesses an impressive set of pipes, and for the most part, she keeps herself from being over powering (the exception is the ballad, "Old Friend," where she sounds like the much-loathed chick outfit Three Non Blondes). Overall, Fragile offers an eclectic collection of solidly rocking tracks. Fire Bug has the chops and flair to stand out in a crowded market."
- Hit Session Review by Doug CornellFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Here's a band that's interesting for a number of reasons. First, there's Juliette Tworsey's voice - sultry and sleek, at times sounding like a young Debbie Harry, other times just youthful exuberance shining through. Then there's the guitar work of Jules Shapiro - hard or soft, he plays the right notes the right amount of time, no flash, no overplaying, and you can tell he's no slouch. Bassist Miiko Watanabe and drummer Ty Dennis hold the rhythm section together just fine. The only thing that seems to be missing for this rock quartet is that radio-friendly hit to push them to the top. Everything else seems to gel, so that hit should be forthcoming."
- NY Rock Street Beat Review by Bill RibasFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Vaguely arty rock and roll. Juliette Tworsey has a set of thick, powerful pipes. And she wields them as many would play a guitar. Strong and yet limber. That description fits the songs as well. Something of a throb and boogie, with Tworsey adding a wail at appropriate moments. In its heavier moments, Firebug does indeed remind me of Hammerbox. And that's high praise coming from me. Firebug isn't quite as forceful, not all the time, but the songwriting is certainly just as sharp and cutting. The band wanders down a few side roads (I did mention the arty thing, right?), but all loose ends get tied up. Quite the package. And whether the songs ride the rails or soar into the heavens, Firebug has a handle on what it's doing. Versatile and talented. A deadly combination."
- A&A Review by Jon WarleyFire Bug- 'Fragile'
"There's no two ways about it: Tworsey wails on Fragile. All of it. And occasionally, while she's wailing, she soars. On several tracks -- notably "Be Like You," "Old Friend" and "Least You Can Do" -- she evokes Janis Joplin at the top of her form. As well, Tworsey's voice can put you in mind of Chrissy (The Pretenders) Hynde, Joan Jett and Gwen (No Doubt) Stefani: rocker chicks, all, and good company to be in. This is not to suggest that Tworsey's style is derivative of these noteworthy singers: it's not. In the final analysis Tworsey is using her vocal instrument to good effect: rending -- at fairly high decibels -- the most from her quite excellent pipes.
Strong musicianship, distinctive vocals and intelligent, original songwriting combine to make Firebug a nominee for band most likely to in 2002. On Fragile, Firebug is tight, solid and ready for the next level. Expect to be hearing good things about this Los Angeles-based foursome."
- Blue Coupe Review by Aaron BlantonFire Bug- 'Fragile'
"I wanna stand on top of the world on my own terms", growls Juliette Tworsey, in just one of her many singing moods. She has as many personalities in song as Sybil, but that phrase sums up Fragile. The band keeps up by playing in a wide variety of styles, giving Firebug a cross-genre appeal, and therefore a huge shot at success on mainstream radio.Firebug zaps from soft indie-ish pop in "The Hard Way" to stadium rock on "Fragile", lights on bluesy territory in the catchy, sliding "Old Friend" and nearly crashes in the grungy pond of "White Picket Fences". It's hard to tell who they really are; they change to fit their environment, like ermines. Tworsey sounds like another well-known Juliette when she sings/speaks in her softer songs (Juliette Lewis, that is, her baby-girl Southern twang underscored with a sort of mad power); when she growls or lets her voice soar.." "A propos of nothing much, she has a neat look, too: Heidi meets Donna Reed, with a red-orange thatch fringe (she had to have stolen the idea from Sesame Street's Elmo). Appearance means a lot in this business, and the cartoon character look is what's working it for Gwen Stefani; Tworsey's seemingly outlandish hairstyle is playing it by the book, and smartly."Fragile" captures your attention because its opening vocals are as delicate as the name, the guitar meandering after the first metallic chords, a skins pounded by hand, and later overtaken by crashing cymbals and loudly-pounded drums. The closing moments of the song die away in anthemic, waning notes sung by Tworsey and wrung from the guitar by Jules Shapiro. "Be Like You" kicks open the song's gates with a funky guitar opening that is reminiscent of Hendrix. Tworsey's voice is given a boost of power by a recording/sample of her voice, harmonising a simple "mmmmm" with her own melody -- it's very useful for adding the final touch of melancholy. If you enjoy it in this song, watch for it throughout; she self-harmonises to compelling effect in several songs.The technical skill of Tworsey, Shapiro, Eccles and Dennis is great, and their results make musical fireworks. Firebug's Fragile will give you a warm glow."
- Splendid Review by Jenn SikesFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Los Angeles-based quartet Firebug deftly melds a myriad of styles and influences on "Fragile," a dynamic collection that should garner attention beyond their Southern California confines. Vocalist Juliette Tworsey is the star attraction, soaring on every cut with an expansive soulful range and often harmonizing with herself to punctuate the passionate content of her lyrics. The boys in the band are no slouches either, fusing melody, counterpoint, and expert musicianship without overstepping their bounds. Whether quoting Delta blues ("Least You Can Do"), glam-folk ("Old Friend"), bombastic arena-rock ("Fragile"), or dabbling with breezy California pop ("The Hard Way"), Firebug has the tools to grab the brass ring and then some."
- AMG Magazine
Review by Tom Semioli
Fire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Firebug vocalist Juliette Tworsey has a beautiful, versatile voice that enables the solid instrumentalists in the band to create an ocean of musical possibilities on Fragile, the band's self-produced debut disc. Drawing from a smart rock tradition that includes eighties-styled new wave, early punk, guitar-driven stadium rock and elements of folk and the blues, Firebug have struck a distinctive identity and found a red-hot blazing sound. The three players behind Tworsey sound like half a dozen or more musicians playing. Together they spin the volume knob up a notch and fill the songs on Fragile with a dense, multi-layered and powerful blanket of sound and fury. It all comes back around to Tworsey's vocals, though, songs like "The Hard Way," "Want It Need It" and "White Picket Fences" allowing this sonic enchantress to weave a spell of mesmerizing beauty. In the right hands, this Hollywood foursome could become the next Jane's Addiction; Tworsey is certainly a more attractive, talented and unpretentious frontperson than Mr. Ferrell."
- Mondo Gordo Review by Rev.Keith A.Gordon, EditorFire Bug -'Fragile'
"Reviewers use words like; 'searing', 'riveting', 'eclectic', 'combative', 'demonstrative', and so on and so forth. Sadly, all of these words are descriptive of Firebug's music. Especially the so on and so forth. The sad part is that Firebug deserves new words for its 'refreshing' 'new sound'.Tom Robbins, excuse me- The God Tom Robbins, once said or paraphrased that there are no synonyms. This statement has never been so true as when applied to Firebug. If their live performance is a tenth as good as their 'driving' CD you will be in for an 'ephemeral' 'galactic' 'treat'.I put Firebug in my CD player and now I 'can not take it out'. It has infected the device with a virus that spits out inferior replications of music. I have 'played it so much' that even Dennis Bryan of the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Post nee- The Mariposa Street Advocate is humming their tunes. This is no firewall you have to maneuver around. This is Firebug! Their music will 'attack' you with millions of 'harmonious' bites, but all you will feel is 'free'! If you had, or even if didn't have, a bug collection when you were a kid- it is time to pull it out and place Firebug in the top spot."
- Saucy Chicks Review by Shawn MarieFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Do you really believe that variety is the spice of life? Really? I'm not talking schizophrenia; I'm talking depth. I'm talking a universe of striking elements all mingling together in fresh, lucid excitement. I'm talking vinaigrette on your grilled filet mignon salad (cooked rare, of course).
LA-based band Fire Bug is such a wonderful mixture: soothing and clean with overtures toward the sinister. Juliette Tworsey's vocals are a welcome, pleasant surprise. Elusive and inviting, she tempers light with shadow and vice versa and I love it. A strong rhythm section artfully carries Tworsey and Jules Shapiro to impressive heights. Shapiro knows exactly how to bend his guitar, and the result is a sexy slide along the wild side.
Track one, "The Hard Way", from the new Fragile album is my favorite. Or is the blues-y, gritty "Wars to Win" my song? I'll just wimp out by proclaiming that I like every goddamned bit of their latest CD. Bravo!
Fire Bug is a saucy, spirited bunch that conjures visions of rhythmic, spirited fists raised and pumping electrified air. Play it, cats! Play it."
- Saucy Chicks Review by Blanch PrizerFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Firebug is one very worthwhile band to check out. The music is an alternative pop style that is untouchable by anything out there. The vocals give this music it's distinctive flavoring, and the music itself provide the alternative feel. The melodies are very somewhat off the wall as far as pop goes, but most will agree that they are very pleasing to the ears. This band is certainly refreshing. I love the vocal presentation of this album. It's sounds very familiar, but I just can't pin it down. Firebug is a nice cross between Blondie and No Doubt. I have to admit that this album is well deserving of praise. The originality of this band is certainly something to speak of. The musicianship is also very tight. I can't find anything to complain about here. I even tried to find something wrong with this album, but can't. Sometimes good music is just hidden beneath the mainstream waiting to break loose. Firebug is definitely one of those bands that I would bet on being the powder keg of the next music boom."
- The Global Muse Music Magazine
Review by Michael Allison
Fire Bug - 'Fragile'
"First and foremost, this is an excellent band." "..Juliette Tworsey, brings in a generation X feel with her vocals." "..the vocals are really good with excellent range and a unique style." "Fragile" is track 4, which is the perfect location for the best song on the CD. It has a cool introduction using a wah pedal and nice delay effects. The song reminded me of "Mysterious Ways" by U2, in the sense that it has that dark and mysterious feel." "Least You Can Do" has a cool drumming introduction followed by bass then guitar and vocals. This song also has a really nice flow. In fact, this song and track 9, "One Step Behind", reminded me of Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page with his slide guitar playing. I had a hard time placing it because Fire Bug is very original sounding, but I think perhaps "Celebration Day" captures the essence of this song." "..This band has a very energetic sound with its roots in good ol' rock'n'roll with an alternative gen-x singing style."
- Purple Tights Review excerpts by Ken CormierFire Bug - 'Fragile'
"Firebug is a band hailing from Los Angeles, by way of Chicago. Fragile is the title of their latest release, which contains eleven songs, and it is anything but. The band's songs act as a showcase for vocalist Juliette Tworsey's idiosyncratic and hypnotic vocal stylings. She reminds me at times of Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde), Lene Lovich, Jill Sobule, and Tanya Donnelly. Her voice can be sweet and birdlike one moment, then take on a gutsier edge, then soar to quirky heights, ala Kate Pierson (B-52s) all in the span of a few phrases. My favorite track on the cd is the first cut "The Hard Way" which demonstrates the versatility of Ms. Tworsey's singing voice. "Wise Girl" is a prettier number which is quite pleasant to listen to. The third track "Want It Need It" is also quite catchy, with a hooky chorus and some nice tempo changes. The title track "Fragile" features some psychedelic guitar riffs with some ethereal vocals floating above it. "Old Friend" is another stand out track - this one is a pretty acoustic number with some nice harmonies on it. Firebug gets funky on track number 8 "Least You Can Do" which also has some interesting slide guitar work on it. Juliette is joined by bandmates Jules Shapiro on guitar, Jeff Eccles on bass, and Ty Dennis on drums. Refreshingly, this is a band whose songs do not all sound the same - each track has it's own distinctive feel. They have a definite style, but they are able to shift from slower melodic tunes to bouncy rockers without sounding disjointed. Firebug is able to blend bluesy influences with heavy guitar riffs, fetching vocals, and some definite underground elements into an appealing musical package. I'm betting that they are a great act to catch live. Fans of strong female vocalists and bands featuring hard driving rock music may well enjoy this latest recording from Firebug."
- Deep Fried Bug Vision Fanzine
Review by Helen Halloran
"The foundation members (not founding) of Firebug have a cool vibe between them on the CD. I hear some of the best bass lines I've heard for a while. Not hotshot annoying Primus bass lines (don't get me wrong, I highly respect Les Claypool of Primus), but very tasteful melodies that are right inline with my emotions while listening. The guitars are incredible. I love the heavy, unusual guitar stylings of Jules Shapiro. His guitar is what I think gives Firebug it's incredible sound with its heavy metal, country, and good old rock n roll sound.."
"Juliette Tworsey has a most unusual approach to her singing. Her voice is both horrible and sweet bringing you from sickening sweet revulsion to teeth grinding ecstasy. Very bouncy melodies moved me into a trancelike state.."
"Firebug is an incredible band with an exciting CD.."
- LocalArtWorks.com Review excerpts by Noel Stalker Hawkins 
