The Rationales’ latest EP, “Dream of Fire,” features 5 tracks recorded with producer Ed Valauskas (Juliana Hatfield, Graham Parker) at Q Division Studios. The follow-up to 2011’s LP “The Distance in Between” takes the band’s strength as songwriters as a starting point and adds an increasingly confident and skilled approach to their performance, which allowed The EP to be recorded over a single 24 hour period, mostly live, late in 2013. Meant to serve as the first of 3 EPs to be released over the coming 18 months (that, when finished, will function as a cohesive LP) “Dream of Fire” features four entirely new recordings, plus the 2012 hit single “Radio.”**

Tightly focused rock songs like “Drunk all the Time,” & “Radio” contrast with roots-washed songs like “Last Words,” and the anthemic “Let It Go.” “This Morning” is a manic, high tension track, which along with “Let It Go,” allows the band to stretch out - nearly into jam band territory at points. Mirabella’s lyrics are a shade darker than on previous releases, perhaps reflecting a turbulent period both in terms of the band’s lineup, as well as in his personal experiences. Themes of resignation and living beyond one’s comfort zone are central. As always though, it is the sense of hope, and promise of better days that inevitably come that keep the material from weighing too heavily.

* RADIO (Originally released in 2012 as a single) Garnered the following accolades:  - Named '2012 Standout Jam of the Year" (Boston Phoenix)  - Voted '2012 Local Song of the Year' (WMWM Salem Listeners Poll)  - Appeared on several year end top 10 lists