Set Fire to Flames was a Canadian instrumental music ensemble consisting of 13 musicians from Montreal, Quebec. The band was often considered a side project of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, as the two groups shared several members.

History

Set Fire to Flames was initiated by David Bryant. The group released two albums on Alien8 Recordings and FatCat Records, on their own imprint, 130701, which was set up in 2001. The first album, Sings Reign Rebuilder, was released in October that year. It was recorded in a barn in rural Ontario; the sounds of the creaking doors and other background noises are heard behind the songs.

Both albums contain brooding, eerie music. Many of the tracks are minimalist, In 2016, a previously unreleased track was issued on 130701's 15th-anniversary compilation Eleven Into Fifteen.

As of August 13, 2025, Set Fire to Flames' music was removed from streaming platforms, mirroring a decision by their main project, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, to withdraw music from streaming services, particularly Spotify, whose CEO Daniel Ek has invested in AI military technology, a move contrary to the band's stated beliefs.

Members

Discography

  • Sings Reign Rebuilder (2001)
  • Telegraphs in Negative/Mouths Trapped in Static (2003)
  • Floored Memory….Fading Location (2009) includes "Steal Compass/Drive North/Disappear"
  • Eleven into Fifteen: a 130701 Compilation (2016) includes "Barn Levitate"

References

  • Official Set Fire to Flames website
  • set fire to flames bandcamp site