Paul Dempsey Pays Tribute To Mike Noga As Posthumous Album 'Open Fire' Hits Shelves

A little over a year since his untimely passing, the fourth and final solo album from The Drones drummer Mike Noga has been released across the globe.

The musician, who passed at the age of 42 last year, had been working tirelessly on the new release - Open Fire - right up until his death in August 2020.

"It was a long and at times difficult process this one. I’m actually just proud of myself for being able to write another album’s worth of material, even if it did take years!" he wrote of the album during production. 

"I’m super proud of this album. I think it’s the best I’ve ever done. My global warming, apocalyptic, mid-life crisis album. Wooo! I was surprised on listening back at how much I mention 'when I was young' or reference being young. I didn’t realise it when writing it." 

He continued, "It’s always interesting to me when the album reveals itself and even I realise what the over-arching theme is. The subconscious is a powerful thing. I totally love Alan [Sparhawk]'s production. His stamp is all over this album and it feels like the next logical step for me after King.”

Close friend and Something For Kate lead vocalist Paul Dempsey shared his affection for both Noga and the new release, saying, “there was nothing quite like watching Mike unleash his talent and creativity, whether he was brandishing a pair of drumsticks or a guitar or a mic stand, he did it all with total abandon and it was always a total pleasure to get lost in the music with him. 

"As a songwriter, Mike was every bit as bold and uncompromising and 'Open Fire' is the sound of an artist with no limits to his ambition or scope. It's a big widescreen album, full of darkness and full of light, and it's a beautiful thing to get lost in."

Dempsey also took to Instagram yesterday to share word of the album, lamenting on Noga's time in the studio.

"I remember when Mike returned from making the album in Minnesota," he wrote. "he knew he had given it absolutely everything and he was so excited for everyone to hear it. Mike’s family, producer Alan Sparhawk, mastering engineer Jake Larson and the good folks at Part Time Record co. have all put so much love and energy into getting this record out into the world for us all to enjoy and it is a truly beautiful piece of work."

image from instagram

Also sharing a personal pic of Noga shredding on a makeshift ironing board guitar, Dempsey added, "There are no ironing board solos on the album (indeed, the technology required to even capture a recording of something that simply defies natural law is not yet with us), but I can offer you this rare snapshot and I can assure you, they were something to behold."

Open Fire is out now: