The emo-rock outfit initially just played cover songs around the tri-state area, but eventually switched over to writing originals, much to the quick embracement of local fans. By the fall of 2003, the guys had added second guitarist and vocalist Joe Brule to expand their sound further, and with the help of Hidden in Plain View's Rob Freeman, Sound the Alarm's first EP, Coin Operated Entertainment, was recorded. Its three songs got good feedback, which prompted the band to record more, but not before first being contacted by producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Hoobastank), who wound up signing the group to his label. The members of Sound the Alarm were allowed to graduate early from high school in January 2005, a move that enabled them to tour and write freely. Another EP, this time a self-titled one, appeared early the next year through Rock Ridge Music. Snagging a record deal with Geffen, Sound the Alarm released their self-titled debut full-length in the summer of 2007. ~ Corey Apar