Next time you travel, listen to this on your iPod

Virginia-based band Trees on Fire is taking an uncompromising, rebellious stance to promote a relevant and important cause they passionately believe in. The band’s five members are out to put an end to global warming and the destructive practice of mountain top removal in the eastern United States; a form of surface mining for coal, blamed for causing damage the environment via extreme topographical and ecological changes.

Trees on Fire’s new EP, “Organica Volume One”, makes no apologies as it explores these issues and other themes centering around building a better planet. It aims to challenge corporate and political leaders to take notice of the increasing need for energy policy change.

The project is the first in a series of EPs by Trees on Fire. It features three tracks, highlighting Trees on Fire’s signature blend of rock, classical, hip-hop, electronica, reggae and more. Tracks include, “Into the Fire,” “Take a Seat” and “Birds and the Bees.”

Band member and songwriter Rob Mezzanotte said he hopes Trees on Fire’s songs will make a profound impact in the immediate future and for years to come.

“I feel like (our music) is a reflection of the current crisis we’re all in right now around the globe and the need to make some better decisions,” said Rob Mezzanotte, who sings and plays guitar, saxophone, keyboards. “There’s a lot of injustice that needs to change. We’ve got to realize that we’re all connected through a fine thread with our ecosystem and everything that’s in it.”

Over its three-year career, Trees on Fire has become known for its razor-sharp four-part harmonies and organic world rhythms infused into eco-promoting songs. In 2007, Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine named Trees on Fire “Greenest Regional Band.”

The group has built a large following playing on the East Coast, but also has gained popularity through its Web site and other Internet sites. Trees on Fire’s lineup includes: Mezzanotte, Blake Hunter (guitar, trumpet, vocals), Paul Rosner (drums, vocals), Brian Wahl (bass) and Justin Esposito (keys, violin, accordion, guitar, vocals).

“Organica Volume One” is available at www.treesonfire.com, iTunes, Amazon and Napster. “Organica Volume Two” will be released on April 22 (Earth Day).