It’s always good to hear from friends and here at Band of the Week we feel like all our former bands are friends. One such band, The Ruse, recently let us know of the exciting things happening in their world. We originally profiled The Ruse back in August 2006, when I reviewed their second album Light in Motion and interviewed frontman John Dauer.

The Ruse have a melodic, soothing, cultivated sound and you can hear the influences of big-stadium bands like, U2, Coldplay, and Travis. The Ruse’s music is full of punchy guitar solos and mild baselines, but its Dauer’s melodic, smooth, mellow vocals that complete their creamy concoction. His vocals are like good Scottish whiskey, buttery, rich and hauntingly emotive with a definite Celtic flavour. The Ruse are so good, you know one day they will be rock gods.

And that may now be in motion after their up-coming appearance on MTV’s The Hills (Monday, November 5 at 10pm ET/PT) which will include a live performance by the boys at Hollywood’s famous nightclub, the Viper Room, followed by the after party at One Sunset. Immediately following the airing of the episode (#313) The Ruse’s single “Swallow You” will be available for download from MTV.com.

To celebrate this occasion The Ruse have decided to put their brand new EP Live at the Viper Room up for download, free of charge, for the entire month of November. This five song EP gives fans one track from their debut album Invasion: “Sit Down Stare Out”. It also includes two tracks from their last album, Light in Motion: “Don’t Let it Fade Away” and “Swallow You” and two previously unreleased tracks: “Monochrome” and “Collide”. The last two are just a teaser for what’s to come on their new album, which they are currently recording, due out in early 2008.

Live at the Viper Room is a high energy live EP that perfectly showcases all The Ruse’s strong points: excellent musicianship, fabulous songs, and awe inspiring vocals. You can download Live at the Viper Room by visiting The Ruse’s MySpace space throughout November.