Times New Viking: Born Again Revisited

Times New Viking
Born Again Revisited
Matador Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Another stellar record added to a stellar catalog!

Album Review:
There are some bands that the casual listener could listen to one time and be so repulsed that they would instantly run back to their adult alternative at top end 40 speed. Clearly it is not because the bands are bad but because they are so unique and different the casual listener just doesn't understand. Times New Viking is one of those bands. Their fourth album Born Again Revisited will do nothing to change that as the lo-fi noise rockers return with another solid set of mayhem! This is good news for those of us that live on the musical fringe and compared to their last excellent album Rip It Off [2008], Born Again Revisited actually turns down the overall volume some but increases the tempos with more direct shout out (sing along) choruses and incorporated melodies that appear as quick as they disappear. The deal on Times New Viking is that they will challenge your ear but win you over quickly with Beth Murphy's bellow, cranking distorted guitars and a little organ to top it all off. Born Again Revisited does nothing to change their direction nor alter their sound, which is exactly what we want to hear from one of the most consistent and daring indie bands out there!

Key Tracks: "No Time, No Hope", "Half Day In Hell", "(No) Sympathy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Vivian Girls
Guided By Voices
Deerhunter

Times New Viking: Stay Awake [EP] [Fire Note Review 10/28/08]
Times New Viking: Rip It Off [Fire Note Review 1/24/08]
Times New Viking: Present The Paisley Reich [Fire Note Review 8/9/07]

Times New Viking MySpace
Times New Viking Info [Allmusic]
Matador Records

Born Again Revisited - Times N...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Live

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Live
Vagrant Records [2009]
(CD/2 DVD Set)







Fire Drill Review:
This release will fall into the category of fans only but if you are a BRMC fan then this CD/DVD collection is a must. The first DVD features over two hours of live concert footage from three sold out shows in Berlin, Dublin and Glasgow, while the second bonus DVD supplies you with ninety minutes of behind-the-scenes footage plus the making of the 'Weapon Of Choice' video, and other impromptu off-stage performances. The CD then captures 14 songs from the concert film for an excellent audio only set that perfectly represents their live energy on disc. The collection also includes a 48-page booklet of previously unseen backstage and candid photos of the band. What should sell this release for you is that BRMC sound great on the footage and CD. Their guitars are loud and distorted, while the vocals may not always be spot on but they are extremely powerful all the way through. Some of these imperfections complete the live experience but never distract from how tight this seasoned band is and how they transform their studio tracks into even bigger rock songs live!

Key Track: "What Ever Happened To My Rock And Roll (Punk Song)"

Band With Simialr Fire: The Jesus And Mary Chain

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Baby 81 [Fire Note Review 4/26/07]

Official BRMC Website
BRMC MySpace
BRMC Info [Allmusic]
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

U2: The Unforgettable Fire [Deluxe Edition]

U2
The Unforgettable Fire [Deluxe Edition]
Mercury Records [1984; re:2009]
(2CD Set)





Fire Drill Review:
This special edition marks 25 years since the album's original release in October 1984. Recorded at Slane Castle, Ireland, The Unforgettable Fire was the first U2 album to be produced by Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, and spawned two top 10 UK singles - "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" and "The Unforgettable Fire". It was not their most commercially successful record but served as an important transitional album to the big league anthems they have now been delivering for years. At the time, working with Brian Eno was a huge risk considering he was known for his more experimental sounds with Bowie and the Talking Heads but the end result was simply the cohesion of two extreme talents that made The Unforgettable Fire one of their best. The second disc found here features B-sides, live tracks and other previously unreleased material that for fans is a great addition to an already great album!

U2: No Line On The Horizon [Fire Note Review 3/4/09]
U2: Under A Blood Red Sky [Deluxe Edition] [Fire Drills Review 10/2/08]

Official U2 Website
U2 MySpace
U2 Info [Allmusic]
Mercury Records

The Unforgettable Fire - U2

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Veterans Day

The Fire Note thanks all the men and women who have served or are currently serving as members of the United States Military. We appreciate their courage, devotion to duty and selfless service for the American people.

Reviews will start back up tomorrow and make sure you Facebook Fan The Fire Note for exclusive content not found here!

Echo And The Bunnymen: The Fountain

Echo And The Bunnymen
The Fountain
Ocean Rain Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Echo plays it safe with mixed results.

Album Review:
The Fountain will not be hailed as the next great classic from Echo And The Bunnymen, but overall it will please their large legion of fans with its care free attitude and Brit pop melodies. The record is their fifth since the bands reunion and it has a very upbeat and safe sound. This works on some tracks like the the first single "I Think I Need It Too", which is staple Echo and on the more surprising piano driven "Proxy" but it can also sound repetitious on the title track and the retreaded ground called "Do You Know Who I Am?". For bands that have had a lengthy career like Echo, this caveat can be easy to fall into and especially for a band that has emerged much sunnier on their reunion, compared to their much darker and classic early material. For better or worse, this simply is where the band is right now. Some disappointment will set in for those hoping Echo's earlier spirit has risen again on The Fountain but on the upside, Ian McCulloch has never sounded better and if you are looking for a reliable Brit pop rock album then the boys from Liverpool can still deliver.

Key Tracks: "Think I Need It Too", "Proxy", "Life Of A Thousand Crimes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Dears
The Psychedelic Furs
The Stills

Official Echo And The Bunnymen Website
Echo And The Bunnymen MySpace
Echo And The Bunnymen Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Electric Tickle Machine: Blew It Again

Electric Tickle Machine
Blew It Again
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Blew It Again is the new self-released record from Brooklyn's Electric Tickle Machine that was recorded with Matt Boynton (Gang Gang Dance, Bat For Lashes) over fourteen days. It is a fair representation of the bands live furry, as its ten tracks encapsulate the groups energy, fun spirit and party atmosphere with plenty of catchy garage rockers and hand clapping numbers among the bunch. The album completes in 28 minutes and is a prime example of how you can't judge a band by its cover, so although they may be a bit hard to find be sure to seek out ETM for an emerging band, that should be exciting to follow!

Key Track: "Part Of Me"

Band With Similar Fire: Tripping Daisy

Official Electric Tickle Machine Website
Electric Tickle Machine MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Mary Onettes: Islands

The Mary Onettes
Islands
Labrador Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: More flashback 80's vibe with plenty of emotion attached.

Album Review:
The Mary Onettes sophomore record Islands is an example of hard work done twice. The album had to be re-recorded from scratch after lead singer Philip Ekström's hard drive, with all his music, was stolen from his car and his backup hard drive failed due to a power surge at home. Lucky for the band that the ten songs found here are so personal that recall came more naturally then if they were written on the back of a napkin. It is this emotional attachment that completely sets the tone on Islands. The record is full of complex chords, deep lyrics, alternative 80's keyboards and a little bit of feedback. Ekström has one of those voices that sounds totally unnerved as he croons about heartbreak and death, although Islands suffers a bit from repetitive tempos. Islands is not the pick me up album of the year but if you are feeling a bit retro in today's indie market then The Mary Onettes can fill your void instantly. It is this Echo & Bunnymen meets Interpol blend that keeps this record relevant, although next time out I think the band should offer a few more themes as well as shaking up the pace to really hit a home run.

Key Tracks: "Puzzles", "Century", "Dare"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Interpol
The Ocean Blue
New Order

The Mary Onettes: The Mary Onettes [Fire Note Review 5/29/07]

Official Mary Onettes Website
The Mary Onettes MySpace
The Mary Onettes Info [Allmusic]
Labrador Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Morrissey: Swords

Morrissey
Swords
Polydor Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Swords is a new compilation from the great Moz, which compiles 18 select songs released as b-sides from 13 hit singles spanning over his last four albums. This recent era has been a creative explosion for Morrissey and Swords definitely puts an exclamation mark behind his consistent output but fails to bring anything really new to the table. This won't be a deal breaker for fans because there is not a total clunker of a song here but expanding past his current fanbase will not happen as nothing on Swords is truly essential.

Key Track: "Shame Is The Name"

Band With Similar Fire: Peter Murphy

Morrissey: Years Of Refusal [Fire Note Review 2/16/09]
The Smiths: The Sound Of The Smiths [Fire Note Review 11/10/08]

Official Morrissey Website
Morrissey MySpace
Morrissey Info [Allmusic]
Polydor Records

Swords - Morrissey

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Lissie: Why You Runnin' [EP]

Lissie
Why You Runnin' [EP]
Fat Possum Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Lissie Maurus (stage name Lissie) has a pure soulful voice that will instantly make you take notice from the first line in the spirited upbeat opener "Little Lovin". Her debut EP Why You Runnin' highlights her vocal talent, as it is haunting yet warm when she presents an excellent cover of Hank Williams Sr. "Wedding Bells" and on her own "Oh Mississippi", which was recorded with Ed Harcourt. The rest of Why You Runnin' was produced by friend Bill Reynolds, who is the bassist in Band of Horses, and it is a perfect slice of true emotion on tape. Lissie is a stellar new talent that should be heard and we are already geared up for a full length!

Key Track: "Wedding Bells"

Band With Similar Fire: Neko Case

Lissie MySpace
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Fire Note on Facebook

The Fire Note joined the Facebook community over the weekend and now you can get our reviews beamed right to your FB homepage! In addition to reviews we will also be featuring several daily artist updates that will cover everything from contests to tours to videos and back again.

*It is important to know that we respect your Facebook fan status and will only post up to seven times a day (more like 5), in an attempt to not clutter up your News Feed. So what are you waiting for? Click the link!

The Cribs: Ignore The Ignorant

The Cribs
Ignore The Ignorant
Warner Bros. Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Band still trying to break out in the US!

Album Review:
The Cribs are highly touted and well followed in their UK homeland and on the groups fourth album Ignore The Ignorant, they have brought more fire power in with the addition of guitarist Johnny Marr (Smiths, Modest Mouse). This help brings a sense of maturity to the Cribs three Jarmon brothers and their songs here feel well focused and much more serious, then some of their more previous upbeat pop rock charmers. The key about Ignore The Ignorant is that the charm is still here but now it can churn out Smith like tunes in "Last Year's Snow", while also venturing into a noisy Sonic Youth mind set on "City Of Bugs". This expanded direction is still blended with tons of Britrock moments in lead single "Cheat On Me" that has both swagger and a soaring chorus that should retain all of their fanbase. Overall, the US might still not buy into The Cribs effort and style because it is still very UK like. The record already debuted in the UK at number two, which should encourage you to take Ignore The Ignorant for a spin - especially if you are into the Brit scene because The Cribs have released one of their best complete albums to date.

Key Tracks: "Cheat On Me", "Last Year's Snow", "We Share The Same Skies"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Strokes
Idlewild
The Libertines

Official Cribs Website
The Cribs MySpace
The Cribs Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

Various Artists
The Twilight Saga: New Moon [OST]
Atlantic/Chop Shop Records [2009]






Fire Drill Review:
What makes the New Moon soundtrack sort of an interesting release is that it tries to rekindle the spirit of popular soundtracks of the past. Once a commercial staple in the industry, the soundtrack is where every band wanted to be featured and gold for new artists. With names like Death Cab, Thom Yorke, Muse and The Killlers on the bill and several newer artists like Anya Marina, Band Of Skulls and Hurricane Bells, the New Moon OST puts forward a valiant effort with its competent playlist, which was overseen by TV music guru Alexandra Patsavas (The O.C., Gossip Girl, Grey's Anatomy). At its conclusion, the New Moon OST will hit its target audience after the movie releases November 20. If you are a true indie die hard, nothing on here is going to terribly excite you, but overall it is nice to see the soundtrack concept return and it should open up doors for some of the very good new artists found here.

Official Twilight New Moon Website
Atlantic Records

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Or...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Brighton MA: Schubas Residency (Live)

Brighton MA
Schubas Residency (Live)
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
The first thing you will be into about this live release release from Brighton MA, is that you can download a high quality copy for free from their website. The second thing you will be into is that it is a very good. The track list was developed from their 4 show fun in February at Schubas in Chicago and includes several staples from their live set that are not on record, along with songs from their out-of-print self-titled EP [2007] and the Amateur Lovers [2008] LP. Sometimes bands have issues retaining their album vibe in a live setting but the actual opposite happens here as Brighton MA sound even more cohesive live and really make their songs come to life in this setting. This up and coming band has found their direction on Schubas Residency, which hopefully will carry over into their next LP!

Key Track: "Underground"

Band With Similar Fire: The Walkmen

Brighton MA: Amateur Lovers [Fire Note Review 1/9/09]

Official Brighton MA Website
Brighton MA MySpace
Brighton MA Info [Allmusic]
Free Download of Schubas Residency (Live)

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Paramore: Brand New Eyes

Paramore
Brand New Eyes
Fueled By Ramen Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
Brand New Eyes is a record that sets high expectations for Paramore, as it is the follow up to their commercially successful album Riot! [2007]. The record brings several key progressions to the pop-punk group, which is a newer and more controlled power chord from frontwoman Hayley Williams that has a commanding drive over each track and the group as a whole, has a much tighter song structure that complements their talent. The album was produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls), which adds elements of top end production but never sounds overproduced. This is a good thing for a band that has built a fanbase with heavy touring and stints on Warp. Nothing on Brand New Eyes has an overwhelming "wow" factor to it but as a complete album the record flows nicely enough to keep your attention and for sure will please their legions of fans out there. I am just not sure if it will capture any new ones.

Key Track: "Ignorance"

Band With Similar Fire: Fall Out Boy

Official Paramore Website
Paramore MySpace
Paramore Info [Allmusic]
Fueled By Ramen Records

brand new eyes - Paramore

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

Tegan And Sara: Sainthood

Tegan And Sara
Sainthood
Vapor Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Sisters turn it up a notch for a catchy slice of indie pop!

Album Review:
Tegan And Sara have been doing this for over ten years now and slowly the sisters have built a huge following by word of mouth and a constant touring schedule. With each record, I always feel that they will completely break out to the masses but then the dust settles and they don't take. Well on their new record, Sainthood that wait might go away as Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) returns to produce and the duo's confidence built on experience, shines through track after track. The record comes off much more in your face compared to The Con [2007] with catchy upbeat songs like "Hell" and the intriguing "Alligator", that is a total pop song filled with hooks galore but it comes at you with a depth like the group has not presented before. This depth is exactly what makes Sainthood work and hold up to multiple listens as each track pushes their increasing musical ear to the max. Tegan And Sara have made their friendliest record to date and given the chance, I believe the sisters are going to make a lot more followers as Sainthood's easy listen will impress well beyond their current fanbase.

Key Tracks: "Hell", "The Cure", "On Directing"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Paramore
Gossip
Vivian Girls

Tegan And Sara: The Con [Fire Note Review 8/6/07]

Official Tegan And Sara Website
Tegan And Sara MySpace
Tegan And Sara Info [Allmusic]
Vapor Records

Sainthood - Tegan & Sara

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri