All Time Low: Nothing Personal

All Time Low
Nothing Personal
Hopeless Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: If you are in the mood.

Album Review:
All Time Low fall into the emo pop category and on their third record Nothing Personal their style is in full force. Their lyrics all stay primary focused on good and bad relationships and their music stays upbeat. All Time Low do not spend much time creating overly radio friendly songs which is a positive on Nothing Personal because it enables the band to maintain some edginess to them and never quite feel too sunny. This is what gives their band a bit more swagger and why they were on the main stage of the Warp Tour. Overall, All Time Low may still be a bit too sunshine for some but if you are looking for some simple but yet catchy pop rock then Nothing Personal should keep you going. Moving forward it will be interesting on how some of these bands evolve because I could see All Time Low being one to watch as they age and have a bit more to say - you just need to give em the chance!

Key Tracks: "Weightless", "A Party Song (The Walk Of Shame)", "Stella"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Owl City
Fall Out Boy
Jimmy Eat World

Official All Time Low Website
All Time Low MySpace
All Time Low Info [Allmusic]
Hopeless Records

Nothing Personal - All Time Lo...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Brand New: Daisy

Brand New
Daisy
Geffen Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Brand New have slowly morphed their style since their early albums and with each record they have reached back more into the group members pre-Brand New hardcore roots. With their earlier records they easily fit into more of an "emo" tag but Daisy shows the further progression of the band that has matured and has many more life experiences to pull from. This translates into a balanced sound that blends their more pop beginnings with an aggressive fuzzed out sound and lyrics that finds them taking a more artistic rock approach. Brand New sound energized, refreshed and downright sinister at times on Daisy, which puts them into their own category and flags them as a band to always check out because they consistently have something to say!

Key Track: "At The Bottom"

Band With Similar Fire: Taking Back Sunday

Official Brand New Website
Brand New MySpace
Brand New Info [Allmusic]
Geffen Records

Daisy - Brand New

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Switchfoot: Hello Hurricane

Switchfoot
Hello Hurricane
Atlantic Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
On Hello Hurricane, Switchfoot sound completely comfortable and well settled into their own rock sound, which actually combines U2 like anthems and Coldplay type rock structures to truly create one of their most unique and non-formula following records to date. This is driven by straight ahead rockers that have teeth and catchy soaring choruses that are memorable. Hello Hurricane represents the work of a band that has been through the major label ringer and survived by consistently improving, recognizing what works for them and just going for it regardless of what anyone else says. Switchfoot may never reach the pinnacle point of their past nor break into a less mainstream scene but if they can keep putting out records like Hello Hurricane, listening to radio will be much more tolerable!

Key Track: "Mess Of Me"

Band With Similar Fire: U2

Switchfoot: The Best Yet [Fire Note Review 11/18/08]

Official Switchfoot Website
Switchfoot MySpace
Switchfoot Info [Allmusic]
Atlantic Records

Hello Hurricane - Switchfoot

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Hurricane Bells: Tonight Is The Ghost

Hurricane Bells
Tonight Is The Ghost
Vagrant Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: This is one Hurricane to stick around for!

Album Review:
Hurricane Bells is the new project from Longwave singer/guitarist Steve Schiltz. You may already know the name as they recently had an exclusive song included on the soon to be huge New Moon: Twilight Series Soundtrack and it apparently is one of the first songs used in the movie. That being said, it is one of those great breaks every group longs for and it should translate into some success for Hurricane Bells newly released long player Tonight Is The Ghost. Schiltz gets total credit for the album as he wrote, played, recorded and mixed every note over the past 18 months on his Mac, which translates into the albums intimate melodic tempo that has everything from guitar pop to haunting atmospheric ballads. What makes this record so good is that it is completely pure. Just a talented artist putting his soul into his songs that has a solid mellow indie rock vibe. The entire project is driven by Schiltz's likable voice and veteran songwriting status, which easily puts Hurricane Bells as a band/guy to keep an eye on as we cross into 2010!

*Currently this is a digital release only - a physical release is expected February 2010.

Key Tracks: "This Year", "This Is A Test", "The Winters In New York"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sea Wolf
Death Cab For Cutie
Pedro The Lion

Longwave: Secrets Are Sinister [Fire Note Review 12/2/08]

Hurricane Bells MySpace
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

Laarks: An Exaltation Of Laarks

Laarks
An Exaltation Of Laarks
Absolutely Kosher Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
Wisconsin's Laarks have all the components of a solid indie rock band that includes swirling guitars, melodic hooks and quick lyrical turns. It is a debut record that has been in the works since March 2007 and was totally completed by the band, which covers everything from the recording to the artwork, as An Exaltation Of Laarks has been out independently since early this year and Absolutely Kosher has just now gave it an official release. The record is full of energy that sparks quickly with guitar rock outs and strong lead vocals from singer/songwriter/keyboarder Ian Jacoby. It actually is the records textured strategic pauses and quick moments of reflection that complete An Exaltation Of Laarks and make it a debut well worthy of checking out!

Key Track: "What God Hath Wrought"

Band With Similar Fire: Ass Ponys

Official Laarks Website
Laarks MySpace
Absolutely Kosher Records

An Exaltation of Laarks - Laar...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Snow Patrol: Up To Now

Snow Patrol
Up To Now
Fiction/A&M Records [2009]
(2 CD Set)







Fire Drill Review:
With fifteen years and five albums, Snow Patrol, have much more material then many know about, as this new 2 disc compilation, Up To Now not only captures the hits but also features rarities, covers songs and three new tracks. This will be an eye opener for many fans that discovered Snow Patrol through their smash hit "Chasing Cars" in 2006 as Up To Now grabs a handful of tracks from their first couple of more "indie" type records. What this compilation does show is the progression of Snow Patrol from a really indie band to a group more set for the mainstream. This is not a bad thing but just the evolution of finding themselves. It also shows that Snow Patrol have a fun side with including a cover version of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" as well as displaying how consistent their more recent material has been. Overall the length of Up To Now may lose the casual listener but for longtime fans it will complete their catalog and is a solid listen all the way through!

Key Track: "Give Me Strength"

Band With Similar Fire: Coldplay

Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Suns [Fire Note Review 11/5/08]

Official Snow Patrol Website
Snow Patrol MySpace
Snow Patrol Info [Allmusic]
A&M/Interscope Records

Up To Now - Snow Patrol

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Them Crooked Vultures: Them Crooked Vultures

Them Crooked Vultures
Them Crooked Vultures
Interscope Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Classic rock returns!

Album Review:
Them Crooked Vultures probably extends beyond the "supergroup" tag as John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) storied past extends well beyond one adjective. I am not sure if it should be "super supergroup" but this trio unites on their self-titled debut for a solid gritty rock n roll record that hits hard, cranks the volume and generally puts all of the players best foot forward. Homme mostly takes the vocal leads, while Grohl comes through loud and clear pounding the skins and it leaves Jones rightfully laying down the heavy bass lines. Them Crooked Vultures does not feel mashed together or hurried, which is a plus for them, although overall many of the songs here are like a major jam session. Clearly with this talent, jam sessions are welcomed but the albums running time crosses the hour mark and could have benefited a bit from some editing. Regardless if we ever see another record from Them Crooked Vultures, the combination of this tri-fecta fire power makes for an interesting listen and enough highlights to blow your speakers and start an entire new classic rock revolution!

Key Tracks: "No One Loves Me & Neither Do I", "New Fang", "Caligulove"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wolfmother
Foo Fighters
Queens Of The Stone Age

Official Them Crooked Vultures Website
Them Crooked Vultures MySpace
Them Crooked Vultures Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

Them Crooked Vultures - Them C...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Pablo: There's Rope To Leave

Pablo
There's Rope To Leave
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Pablo's debut was a somewhat laid back affair so the first noticeable difference with the groups sophomore record There's Rope To Leave is its expansion of sound and overall upbeat vibe. This uptempo vibe was developed over a year and half, as the record started off as an eight track bedroom recording in front man Paul Schalda’s home but ended up at Levon Helm's upstate New York recording studio. The final version showcases the fuller sound and gets stronger as you move into the middle of the record with the upbeat one-two-three of "Hey Luci", "Morning", and By Up I Mean", which are more memorable then anything else on the record and make There's Rope To Leave a quality second album for the band.

Key Track: "Morning"

Band With Similar Fire: Matt Pond PA

Pablo: Half The Time [Fire Note Review 11/15/06]

Official Pablo Website
Pablo MySpace
Pablo Info [Allmusic]

There's Rope To Leave - Pablo

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Kings Of Convenience: Declaration Of Dependence

Kings Of Convenience
Declaration Of Dependence
Astralwerks Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Hush is their style - Quiet is their magic!

Album Review:
There is something so simple about Kings Of Convenience approach to music but something so complex about their execution. It is their modern day Simon & Garfunkel style that will draw even the most casual listener into their hush tones and minimal instrument support. Considering Declaration Of Dependence is the groups third record, one might expect them to shake it up a bit, add some electronics or maybe even sneak a large guitar riff in there but the duo of Oye and Boe downturn things even more and challenge your attention and your ear. With songs that feel like whispers and strumming that you need to turn up, you might question why bother. The answer is that these two play off each other and create true song depth with their melodies and eloquent delivery. All of these moments add up to a welcomed return for Kings Of Convenience as they showcase how they have not lost one step since their last release in 2004 and in fact, they sound more confident then ever!

Key Tracks: "24-25", My Ship Isn't Pretty", "Boat Behind"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Belle & Sebastian
Simon & Garfunkel
Nick Drake

Official Kings Of Convenience Website
Kings Of Convenience MySpace
Kings Of Convenience Info [Allmusic]
Astralwerks Records

Declaration Of Dependence - Ki...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dead Stars: Break The Tide

Dead Stars
Break The Tide
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
This Brooklyn band is currently flying below the radar but their debut Break The Tide may eventually change some of that with its loud textured guitars and full blown out rock songs, which instantly brings to mind alt icon Dinosaur Jr. It is not that the Dead Stars bring anything new or innovative to the table but rather their focus on solid song structures, moving rhythms and intricate guitar play makes Break The Tide a worthy listen. The band succeeds in taking a very 90's rock approach and making it current with their energy and forward lyrics. This creates a perfect balance for the Dead Stars that should be capable of pulling in a new crowd while attracting those of us still cranking out the fuzzy rock from our past!

Key Track: "Fade Away"

Band With Similar Fire: Dinosaur Jr.

Official Dead Stars Website
Dead Stars MySpace

Break the Tide - Dead Stars

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Morphine: At Your Service

Morphine
At Your Service
Rhino/Ryko Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: In memory of the Sandman!

Album Review:
It has been ten years since the early passing of Morphine frontman Mark Sandman and this two disc, 35 track collection contains all of their previously unissued studio tracks, alternate takes, and live performances, that span the groups entire career. It is a nice closing piece to a group that not only was cut way too short but also was a group that always was able to surprise critics and fans with their unconventional approach to music. Morphine's lack of guitar always was a factoid about the band that made them unique and what you can hear on At Your Service is how much their music ebbs and flows without there use. Many of the alternative and live versions found here have a very free form vibe to them, which is almost the perfect encapsulation of Morphine the band because their live show always was a strength and routinely gave their music a life of its own. Nothing on At Your Service will gain a bunch of new fans nor would I have any newbies start with this collection but for longtime followers it is must grab. In Mark Sandman's words "We are Morphine at your service!"

Key Tracks: "Patience (Alt. Version)", "Shadow (I Know You Part V)", "Buena (Alt. Version)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beck
Medeski Martin & Wood
Yo La Tengo

Morphine Info Website
Morphine MySpace
Morphine Info [Allmusic]
Rhino Records

At Your Service - Morphine

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Audra Mae: Haunt [EP]

Audra Mae
Haunt [EP]
SideOneDummy Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
Audra Mae is a new artist that you should check out now before she blows up in 2010. On the Haunt EP, Mae shows off her smooth as silk delivery in each of the ep's five folk country tracks and simply has one of those voices that floats. Mae is actually the grand niece of Judy Garland and has been performing in musical theater since she was 4, which comes through on record as confidence, as each song is fully developed, likable and inviting. She currently is working with Ted Hutt (Flogging Molly, Gaslight Anthem, Mighty Mighty Bosstones) on her 2010 debut and has already had a cover song featured on the TV show Sons Of Anarchy, so now is your chance to hear an emerging artist, as the Haunt EP will certainly impress any listener and give you a full length to look forward to next year!

Key Track: "The River"

Band With Similar Fire: Neko Case

Audra Mae MySpace
SideOneDummy Records

Haunt - Audra Mae

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Farewell: Run It Up The Flagpole

Farewell
Run It Up The Flagpole
Epitaph Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Not only is there nothing wrong with a straight forward pop punk album but it is almost refreshing to hear a record today without tons of gimmicks while being full of catchy anthems supported only by guitars, bass and drums. That is exactly what you get on Farewell's sophomore album Run It Up The Flagpole, as it bounces and hops from track to track with lyrical content that the band clearly focused in on. This attitude towards quality shines through the entire LP, as each memorable hook and foot tapper rolls quickly in 35 minutes, while injecting new energy to a genre that has been glossed over for too long!

Key Track: "We All Fall Down"

Band With Similar Fire: Blink-182

Farewell MySpace
Farewell Info [Allmusic]
Epitaph Records

Run It Up The Flagpole - Farew...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Bear In Heaven: Beast Rest Forth Mouth

Bear In Heaven
Beast Rest Forth Mouth
Hometapes Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: This album has an immediate appeal that leaves a lasting impression!

Album Review:
On their sophomore record Beast Rest Forth Mouth, Brooklyn's Bear In Heaven successfully walk the fine line of blending an indie psychedelic undertone with spontaneous prog moments that all get fenced in with solid pop anthems. It is a sound that feels fresh and inserts a sense of confidence in every track that absolutely works. It would be easy for a band experimenting with some of these ideas to wander off in a multitude of directions and carry on for 6 or 7 minute tracks but that is exactly what Bear In Heaven don't even think about. The band skillfully keeps just about every track within the 3 or 4 minute pop time frame, that adds cohesiveness and catchiness to Beast Rest Forth Mouth, while still leaves it feeling somewhat experimental. This is a record that has an immediate appeal with its intricate soundscapes and well defined vocals but it is with multiple plays that you realize Bear In Heaven have released one of the better albums this year and once again highlight Brooklyn as a hotbed for new music!

Key Tracks: "Lovesick Teenagers", "Wholehearted Mess", "Ultimate Satisfaction"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Girls
The Flaming Lips
Neon Indian

Official Bear In Heaven Website
Bear In Heaven MySpace
Bear In Heaven Info [Allmusic]
Hometapes Records

Beast Rest Forth Mouth - Bear ...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Capgun Coup: Maudlin

Capgun Coup
Maudlin
Team Love Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Capgun Coup are a freewheeling indie rock band from Omaha, NE that have just recently released their sophomore record Maudlin. It has 14 tracks of fueled up good times, that cranks out in just 38 minutes and offers different genres that stretch from surf to lo-fi garage. Maudlin is truly a fun record to let play at any event with its controlled recklessness and unconventional vocals. It has many special highlights, like the surprising surf instrumental "Fishlip" and the lackadaisical swagger in "Farnam Street", which together have a completely different approach and style but both just make you want to stay longer and hang with Capgun Coup for repeat plays!
Key Track: "Now That I'm Home"

Band With Similar Fire: Railroad Jerk

Capgun Coup MySpace
Capgun Coup Info [Allmusic]
Team Love Records

Maudlin - Capgun Coup

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

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