The Queers: Munki Brain

The Queers
Munki Brain
Asian Man Records [2007]

The Queers are a staple in the history of pop punk. They rose to fame back in the early 90s when Green Day exploded the genre alongside bands like Screeching Weasel, Millencolin and the leading label Lookout Records!. Munki Brain is the bands 15^th release and it showcases how power pop punk should be done. The Queers have always had a light approach to recording and never had any concerns over outside criticism. This free spirit has always been a strength that leads to a fun listen every time you put a Queers record in the player. It is understood that you are going to get one hundred per cent vocals, note perfect chords, and solid stick playing. The only thing really missing is the occasional callout of 1,2,3. On Munki Brain, the formula remains the same and The Queers sound as fresh as ever. They bring back the spirit of the Ramones, Cheap Trick and every Warp Tour you have attended on these 13 tracks. If you like pop punk - pick this up, if you like The Queers - pick this up and if you are up for a good rockin’ time - pick this up.

Key Tracks: "Houston We Have A Problem", "Girl About Town", "I Can't Stay Mad At You"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ramones
The Mr. T Experience
MxPx

Official Queers Website
The Queers MySpace
The Queers Info [Allmusic]
Asian Man Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

Menomena: Friend And Foe

Menomena
Friend And Foe
Barsuk Records [2007]

Portland, Oregon’s Menomena had great indie success with their debut I Am The Fun Blame Monster [2003]. Their formula for creating music is simple but unique. They start the process by arranging and building song structures with computer-generated loops. From here, they let the songs evolve and add in the other key ingredients like piano, drums, intermittent guitar and the occasional sax. On Friend And Foe, the same process was used but instead of stripping each song and keeping it simple, Menomena kicked it up a notch by expanding the multiple sounds and highlighting the vocals. This tweak to the formula has turned out one of the first quality indie releases of 2007. The more Friend And Foe spun in my player the more I liked it. Every time you take a listen a new discovery is a certainty, which makes the album completely infectious. So whether you are into post-punk, indie rock or hip-hop, Friend And Foe brings something to the table for everyone. Menomena constantly gives the listener new ideas and tons of material to dissect, which provides quality repeat listening experiences that will carry you throughout the year.

Key Tracks: "Muscle N Flo", "Air Aid", "Evil Bee"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Flaming Lips
Built To Spill
Spoon

Official Menomena Website
Menomena MySpace
Menomena Info [Allmusic]
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fu Manchu: We Must Obey

Fu Manchu
We Must Obey
Century Media Records [2007]

So do you ever get up and examine your music collection and think “I need to listen to something that is going to kick my ass today”. If you do, then Fu Manchu’s new release We Must Obey is going to fit nicely in your morning routine. Southern California’s stoner rock bad boys return with their tenth album of riff heavy, take no prisoners brand of rock n roll in top notch form. The title track kicks the album off with a viciousness that not many bands even dream about, which preps the listener for 36 minutes of non-stop fist pumping fun. The album sounds as fresh and innovative as their debut, which not only proves the bands constant commitment to their craft but the enlisting of co-producer Andrew Alekel (Weezer, Rancid, Queens Of The Stone Age) was a great move. We Must Obey also includes an interesting cover of The Cars “Moving In Stereo”, which comes and goes very quickly. Just imagine Ric Ocasek on steroids and you get the picture. Fu Manchu have not changed, evolved or adapted to a new scene, which is exactly what any fan would want to hear.

Key Tracks: "Hung Out To Dry", "We Must Obey", "Knew It All Along"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Queens Of The Stone Age
Young Heart Attack
Avenged Sevenfold

Official Fu Manchu Website
Fu Manchu MySpace
Fu Manchu Info [Allmusic]
Century Media Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Phonograph: Phonograph

Phonograph
Phonograph
Arclight Records [2007]







They have only been in existence for two years now but Phonograph’s self-titled debut has been met with anticipation and positive press due to their modern alt-country swagger and a little help from their new friends Wilco. The band found themselves new fans when recording their album and had Jon Langford (Mekons/Waco Brothers) and John Stirratt (Wilco) taking a listen. Needless to say, they were blown away. So much so, that Phonograph has already been in the opening slot for Wilco. The album itself is a great listen and exemplifies what a good alt-country album should sound like. It has a very Wilco vibe with unique noises interlaced throughout the tracks and the similar vocal style of Tom Petty’s gruffness crooning away effortlessly like they have been together for years. Phonograph is a more laid-back affair and the songs never reach a level of barn stomping burn the house down rock but that is the true draw to this album – it never needs to raise the roof because its solid musicianship, pensive lyrics and pure heart lead the listener down a road of bitter pasts worthy of many repeat listens. It just gets better with each spin.

Key Tracks: "TV Screens", "In Your Mind", "Waltz From Jonas"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wilco
Tom Petty
The Autumn Defense

Official Phonograph Website
Phonograph MySpace
Phonograph Info [Allmusic]
Arclight Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Colour: Between Earth & Sky

The Colour
Between Earth & Sky
Re:Think Records [2007]

When I think of Orange County, I think of straight up California punk rock. The Colour hail from Orange County but play a very British Strokes like rock n roll. The main different ingredient that sets The Colour apart from the rest is the infusion of some bluesy like venom that runs throughout the course of their debut Between Earth & Sky. Lead vocalist Wyatt Hull leads the way with a powerful 70’s rock voice modernized by the solid musicianship that rounds out the band. The Colour have some similar resemblance to sounding like the latest Killers record or a flashback to some Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street [1972]. Regardless of the retro feel, The Colour bring a fresh feel to the music scene with the release of Between Earth & Sky. It is an album that will always sound better with the volume cranked to ten! A welcomed factor that everyone needs on occasion!

Key Tracks: "Black Summer", "Devil's Got A Holda Me", "Save Yourself"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kings Of Leon
Wolfmother
The Strokes

Official The Colour Website
The Colour MySpace
The Colour Info [Allmusic]
Re:Think Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Peter Bjorn And John: Writer's Block

Peter Bjorn And John
Writer's Block
Almost Gold Recordings [2007]

Already making waves elsewhere in 2006, Peter Bjorn And John’s Writer’s Block hits Stateside with a huge cloud of hype. Even better, a full second disc of rarities is included to entice the US market. The deal here is that you do not need any extra enticement to pick up and enjoy the Swedish trio’s third album. Writer’s Block is full of lo-fi ditties that will make anyone into the indie scene smile from ear to ear. A basic 60’s vibe runs through the entire album and with the inclusion of the infectious vocals of ex-Concrete Victoria Bergsman the project feels completely balanced from track to track. On their previous albums Peter Bjorn And John were straight up power pop with guitar complementing every track. On Writer’s Block, you get the power pop sensibility but with scaled back guitars driven by intelligent catchy vocal melodies and trouble-free drum beats keeping the time. Each track makes you want to hear more and regardless of your mood, listening to Writer’s Block just always sounds great.

Key Tracks: "Amsterdam", "Objects Of My Affection", "Young Folks"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Shout Out Louds
Jens Lekman
The New Pornographers

Official Peter Bjorn And John Website
Peter Bjorn And John MySpace
Peter Bjorn And John Info [Allmusic]
Almost Gold Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Some Loud Thunder

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Some Loud Thunder
Self-Released [2007]

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah make their sophomore return with Some Loud Thunder, after reveling in success of indie darling status from their self-titled debut [2005]. The title track kicks off the new effort and right from the gate listeners will be checking the spine label to make sure they bought the correct album. “Some Loud Thunder” is crackly, distorted and lo-fi, which is a clear departure from any of the sweet jangle pop found on their debut. That is right kids – we are not in Kansas anymore. I am not sure if the intent was to shock the listener (successful yes) but luckily track two returns to a form that sounds somewhat familiar. The rest of Some Loud Thunder tries out some different ideas with some working like the cool “Love Song No. 7”, which is more brooding and dark compared to their usual upbeat tracks and some tracks that don't quite fit like the instrumental "Upon Encountering the Crippled Elephant". Bottom line for all the hype this record had and pressure that was on the band Some Loud Thunder is very successful and a nice addition to anyone’s indie collection.

Key Tracks: "Satan Said Dance", "Yankee Go Home", "Mama, Won't You Keep Them Castles In The Air And Burning?"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Modest Mouse
Arcade Fire

Official Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Website
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah MySpace
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

The One AM Radio: This Too Will Pass

The One AM Radio
This Too Will Pass
Dangerbird Records [2007]

The One AM Radio is the creative output of Hrishikesh Hirway. This Too Will Pass is the third album from Hirway, once again providing listeners with 13 tracks of soft poetic lo-fi sounds. What fans may notice instantly is the lack of electronic background beats and noise that was emphasized on his two previous albums. The focus now is on Hirway’s gentle vocals and his guitar making The One AM Radio more comparable to an Elliott Smith vs. past comparisons to The Postal Service. The songs are quiet and fresh with multiple backing instruments such as violin, woodwinds and drums that glide the listener from track to track with seamless transitions. The new direction of The One AM Radio is very welcomed and This Too Will Pass is a top of the class release that deserves repeat listens.

Key Tracks: "The Harvest", "In The Time We've Got", "The Echoing Airports"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elliott Smith
Yo La Tengo
The Sea And Cake

Official One AM Radio Website
The One AM Radio MySpace
The One AM Radio Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

The Good, The Bad & The Queen: The Good, The Bad & The Queen

The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Virgin Records [2007]

The Good, The Bad & The Queen is the debut album from Damon Albarn's newest musical experiment that includes bass from Paul Simonon of The Clash, drumming from the Afro-beat star, Tony Allen and guitar work from former Verve man, Simon Tong. With a lineup that has this much historic UK talent you are not sure what to expect – a) a punkish direction, b) wired electronic funk, c) straight up Britpop or d) dance pop. Now what if I told you Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley) is behind the production board. Which genre did you select? Well the correct answer would probably be e) none of the above – I know it was a trick question but that is what you will think after taking The Good, The Bad & The Queen for a spin. It really does not fit anything you have heard before but it does have elements of many different genres mixed up into one. The album slowly burns through 12 tracks about London life surrounding itself in atmospheric ambience. Albarn’s vocals come and go but never reach the perkiness of Blur or the sporadic beats of a Gorillaz. The Good, The Bad & The Queen is another fresh direction and reinterpretation of music but I feel never reaches its total potential. I actually hope this group sticks around for album number two because they easily could produce something great.

Key Tracks: "Herculean", "Kingdom Of Doom", "Northern Whale"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kula Shaker
Blur-Gorillaz
Teddybears

The Good, The Bad & The Queen Website
The Good, The Bad & The Queen MySpace
The Good, The Bad & The Queen Info [Wikipedia]
Virgin Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Western States Motel: The Western States Motel

The Western States Motel
The Western States Motel
Self-Released [2006]

If you are currently sitting under a foot of snow and shivering because no matter how high your heat is turned up you are still cold, then think about checking out the debut self-titled release from California’s The Western States Motel. It is a true slice of quality sunshine rock and the melodies are full of smooth soundscapes that leave you dreaming of warm oceans and magnificent sunsets. One-man band creator Carl Jordon spent most of a year wandering across the sunshine state unemployed and just writing songs about his West Coast life. Jordan slowly recorded bits and pieces of Western States Motel over time in a spare bedroom with an IKEA 15 dollar nylon string acoustic guitar, an electric guitar bought at a garage sale for ten bucks, some keyboards and several percussion instruments. This dedication and persistence shows because The Western States Motel has seamless transitions making you think there is full band support but realizing it is the brainchild one man makes the effort more special. It is album that was created to be listened to and not commercialized. It has no label support and no pressure to be successful therefore; it is a true heartfelt snapshot of a promising songwriter’s California life, which is a perfect listen for any day of the week.

Key Tracks: "The New E Blues", "Powerlines", "Cheap Speakers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beck
The Shins
The Beta Band

Official Western States Motel Website
The Western States Motel MySpace
Purchase Album @ CD Baby

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Eleni Mandell: Miracle Of Five

Eleni Mandell
Miracle Of Five
Zedtone Records [2007]








Eleni Mandell has one of those voices that immediately makes you stop and ask the question “Who is that?” She has a very sophisticated sultry jazzy sound that melts your ear with each track she croons, instantly leaving you wanting more. Miracle Of Five marks her sixth album and this time around, producer Andy Kaulkin had Mandell try something different. She recorded all of the vocals and guitar solo. He then added the talented band later, which includes Jeff Turmes, (who has backed James Harman and Badly Drawn Boy), guitarist Nels Cline (Wilco), DJ Bonebrake (X) and her longtime rhythm section of drummer Kevin Fitzgerald and bassist Ryan Feves. The main idea is keep the focus on the most powerful instrument – Eleni’s voice. Miracle Of Five shows off Mandell’s maturity as an artist and leads her down the road of more contemporary types. If you are a fan, be sure to pick this up and it would easily make the perfect album to impress your loved one if you are still looking for that last minute Valentine’s Day gift.

Key Tracks: "Girls", "Salt Truck", "Somebody Else"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Aimee Mann
Cat Power

Official Eleni Mandell Website
Eleni Mandell MySpace
Eleni Mandell Info [Allmusic]
Zedtone Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Fratellis: Costello Music

The Fratellis
Costello Music
Interscope Records [2007]

Already popular in the UK, Glasgow’s Fratellis play an adrenaline fueled type of rock that many of you have already experienced via the latest iPod commercial featuring the song “Flathead”. The Fratellis are not out to confuse you. They are not arty, they have not released a mature album and they are not going to get any airtime during the many romantic Valentines Day celebratory dinners tomorrow. What The Fratellis can do is put a smile on your face, force your volume knob up and to let you sit back and rock out to the show. Costello Music is fast paced Britpop with all the UK swagger and attitude. The Fratellis attack you with invigorating guitar riffs and popping lyrical transitions. It is music that is meant to be sung along to, be in your face, and give no surprises - just substance from the power trio. Costello Music is worthy of picking up when it hits state side come March but has already been released and shooting up the UK charts since September.

Key Tracks: "Henrietta", "Chelsea Dagger", "Flathead"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Supergrass
The Kooks
Arctic Monkeys

Official Fratellis Website
The Fratellis MySpace
The Fratellis Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Bloc Party: A Weekend In The City

Bloc Party
A Weekend In The City
Vice Records [2007]

 
A Weekend In The City is the follow up to Bloc Party’s smash debut Silent Alarm [2005]. This time around, the tone of the album is more dramatically focused and mature, losing some of their characteristic spastic guitar, shout-outs and bouncy transitions. For any sophomore release, straying away from elements that made your band so infectious could be career ending but for Bloc Party this move easily can be considered career development. The opening track, "Song for Clay (Disappear Here)," immediately signals this new found spirit with the line “Because East London is a vampire, it sucks the joy right out of me”. You realize quickly you are in for a tour of modern city life that is not necessarily always pretty. Gone are any first impression singles but with repeat listens as a complete album, A Weekend In The City grows on you. The songs keep evolving into something new and the beats stay hidden inside the tracks, driving and churning them to completion. Once you start to ingest all the elements, the gaps you first thought were very wide between their two albums now become minimal and it is quickly apparent that this is the Bloc Party you have always loved - still touting them as one of your favorite bands.

Key Tracks: "The Prayer", "I Still Remember", "Waiting For The 7.18"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Futureheads
U2
Franz Ferdinand

Official Bloc Party Website
Bloc Party MySpace
Bloc Party Info [Allmusic]
Vice Records

-Reviewed by JT Burn

The Affair: Yes Yes To You

The Affair
Yes Yes To You
Absolutely Kosher Records [2007]







The Affair are a nice throwback to the New York scene of yesteryear resurrecting the spirits of Blondie, The Ronettes and Ramones. On Yes Yes To You, they accomplish harnessing the powerful energy of lead vocalist Kali Holloway and modernizing that 70’s sound with keyboards, crunchy guitar work and perfectly timed drums. All the tracks on Yes Yes To You are short and to the point. You will not find any filler and The Affair stay in your face for the entire album. There are some easy comparisons to Blondie with Holloway’s echoing vocals – I could hear a note perfect “Call Me” or “One Way Or Another” fitting nicely into a live set. There is nothing groundbreaking or new that makes The Affair noteworthy, but the attitude, which gives The Affair a punk edge, making listening to Yes Yes To You very refreshing and worth every minute.

Key Tracks: "Andy", "Honey", "Left At The Party"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pretty Girls Make Graves
The Long Blondes
The Sounds

Download "Left At the Party" (mp3)

Official Affair Website
The Affair MySpace
The Affair Info [Allmusic]
Absolutely Kosher Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Mezzanine Owls: Slingshot Echoes

Mezzanine Owls
Slingshot Echoes
Self-Released [2006]

LA band Mezzanine Owls self-released Slingshot Echoes is an excellent debut, full of solid indie rock soundscapes capable of winning you over with one listen. Recorded by Andy LeMaster (Now It's Overhead, Azure Ray, Bright Eyes), Slingshot Echoes contains wistful intense layers of guitars and keyboards driven by purposive drumbeats. The real cohesiveness that holds Mezzanine Owls debut together is the vocals of lead singer Jack Burnside that is a very British sounding Conor Oberst, which remains consistent throughout the album hovering just above the instrumentation. Mezzanine Owls can be summed up with a combination of different genre elements that include some faint shoegazeing, alt-country backgrounds and simple harmonizing tracks giving the listener a rewarding experience from beginning to end regardless of which style you prefer.

Key Tracks: "Lightbulb, "We Don't", "Dark Too Early"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Idlewild
Bright Eyes
The Shins

"Lightbulb" MP3

Official Mezzanine Owls Website
Mezzanine Owls MySpace
Purchase Album

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Capstan Shafts: Her Versus The Sad Cold Eventually

The Capstan Shafts
Her Versus The Sad Cold Eventually
Asaurus Records [2007]

Dean Wells is the man behind The Capstan Shafts and Her Versus The Sad Cold Eventually is a unique lo-fi album that will put you in 4-track heaven. Most of the 20 songs average just a minute and you are lucky to have a few that extend over the two-minute mark. With that said, what you get is tiny shots of power pop wrapped in very small pieces. There are harmonies, revved up guitar tracks, fuzzy vocal feedback numbers and concise drumbeats that stand out and allow you to hum along with each track. Even though the tracks are very short, they are unforgettable and force you to hit repeat. I compare most tracks to an early Guided By Voices with Sufjan Stevens type vocals. Her Versus The Sad Cold Eventually feels very warm and captivating, even though it flies by too quickly. If you are into the lo-fi this truly will be one of your favorites in 2007.

Key Tracks: "Saddlebags And The Age Of Jesus", "Lauren Behold", "Kiss-You Advocacy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Chris Knox
The Mountain Goats

The Capstan Shafts MySpace
Asaurus Records

-Reviewed by Conrad Rocksted

The Apples In Stereo: New Magnetic Wonder

The Apples In Stereo
New Magnetic Wonder
Yep Roc Records [2007]

New Magnetic Wonder marks the return of The Apples In Stereo, after a five years absence, with the same indie bubbly pop rock that made them famous. Creatively the album picks up with the Beatlesque sound that could be heard on The Discovery Of A World Inside The Moone [2000] leaving behind most of the stripped down fuzzy reverberation of Velocity Of Sound [2002]. This is a great decision because if The Apples In Stereo has strength, it is high-energy melodies, large hooks and ensuring the listener feels a part of the party. Also, don’t fret if you are still a fan of the Elephant 6 collective tag because Apples In Stereo supply plenty of keyboards, psychedelic noises and inventive instrumentation to keep you busy listening through New Magnetic Wonder’s 24 tracks. The return of The Apples In Stereo is very welcomed and just in time to bring some warmth to most places that have been enduring frigid weather. With rememberable pop songs like “Same Old Drag” and “Energy”, which stay in your head, I guarantee you will be humming along for days. New Magnetic Wonder is a strong addition to The Apples In Stereo catalog and come springtime will likely will be the first album of the year to crank up with the windows down.

Key Tracks: "Same Old Drag", "Energy", "Can You Feel It?"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elf Power
Dressy Bessy
Field Music

Official Apples In Stereo Website
The Apples In Stereo Myspace
The Apples In Stereo Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Deerhoof: Friend Opportunity

Deerhoof
Friend Opportunity
Kill Rock Stars [2007]

Deerhoof is one of the most unique bands on the indie scene today. Their discography can be described as arty, quirky, and eclectic but Friend Opportunity may alter those descriptions because it is their most accessible album to date. The major difference from previous efforts is that Friend Opportunity has more solid song structures, focused lyrics, and several sing-a-long choruses. Now if you are a longtime Deerhoof fan, don’t cry “sellout”. Deerhoof still use lovable electronic beats, weirdly placed sounds and noisy feedback moments to gel the cohesiveness of Friend Opportunity, which includes the jumpy single “+81”, to the most pop song Deerhoof has ever made in “Matchbook Seeks Maniac”. Friend Opportunity even concludes with the 12 minute “Look Away”, flashing back to the past and giving you all the loops and guitar fuzz to fulfill your noise rock needs. Friend Opportunity really is a great evolvement of Deerhoof’s sound that should make longtime fans rejoice and introduce it to many new ones.

Key Tracks: "Matchbook Seeks Maniac", "+81", "The Perfect Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Erase Errata
The Fiery Furnaces
The Flaming Lips

Official Deerhoof Website
Deerhoof MySpace
Deerhoof Info [Allmusic]
Kill Rock Stars

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Love Of Diagrams: Love Of Diagrams EP

Love Of Diagrams
Love Of Diagrams EP
Matador Records [2007]

Love Of Diagrams is bringing their rumble from down under our way with this 4-track teaser EP. The Melbourne trio has been cranking out post-punk rock since 2001 in their native Australia but has now been making waves elsewhere with several repeat trips to the UK and US plus a SXSW performance that knocked everyone’s socks off. They have a simple formula of guitar, bass, and drums with in your face vocals that bring a frenzy to anywhere it is played. Love Of Diagrams contains two non-album tracks, one of which is a smokin’ cover of “Cool” from the 80’s Athens, GA band Pylon. The EP moves by way to quickly and leaves you wanting more but will definitely get you geared up for their Matador Records full-length release Mosaic [2007] due out on April 10^th.

Key Tracks: "No Way Out", "Pace Or The Patience", "Cool"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The Like Young
Les Savy Fav

Official Love Of Diagrams Website
Love Of Diagrams MySpace
Love Of Diagrams Info [Wikipedia]
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Five Foot Nine: Five Foot Nine

Five Foot Nine
Five Foot Nine
Self-Released [2007]

The debut album from Chicago’s Five Foot Nine contains revolving guy/girl vocals, infectious tracks and experienced musicianship from some of the windy cities finest whose resume include past bands Trouser, Caviar, Cisco Pike & Joypoppers. Actually, trying to pin down a comparison sound is the tricky part of Five Foot Nine. Each track has a style and spirit of its own that is driven by the superb chemistry of lead singer Michael Hushel and the Natalie Merchant like vocals of Laura Coleman. The album was co-produced by former Webb Brother member Neal Ostrovsky, giving Five Foot Nine the perfect tweaks and listening ear for a balanced professional mix. Five Foot Nine has put two years of hard work into their debut, which includes solid lyrics and a wide entertaining musical variety, giving the album a uniqueness that is hard to find anywhere else and absolutely worth checking out.

Key Tracks: "Back To The Tunnels", "Jardin Du Luxembourg", "Where Am I?"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Psychodots
New Pornographers
James

Official Five Foot Nine Website
Five Foot Nine MySpace
Purchase Five Foot Nine CD

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri