Datarock: Datarock Datarock

Datarock
Datarock Datarock
Nettwerk Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Norwegian computer rock never sounded better!

Album Review:
Datarock play a high speed cracked out electronic rock that will instantly grab your attention for their catchy tunes and providing tons of foot tapping fun. Usually, you either love or hate this type of computer rock and there is not much in-between but I think one spin of Datarock Datarock will convert everyone to a "lovin’ it" status. The Norwegian duo have a very Devo feel to them with their spastic beats, quick tempo changes and harmonic sing along chants, which instantly make you forget they are only two people. This is the magic trick Datarock pull off throughout the album because they give enough diversity to keep it interesting and really stay away from using too many electronic beats versus guitar. So for fans of the computer rock types this is your album for 2007 and for listeners that may be turned off by the notion give em a try because you will not even realize you are not listening to a band and that is the true win-win of Datarock Datarock.

Key Tracks: "Fa-Fa-Fa", "Bulldozer", "Computer Camp Love"

Bands With Similar Fire:
LCD Soundsystem
Devo
Klaxons

Official Datarock Website
Datarock MySpace
Datarock Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Ryan Adams: Easy Tiger

Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger
Lost Highway Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Milder Ryan Adams = Solid Cohesive Album

Album Review:
Keeping track of Ryan Adams albums anymore can be a daunting task. Let’s just say he loves to make music. Easy Tiger marks his official ninth album and probably his nineteenth unofficially. It is a completely focused album full of mid-tempo tracks that sound fantastic today and should stand the test of time. Sometimes there are certain artists that on initial review their album seems good but not great and never do they tank. In my book, Ryan Adams is one of those artists. In fact many times not giving an album room to breathe can hurt it initially because you really need to hear it several times around maybe even giving it a full sixth months before it sinks in. The last several Ryan Adams offerings have been this way and just got better with each spin - Easy Tiger is no exception. There does seem to be much more thought going into Easy Tiger because the first four tracks may be his best sequencing on an Adams album yet and represent some of his best compositions to date as they flow seamlessly into one another. The key point to remember about Ryan Adams is that regardless or how many albums he releases his voice is a sheer talent and fits into any part of day, so it is really hard for him to release a "bad album." Easy Tiger does have a more relaxed feel and yes there is no “Come Pick Me Up” on here but when December rolls around I guarantee it will still be floating around in my shuffle play when other albums will be collecting dust – That should always tell you something about an album!

Key Tracks: "Two", "Halloween Head", "Everybody Knows"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neil Young
Wilco
Mark Olson

Official Ryan Adams Website
Ryan Adams MySpace
Ryan Adams Info [Allmusic]
Lost Highway Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Editors: An End Has A Start

Editors
An End Has A Start
Sony BMG UK/Epic Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Editors sophomore entry stays the company line but still offers a nice listen!

Album Review:
Breaking out on the UK scene back in 2005, the Editors debut The Back Room was hailed by some as the second coming of Joy Division. Singles “Munich” and “Blood” still pump out of my stereo on a routine basis, so the Editors sophomore follow-up An End Has A Start was greeted with much anticipation. The first thing to note is that nothing on An End Has A Start equals those early tunes but as a complete project the album will not let down. You get everything that was originally found on The Back Room such as the brooding Tom Smith vocals, flashy background guitars, and catchy foot tapping moments but it never leaves this safe territory for the band. I don’t think that is a point to harp on too much but it keeps An End Has A Start from really shining. If you were a fan of Editors before grab this album right away and play repeatedly. If you could never get into the Editors then you probably still will not and that’s ok but this was their opportunity to expand their fan base. An End Has A Start still offers some nice singles and is probably better than 75% of the records released this year – just next time let’s hope for a little more bravery from the Birmingham boys because the potential for greatness is there.

Key Tracks: "Smokers Outside The Hospital Room", "An End Has A Start", "Bones"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Interpol
Gene
Joy Division

Editors: The Back Room [Fire Note Review 7/26/06]

Official Editors Website
Editors MySpace
Editors Info [Allmusic]
Sony BMG UK
Epic Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Get Him Eat Him: Arms Down

Get Him Eat Him
Arms Down
Absolutely Kosher Records [2007]






Fire Note Says: Providence, RI band offers solid indie rock on sophomore album!

Album Review:
I must admit, I am a sucker for jangly indie power pop and Get Him Eat Him’s second long player, Arms Down was made for listeners with my addiction. There is something to be said for practice and experience. Get Him Eat Him have had plenty of both over the last two years since releasing their solid debut Geography Cones [2005]. Since then the band has been writing tunes for Arms Down while supporting their debut and have played with some of indie’s best, such as Ted Leo, Arcade Fire, Oxford Collapse and Broken Social Scene. Not only have they learned some tricks from the their tour mates but for Arms Down, they went out and grabbed ex-Dismemberment Plan member Jason Cadell as producer, which has helped the band easily achieve a sound much similar to the Dismemberment Plan by highlighting the pop side of things with several jagged turning points all mixed with background keyboards and some strategically placed horns. Get Him Eat Him sound like a seasoned band and the real win factor with Arms Down is that they play a timeless set of music that not only fits in your current indie playlist now but will still sound great in 5 years.

Key Tracks: "2x2", "Push & Pull", "Leaders In Doubt"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Matthew Good
Ted Leo / Pharmacists
The Hold Steady

Official Get Him Eat Him Website
Get Him Eat Him MySpace
Get Him Eat Him Info [Allmusic]
Absolutely Kosher Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Ron Franklin: City Lights

Ron Franklin
City Lights
Memphis International Records [2007]






Fire Note Says: Young multi-instrumentalist plays folk, blues, rock and country while shaping his sound for solid results!

Album Review:
Ron Franklin is a new face on the music scene that seems to have an old soul. He plays a variety of instruments that shifts his style from folk to blues to country to rock and in full combination sounds as if he is a prime time 60’s artist. Out of the twelve retro tracks on his debut City Lights, Franklin has included three appropriate covers such as Blind Blake’s “That’ll Never Happen No More”, traditional folk/hillbilly tune called “Lula Wall” and a really nice version of Chuck Berry’s “Thirty Days.” These cover versions actually are a good example of how fitting this style of music is to Franklin’s voice and fall into a natural line with his originals. For comparison sake, many songs would fit in on a Dylan record with his spoken word singing and foot tapping timing. City Lights will not give anyone an overwhelming wow factor at first listen but given a repeat chance, Franklin’s subtle approach grows on you and will perk your interest for what is in the future for this young musician.

Key Tracks: "Little Suzie", "How Free Will I Be This Morning", "That'll Never Happen No More"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bob Dylan
Tav Falco
Bonnie "Prince" Billy

Ron Franklin MySpace
Ron Franklin Info [Allmusic]
Memphis International Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Album Giveaway: June 25 - June 29 (Ryan Adams: Easy Tiger)

Look what we are giving away this week:

Artist: Ryan Adams
Album: Easy Tiger
Label: Lost Highway Records
Release: June 26, 2007


Official Website
MySpace


Ryan Adams, 'Easy Tiger' Tracklisting

1. Goodnight Rose
2. Two
3. Everybody Knows
4. Halloweenhead
5. Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
6. Tears Of Gold
7. The Sun Also Sets
8. Off Broadway
9. Pearls On A String
10. Rip Off
11. Two Hearts
12. These Girls
13. I Taught Myself How To Grow Old

*Courtesy of Filter & Lost Highway Records*

Art Brut: It's A Bit Complicated

Art Brut
It's A Bit Complicated
Downtown Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: As snotty as ever!

Album Review:
For argument sake, Art Brut should not really be releasing a second album to mass appeal. Honestly, their debut album Bang Bang Rock & Roll [2005] should not have made it out of the cut out bins. I only say this because on paper any typical spoken word/rock outfit from the UK just seems like a bad idea. Of course, Art Brut pulled it off and now you should wonder “How can they avoid the sophomore slump?”. Well, It’s A Bit Complicated not only answers that question but puts it to rest because Art Brut is back with the same level of fire and tongue lashing found on their debut. There is some novelty to Art Brut and I think if you were not interested before then you might not want to check them out now, but I think they are more of an acquired taste. Once you are onboard you will be dazzled by each tracks quick turns and foot stomping anthems. The key factor of It’s A Bit Complicated success is that it shows a progression in the musical since, such as more guitar, heavier riffs and better production, but never abandons their core strength of Eddie Argos leading charges. It’s A Bit Complicated is a perfect follow up to their stellar debut and shows everyone that Art Brut has many more tricks than some originally thought – That is a great thing for all!

Key Tracks: "Direct Hit", "Nag Nag Nag Nag", "Pump Up The Volume"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gallows
The Rakes
Lifter Puller

Official Art Brut Website
Art Brut MySpace
Art Brut Info [Allmusic]
Downtown Records

Art Brut: Bang Bang Rock & Roll (2006) [Fire Note Review 5/10/06]

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Polyphonic Spree: The Fragile Army

The Polyphonic Spree
The Fragile Army
TVT Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: The Spree are back - This time they mean business!

Album Review:
When the first Polyphonic Spree album The Beginning Stages Of… released in 2002, I never thought the band would still exist today and be putting out a record in 2007. I don’t say that because the music is bad but that the concept of having around 24 band members is just crazy. With that said, The Fragile Army is album number three and continues on where Together We’re Heavy [2004] left off with tracks Section 21 – Section 32. The instant noticeable difference from before is that the band have lost the white robes and now wears black combat ready gear. This change in cloths does not mean a change in sound but a change in message. Now it is not so much about the peaceful world as it is that there needs to be a change and currently world affairs are very dark. The Fragile Army still gives you all the instruments and harmonic highs that you have come to love and leader Tim DeLaughter sounds at the top of his game as he takes command of his troops. The Spree do try some new tricks on songs like “Section 29 [Light To Follow]” which features a spacey aurora, electronic blips and a smooth base line throughout the track. “Section 26 [We Crawl]” changes the normal high speed pace and is a much slower affair, giving you a completely new perspective on the band. So basically, The Fragile Army gives you some solid old choir standards, some new avenues and directions for The Polyphonic Spree’s sound and a stunning new hardcore look, which all translates into another fun ride that will get you singing along and chiming in on every choral moment.

Key Tracks: "Section 22 [Running Away]", "Section 29 [Light To Follow]", "Section 24 [The Fragile Army]"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tripping Daisy
The Flaming Lips
I'm From Barcelona

Official Polyphonic Spree Website
The Polyphonic Spree MySpace
The Polyphonic Spree Info [Allmusic]
TVT Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Challenger Deep: The Challenger Deep EP

The Challenger Deep
The Challenger Deep EP
Self-Released [2007]








Fire Note Says: In your face post-punk from San Diego!

Album Review:
The Challenger Deep have been stirring up a lot of buzz in their hometown of San Diego with their straight forward post-punk assault including the new honor of SanDiegoPunk.com June’s band of the month . Their new self-titled EP is a complete 15 minutes of solid rock all packaged in a sonic wave of noise. The tracks found on the EP start with the under 2 minute short blitz of “Historian” to 3 minute rockers “Convent Station” and “Bad News” followed by the interesting mostly instrumental “3-5-3” and then the crunching closer “Cipher”, which reminds me of a Helmet/Quicksand mixture that caps a perfect ending to bombastic attack. What I liked about The Challenger Deep debut EP the most is that you can tell they are a band striving for success and putting their best foot forward on their own dime. So hunt this EP down and give the California rockers a spin. The more EPs they sell the closer we get to hearing a full length!

Key Tracks: "Convent Station", "Bad News", "Historian"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fugazi
Hot Snakes
Jawbox

The Challenger Deep MySpace

To Purchase EP Contact:
thechallengerdeep@gmail.com

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

The White Stripes: Icky Thump

The White Stripes
Icky Thump
Warner Brothers Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: A wild fun ride that is classic Stripes!

Album Review:
Icky Thump is The White Stripes surprise early return after Jack’s hiatus from the band and his touring around with his other project The Raconteurs. Meg and Jack sound as if they have not missed a step since their separation and actually quite the opposite has happened where Icky Thump feels like a spirited reunion after a long 10 year break not just a year. You get all of The White Stripes tricks in one package on Icky Thump with the leadoff title track single kicking you hard right off with a dueling organ and guitar that just gets more powerful as the track grinds on. Then you have the most surprising song in “Conquest” that includes a roaring trumpet that actually makes you stomp your feet along. Another experimental song is “St. Andrew (The Battle Is In The Air)” which is loaded with some bagpipes that keep your mind awake and just wondering what is next. There are also plenty of songs like “Rag And Bone” and “Catch Hell Blues” that have Detroit garage rock city plastered all over them giving this album the punch that keeps it hopping. Icky Thump is simply another strong addition to The White Stripes catalog and should be checked out if you are a fan. It contains all the weirdness, rock and catchiness that you expect from Meg and Jack giving a superb fun listen all the way through.

Key Tracks: "Conquest", "Icky Thump", "Rag And Bone"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Greenhornes
The Black Keys
The Gories

Official White Stripes Website
The White Stripes MySpace
The White Stripes Info [Allmusic]
Warner Brothers Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Tiger Army: Music From Regions Beyond

Tiger Army
Music From Regions Beyond
Hellcat/Epitaph Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Psychobilly boys are back with new tricks!

Album Review:
Tiger Army’s fourth album is not so much about their standard psychobilly sound as it is about their first album that was not self-produced. For Music From Regions Beyond Tiger Army recruited top notch producer Jerry Finn (AFI, Morrissey, Rancid) and I believe it has had a very big impact. Instead of getting eleven tracks fueled of punk hell fire you now get a diverse collection of tracks that range from more of a new wave sound on “As The Cold Rain Falls” and some slower tempo songs like “Forever Fades Away”. Now before you run away there are still plenty of songs like “Hotprowl” that are filled with tricked out psychobilly guitar, which is what you expect from a Tiger Army record. Music From Regions Beyond may let down some old fans with the stylistic changes but has created a possible path to more new fans with its more alternative friendly nature. The real question will be “Where will Tiger Army go next?”. I don't know the answer but I am sure it will still shake your speakers!

Key Tracks: "Afterwolrd", "As The Cold Rain Falls", "Forever Fades Away"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nekromantix
Rancid
Supersuckers

Official Tiger Army Website
Tiger Army MySpace
Tiger Army Info [Allmusic]
Hellcat Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: June 18 - June 22 (ONCE Soundtrack)

Look what we are giving away this week:

ONCE Soundtrack CD

The story of ONCE features Glen Hansard (lead singer of The Frames) and multi-instrumentalist Marketa Irglova as an Irish troubadour and a young mother finding in each other the confidence and creativity to pursue their musical dreams. The soundtrack is a beautiful collection of songs written by these young artists and the harmony is both musical and romantic.

The film is receiving rave reviews as it hits screens across the US, and makes the ONCE soundtrack a "must-have."

Courtesy of Columbia Records & Filter.

Here is what we said:
ONCE OST [Fire Note Review: 6/11/07]

Queens Of The Stone Age: Era Vulgaris

Queens Of The Stone Age
Era Vulgaris
Interscope Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Looking for a new rock record? Look no further!

Album Review:
I must admit, I am still a huge fan of QOTSA’s 2000 bombast R and every record thereafter from Homme and the boys I have compared to it. So taking a listen to Era Vulgaris (Latin for common era) you instantly realize that it is probably the closest measurable rock album QOTSA have released to R but with a noticeable progression towards a more modern indie sound. Sure, songs like “Turning On The Screw” and “Sick, Sick, Sick” (featuring guest vocals from Stroke Julian Casablancas) makes you feel at home with a barrage of guitar and drums. But it is the other tracks like the funky “Make It Wit Chu” or the more somber “Into The Hollow” that show a bit of the Eagles Of Death Metal influence coming into play and giving Era Vulgaris a different flavor. I think for the QOTSA fanbase, Era Vulgaris will prove worthy of their discography and will certainly please most. It is not their strongest album but I also believe that this album does have the capability to build their empire on rock radio and earn new fans that will most definitely check out their back catalog indisputably making them one of the biggest current bands out there.

Key Tracks: "Sick, Sick, Sick", "Make It Wit Chu", "3's & 7's"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Foo Fighters
Wolfmother
Eagles Of Death Metal

Official Queens Of The Stone Age Website
Queens Of The Stone Age MySpace
Queens Of The Stone Age Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

White Rabbits: Fort Nightly

White Rabbits
Fort Nightly
Say Hey Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Something completely different!

Album Review:
Only on rare occasions do you hear an album that really makes you ponder the question “Have I heard this before”? The NYC six-piece White Rabbits debut Fort Nightly is one of those albums. It is a complete package of musical tricks that include a little big band, jazz, reggae, electronic and several pieces that feel like a throwback to the 50’s. It is almost like the band got together and just jammed with all these different instruments to perfection. Every corner of Fort Nightly brings something new to the table. Like piano, because it runs throughout the album setting the time and pace. Like strong vocals, because above all the instrumentation the vocals rise to the top and lead each sonic experience to its completion. The end result of taking a listen to Fort Nightly is that it you realize there is not much out there to compare it to. White Rabbits have a distinct sound and the encounter is much like the first time you may have put on an Arcade Fire record and just let it sink in. Fort Nightly will grab you the same way.

Key Tracks: "Kid On My Shoulders", "Dinner Party", "March Of The Camels"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Walkmen
The Zutons
The Coral

Official White Rabbits Website
White Rabbits MySpace
Say Hey Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Pissed Jeans: Hope For Men

Pissed Jeans
Hope For Men
Sub Pop Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Pissed Jeans don't care - That's what makes it great!

Album Review:
Allentown, PA quartet Pissed Jeans hold nothing back on their Sub Pop debut, Hope For Men. They hit you with an all out attack of hardcore punk that is reminiscent of the great 80’s bands Flipper and Black Flag. For every song that is volatile there is a balance of humor. This is the style of Hope For Men and it works throughout the album. The band never takes themselves completely serious and that looseness actually forms the gel that holds the tracks together. If you are looking for an outlet from the latest emo, power pop or acoustic jam then Pissed Jeans is the band for you. There are a handful of higher profile bands out there doing the hardcore thing but not many have released as catchy of an album like Hope For Men with perfect moans, yells and bass riffs. Plain and simple some listeners may never be able to withstand a band like Pissed Jeans but for those who are into the genre or give it time and stick around, you quickly realize that this is the type of record you need laying around just to balance out everything else.

Key Tracks: "People Person", "The Jogger", "Fantasy World"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Flipper
Fugazi
Black Flag

Official Pissed Jeans Website
Pissed Jeans Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Maccabees: Colour It In

The Maccabees
Colour It In
Geffen Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: You won't stop moving your feet!

Album Review:
The number of English bands following in the footsteps of Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party and The Futureheads continues to grow and The Maccabees fit right into the genre. On their new debut Colour It In, the five-piece Brighton band (although they all hail from South London) gives you the full blitz of harmonies, scorching guitar, riffs and catchy songs. It not so much that The Maccabees are bringing anything new to the table and most of Colour It In feels like you have been down the road before, but you still don’t turn back because The Maccabees do it so well. Orlando Weeks snappy vocals keep your feet tapping along every second and having that young thick English accent keeps the album moving and shaking much like an Arctic Monkeys record. In the end, you may or may not go back to Colour It In but given another chance you will realize that it is the perfect album to put on when you just want to enjoy your day and relax making it a soundtrack for everyday life.

Key Tracks: "About Your Dress", "Latchmere", "Precious Time"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kaiser Chiefs
Franz Ferdinand
Maximo Park

Official Maccabees Website
The Maccabees MySpace
The Maccabees Info [Allmusic]
Geffen Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

ONCE [OST]: Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
ONCE [OST]
Columbia Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: You don't even need to see the movie to enjoy the soundtrack! If you see the movie then this is a must!

Album Review:
ONCE is the Sundance Film Festival World Cinema Audience Award winner about two kindred spirits who find each other on the bustling streets of Dublin. The movie features real life musicians Glen Hansard (guitarist and founding member of The Frames) and Marketa Irglova (a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter) playing the two lead roles and the soundtrack features their songs. Besides being in The Frames, Hansard has acting experience in a past music flick most people know playing the guitar player in The Commitments, so staring in ONCE was not necessarily a new experience for him. Irglova met Glen Hansard when he was visiting Prague, and they began playing together and eventually collaborated musically, which resulted in the release of an album, The Swell Season [2006]. So the match between the two on screen and on record is completely natural. The music is simple folk guitar sounding but the vocal harmonies and familiarity between Hansard and Irglova shine through and through on each track. Even if you have not seen the film you will be drawn into the soundtrack because each track is just solid. I guarantee though if you have not seen the film yet, listening to the soundtrack will put it on your must see list and if you have already seen the film – you probably have been searching for the record. The ONCE soundtrack accomplishes what every good soundtrack should by supporting the film and being able to stand artistically on its own. It really is a win-win for everyone involved.

Key Tracks: "Trying To Pull Myself Away", "Falling Slowly", "When Your Mind's Made Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Frames
Damien Rice
Bob Dylan

Official ONCE Movie Site
ONCE Movie MySpace
ONCE Movie Trailer
Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: June 11 - June 15 (David Bowie Prize Pack)

Look what we are giving away this week:

David Bowie Prize Pack

Win David Bowie 'Young Americans' & 'The Best Of 1980-87' CD/DVDs

Another classic David Bowie release is getting the redux treatment, with spiffing new mixes, bonus tracks and a DVD full of goodness – this time it’s 1974’s Young Americans album, which set the standard for soul boys and new romantics everywhere, featuring hits like “Fame” and the title track “Young Americans.” The DVD features 5.1 surround mixes of the album as well as footage from a 1974 Dick Cavett performance.

Also hitting the shelves the same day (June 5) is The Best Of David Bowie 1980-1987: Sight And Sound. Following the previous Best Ofs covering and 1969-1974, and 1974-79, this release will cover Bowie’s 80’s output including decade-defining classics like “China Girl,” “Let’s Dance” and “Absolute Beginners.” The accompanying DVD features videos for all and live excerpts from last year’s Serious Moonlight live DVD.

*Courtesy of Filter and Virgin Records*

Patrick Park: StickBirdSongs EP

Patrick Park
StickBirdSongs EP
Self-Released [2007]









Fire Note Says: Great warm up until his full length hits in August!

Album Review:
Patrick Park is probably one of the most overlooked artists in the land which is a shame because he has a great voice and catchy material. StickBirdSongs is a 3 track EP that gives a little preview before his new album Everyone’s In Everyone lands in August. It will be his sophomore follow up to the well received Loneliness Knows My Name [2003]. StickBirdSongs is a solid sample of Park’s work and capabilities. He is a singer/songwriting troubadour that tells great stories and delivers tracks with lush melodies. With only being 3 tracks long everyone should take a chance and check out Patrick Park because I guarantee you will want to listen to more.

Key Track: "Life Is A Song"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ryan Adams
Elliott Smith
Joseph Arthur

Official Patrick Park Website
Patrick Park MySpace
Patrick Park Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Coffinberry: God Dam Dogs

Coffinberry
God Dam Dogs
Morphius Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Cleveland band shows many different sides on debut!

Album Review:
Coffinberry have a very unique sound because they give you a mix bag of styles all packaged into 2 minute jams on their debut album God Dam Dogs. It is easy to peg them as a punkier Guided By Voices with the short songs, lo-fi / hi-fi tracks and being from Ohio but as you absorb the fifteen songs you soon realize they do have a common theme, which is simply to entertain. It can easily be said that the bands loud, explosive and melodic vibe roots from Husker Du or an early Superchunk. Several tracks slow things down and have the swagger of The Afghan Whigs while others soar into a rockabilly state of mind fused with guitar feedback. God Dam Dogs is worth checking out regardless of what musical taste you have because at the end of the day it is an electrifying rock n roll ride that you don’t want to miss.

Key Tracks: "Earthworms In The Sun", "Write This", "Welcome To Hell"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Dinosaur Jr.
The Afghan Whigs
Hüsker Dü

Official Coffinberry Website
Coffinberry MySpace
Coffinberry Info [Allmusic]
Morphius Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Chris Cornell: Carry On

Chris Cornell
Carry On
Interscope Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Cornell sings with some feeling!

Album Review:
Chris Cornell’s new record Carry On is an appropriate title after his departure from Audioslave. I think everyone was actually surprised that they released three albums just because Cornell and the Rage boys always seemed like they were headed in different directions. I think that energy helped their success but ultimately lead to their demise. That leaves Cornell taking control of his own path and Carry On is the start. The album is full of mid-tempo numbers following the similar style of his debut solo album Euphoria Morning, which was released after the Soundgarden breakup. Carry On is not as heavy as a Soundgarden/Audioslave album but definitely has a mature rock sound to it and should not be written off as just a man and his guitar record. Chris Cornell seems to be at ease and his inclusion of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” shows that this album is all about him and doing what he wants. Carry On is not going to win Cornell a new fan base but is a nice collection of catchy songs that shows his current musical path. If you are looking for a kick down the door Cornell album you might be disappointed because Carry On is not that album but you never know - a Soundgarden reunion always seems right around the corner.

Key Tracks: "Arms Around Your Love", "You Know My Name", "Billie Jean"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jeff Buckley
Scott Weiland
Grant-Lee Phillips

Official Chris Cornell Website
Chris Cornell MySpace
Chris Cornell Info [Allmusic]
Interscoope Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dappled Cities: Granddance

Dappled Cities
Granddance
Dangerbird Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Band from down under ready to show off their indie charm.

Album Review:
Dappled Cities, or mostly known as Dappled Cities Fly in Australia, have been building a hype machine in their native land for several years now and after last years stellar SXSW performance they are ready to showcase their band to a much wider audience. Their new album Granddance is out today on Dangerbird records and it is full of indie-pop gems that vacillate between sonic harmonizing vocals and jangly bouncy rocking tracks. Granddance was produced by Jim Fairchild (Grandaddy), Peter Walker, and Jacquire King (Modest Mouse, Tom Waits, Kings Of Leon), which should give you some idea of what kind of record you are in for – perfectly timed shifting chorus, sporadic synthesizers and strategically placed “woo hoos”. Overall the album succeeds in providing a solid indie experience and you really need to stick around for the final track “Battlewon” because it is a true highlight that makes you do exactly what Dappled Cities want – hit repeat!

Key Tracks: "Fire Fire Fire", "Work It Out", "Battlewon"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Pavement
The Flaming Lips

Official Dappled Cities Website
Dappled Cities MySpace
Dappled Cities Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Toasters: One More Bullet

The Toasters
One More Bullet
Stomp Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Longest runnin' US ska band still 2 Tone strong!

Album Review:
If you ever discuss Ska music, The Toasters most certainly should be name dropped in your conversation. They are the longest running Ska band in the US and have been producing 2 tone jams before and after it was cool. One More Bullet represents approximately their 19^th full length and the band is down to only one original member remaining in guitarist and lead singer Rob "Bucket" Hingley, but he's really all it takes to make a band The Toasters. With the absence of his old mates, Hingley has brought in a bunch of his friends featuring guest appearances from Greg Robinson (Mephiskapheles), Bufford O'Sullivan (Slackers, Easy Star Allstars), and Claude Robillard (Daze of Dawn). All of these additions do nothing but strengthen the quality on One More Bullet. The entire album meets all the Ska standards with some added reggae and several interesting strong cover songs in “Bits and Pieces” [Dave Clark Five] and “When Will I Be Loved” [Everly Brothers]. The other thing you notice instantly when spinning One More Bullet is how good Ska music is timeless and fits perfectly into any day. So, if you are itching to hear some Ska tunes again then look no farther then The Toasters, because there is nobody out there that does it much better.

Key Tracks: "You're Gonna Pay", "What A Gwan", "Where's The Freedom?"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Slackers
Hepcat
The Specials

Official Toasters Website
The Toasters MySpace
The Toasters Info [Allmusic]
Stomp Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Album Giveaway: June 4 - June 8 (Dappled Cities: Granddance)

Look what we are giving away this week:

Artist: Dappled Cities
Album: Granddance
Label: Dangerbird Records
Release: June 5, 2007





*Courtesy of Dangerbird Records & Filter*

The Narrator: All That To The Wall

The Narrator
All That To The Wall
Flameshovel Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Post-punk Indie-rock done right!

Album Review:
The Narrator’s All That To The Wall is one of those albums that instantly makes you want more right when it ends. It possesses every element any indie rock adorner wants and needs from their albums – jangly guitar, imperfect musicianship and vocals that just keep the car driving. The Narrator remind me of a more guitar based Pavement. They have a swag to them that says “we play music because we love it – don’t care if you like it or not”. The deal is - we like it and The Narrator rip through tracks with ease bouncing from lyric to lyric, song to song, sounding close to an early Modest Mouse record. The fuzz guitar is all around, the harmonizing off key vocals spark each track and when the album ends you say to yourself – “damn that was pretty good”! All That To The Wall is not going to change the world and is not the long lost Hüsker Dü album that everyone would love to find, but it will fill anyone’s void if they are looking for something new that won’t let them down. Also, The Narrator should be in the running for most interesting cover tune because they do a superb job of Dylan’s “All The Tired Horses”, which just adds to the reasons All That To The Wall is worth checking out.

Key Tracks: "Breaking The Turtle", "SurfJew", "All The Tired Horses"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Modest Mouse
The Dismemberment Plan
Illinois

Download "Son of the Son of the Kiss of Death" (mp3)

Download "SurfJew" (mp3)

Download "Start Parking" (mp3)

Buy at iTunes Music Store

Official Narrator Website
The Narrator MySpace
The Narrator Info [Allmusic]
Flameshovel Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox