AVEC: Lines

AVEC
Lines
Civil Defense League [2007]







Fire Note Says: Perfectly balanced album makes for great listen!

Album Review:
AVEC represent why we never get tired of reviewing albums. You can be going through a stack of some more recent releases that have just sort of let you down and then you pop in something new and under the radar that just clicks. AVEC’s new album Lines is one of those albums. The band has a fiery post-punk dueling male and female vocal that not only works but keeps things completely interesting. Both vocalists can be found on each track but depending who has the lead really shapes the style from Shawna Potter's solid quiet tones that can soar in a heartbeat to Brooks Harlan's Mac McCaughan like energy and harmonies that win you over and fit perfectly with the bigger picture. After taking one spin of Lines it will not surprise you to find out that J Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines) was the producer because his influence/experience shines through as if these songs were from his previous bands making him the perfect man for the job. AVEC is definitely a newer band to check out and Lines holds up to repeat listens with its quality musicianship and likable aggressive balance.

Key Tracks: "House", "Man In Space", "Beautiful Veins"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Like Young
Jawbox
Superchunk

AVEC MySpace
Civil Defense League

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Mystery Of Two: Arrows Are All You Know

Mystery Of Two
Arrows Are All You Know
Exit Stencil Recordings [2007]







Fire Note Says: Rockin' you Cleveland style!

Album Review:
Mystery Of Two is a coarse post-rock trio out of Cleveland, Ohio. On their debut, Arrows Are All You Know, singer-guitarist Ryan Weitzel gives each track a full throttle throaty blast that comes across rough but in control leading the ten tracks to their quick finish just over 30 minutes. The band does not stray much from the formula but with quick punchy songs and short track titles, the style never gets old. A somewhat good description of Mystery Of Two’s sound is like making a mixed drink with the ingredients being The Strokes, Kings Of Leon and Tom Waits all shaken, stirred and then iced. For something that may not be entirely unique Mystery Of Two has staying power with their sincerity and business like approach because even though the boys let loose all over it, their precision playing, note changes and vocals give Arrows Are All You Know an underlying structure, which makes the album ultimately succeed.

Key Tracks: "Quick", "Relics", "Pitfalls"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kings Of Leon
Paw
The Colour

Mystery Of Two MySpace
Mystery Of Two Info
Exit Stencil Recordings

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Hot Hot Heat: Happiness Ltd.

Hot Hot Heat
Happiness Ltd.
Sire Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Still the same Hot Hot Heat.

Album Review:
Hot Hot Heat tore onto the scene with tons of hype back in 2002 and they had the energy and talent to back it up. Now on their third long player, Happiness Ltd., Hot Hot Heat still try and hold onto that debut energy while appealing to the mainstream but ultimately loses track of their core competency which is catchy “in your face” indie rock. Some of this may the fact that the band is trying too hard for success looking in the wrong direction with using several top end producers Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Pink), Tim Palmer (U2, David Bowie), and Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance). All of these guys are talented but I could see how that would lead the album in three different directions. The songs on Happiness Ltd are not bad and still have that foot stomping power to them like the lead single “Let Me In” or the more throwback new wave of “Give Up?” plus several ballads like the title track that show off a different side of the band. What makes this album just middle of the road is the bands efforts seem to fall flat by the albums end and although several songs are enjoyable I don’t see them all staying in the iPod through the end of the year. Hot Hot Heat are better than that and just need to refocus themselves into that cutting edge band that made us love them so much before.

Key Tracks: "Let Me In", "Give Up?", "Harmonicas & Tambourines"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Dead 60s
The Strokes
The Killers

Official Hot Hot Heat Website
Hot Hot Heat MySpace
Hot Hot Heat Info [Allmusic]
Sire Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The New Amsterdams: At The Foot Of My Rival

The New Amsterdams
At The Foot Of My Rival
Curb Appeal Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Amsterdams "Get Up" on new album!

Album Review:
What used to be the acoustic based side project for ex-Get Up Kid Matt Pryor has now completely evolved into a full time gig that still dabbles in the acoustic guitar but has pushed the guitar band sound to the front with their sixth album At The Foot Of My Rival. Most of Rival was recorded by Matt at his home in Lawrence, Kansas but after taking a listen one would never know with its clean cut production. The album is really a meeting point between the two bands where the lo-fi acoustics of “Revenge” and “Hughes” show off the best side of the Amsterdams, while songs like the first single “Fountain of Youth” and “A Beacon In Beige” ring out and revive the spirit of The Get Up Kids. This balance works for At The Foot Of My Rival because the diversity gives the album staying power and keeps the listener interested. Fans of both bands will enjoy this more rocked up New Amsterdams because let’s face it; there has been a void to fill since The Get Up Kids parted ways. Who knows the guys are now on the same label so maybe a new Kids album could happen but until then At The Foot Of My Rival will keep you pleasantly satisfied.

Key Tracks: "A Beacon In Beige", "Fountain Of Youth", "Wait"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Dashboard Confessional
Matt Pond PA
Portastatic

The New Amsterdams MySpace
The New Amsterdams Info [Allmusic]
Curb Appeal Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sea Wolf: Leaves In The River

Sea Wolf
Leaves In The River
Dangerbird Records [2007]

Fire Note Says: Perfect transition from great EP to great debut full length!

Album Review:
We told you back in May that Sea Wolf’s full length was coming and Leaves In The River finally arrives on shelves tomorrow. It is a perfect transformation of what we loved so much about the EP which is expanded into 10 tracks of solid indie bliss. Once again, Alex Church leads the listener through his traveling experiences with flawless tunes that have the same steady flow as The Shins or Built To Spill. His voice gives each track a soul, especially with the folk and melody structures reminiscent of Elliott Smith's work, that gives you a connection with Church’s songs and instantly will make you hit repeat. The music stands up well to multiple listens and the other great news is that the lead single “You’re A Wolf” is the only track from the EP that appears on the album, so it is not just a rehash but gives you nine more reasons to pick Leaves In The River up. The explosion of “wolf” bands seems to be dying but I guarantee that after one listen to Sea Wolf’s debut this will be one to keep around.

Key Tracks: "Leaves In The River", "Winter Windows", "You're A Wolf"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bright Eyes
Elliott Smith
Death Cab For Cutie

Sea Wolf: Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low EP [Fire Note Review 5/7/07]

Official Sea Wolf Website
Sea Wolf MySpace
Sea Wolf Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Small Sins: Mood Swings

Small Sins
Mood Swings
Astralwerks Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: The gun says it all - Mood Swings is a bang!

Album Review:
Small Sins are back with their sophomore release Mood Swings following last years very consistent US self-titled debut. The band has retained the same sound with a large dose of pulsing synthesizers in the background, a steady timed beat and Thomas D’Arcy’s commanding vocals. Mood Swings definitely feels like a more “mature” album with its focused subject matter and song structures compared to the Small Sins debut. This is not a negative because it forces the listener to dive deeper into the lyrics, which are dark, humorous and seductive. “On The Line” may contain one of the best lines of the year repeating over and over “You know I would shoot you if I only had a gun”, which probably has run through everyone’s mind at least once. Complete with handclaps, “Drunk Email” could be the anthem for Generation Y because we all know that recall message never works and it may be worse then drunk dialing. Mood Swings has a nice balance with tracks that bounce along like the Scissor Sisterish “On The Run” and then there is the very cool but creepy “On A Mission” which I believe could fit onto the next Type O Negative album. Small Sins is not going to knock you over initially with Mood Swings but give the album several spins and its diversity might hold you hostage.

Key Tracks: "On The Line", "Drunk Email", "I Need A Friend"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ken Andrews
Hot Hot Heat
The Cars

Smalls Sins: Small Sins [Fire Note Review 6/16/06]

Official Small Sins Website
Small Sins MySpace
Small Sins Info [Allmusic]
Astralwerks Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Mist And Mast: Mist And Mast

Mist And Mast
Mist And Mast
Oakland Petting Zoo Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Solid debut from ex-Red Thread leader!

Album Review:
Mist And Mast is the new project from Jason Lakis, which you possibly might know as the leader of the critically praised indie band The Red Thread. Mist And Mast is his solo project that he has been creating since the summer of 2006. After the disbanding of The Red Thread earlier this year now is the perfect time to unleash his own material and start something completely new. What separates out this new material from The Red Thread’s catalog is that Lakis not only sings but he plays every instrument you hear on the self-titled album. Mist and Mast has that one man vibe to it and the mostly acoustic simplicity works in its favor and is completely refreshing. The key elements that Mist and Mast retain from The Red Thread is that Lakis vocals still carry strong emotion and melody making the nine tracks worth every minute and worth a repeat listen.

Key Tracks: "Turn Into The Turn", "Glass Tiles", "Campfire Went Out"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spoon
Midlake
Beachwood Sparks

Official Mist And Mast Website
Mist And Mast MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Circus Devils: Sgt. Disco

Circus Devils
Sgt. Disco
Ipecac Recordings [2007]









Fire Note Says: Circus Devils truly become their own entity with release of most focused album yet!

Album Review:
Trying to separate yourself from the Robert Pollard train of bands and releases is probably a monumental task if you are the Circus Devils. It also does not help that Robert Pollard is in the band but Sgt. Disco makes the boldest statement yet to break the chains. The first thing to note is that this is the fifth album since 2001 giving the much needed history for succession. The second thing to note is that along Pollard’s side and members of the band since its incarnation is long time producer and friend Todd Tobias and his brother Tim Tobias. Lastly, the group wants to be separate and even put a sticker on the cover pleading with record stores to file this under Circus Devils and not dare put it with GBV. So now that we have declared Circus Devils their own band lets talk about how the music backs it up. With each album the Circus Devils have evolved their sound from the atmospheric edge to more of a concept rock opera event to Sgt. Disco, which has elements of the past but really brings back the focus to the songs. There are sing-a-long choruses like in “Pattern Girl”, there are driving crunchy guitars in “George Took A Shovel”, poetic lo-fi ballads such as “Rose In Paradise” and plenty of tracks somewhere in-between short and long on this 32-track offering. Overall if there ever was a chance for Pollard to finally have another band not lumped into his other side projects, Circus Devils is it and Sgt. Disco will not only please longtime Pollard fans but really could grab a new cult following with its solid song structures, flow and likeability.

Key Tracks: "Pattern Girl", "Brick Soul Mascots (Part 1)", "Swing Shift"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Scott Walker
Tom Waits
Crooked Fingers

Official Circus Devils Website
Circus Devils MySpace
Circus Devils Info [Allmusic]
Ipecac Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Black Lips: Good Bad Not Evil

Black Lips
Good Bad Not Evil
Vice Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Smart and sassy record showcases bands multi-talents!

Album Review:
The Black Lips have just released their best album to date with Good Bad Not Evil. It is an album of mixed styles and fits into a genre neutral classification because basically it is every bit post-punk, rock, garage, Motown, and a bit of country all stuffed into a box and developed into an album. The Black Lips have always had the “Garage” tag but Good Bad Not Evil really shows an evolution of sound that still retains the garage spirit but expands way beyond that on multiple tracks. “How Do You Tell A Child That Someone Has Died” has a strong country flavor to it, the solid drum loop in “Veni Vidi Vici” represents a different approach for the band and “Lock And Key” seems just sort of electronically weird (in a good way). All of these outliers don’t distract from the fact that the Black Lips can still tear it up like the Stones or give you every bit of punk snobbery with their fierce guitars, snappy lyrics and pounding drums. Good Bad Not Evil just is an example that a band can fine tune their “sound” and then look at different avenues to present it. It worked great for The White Stripes and guess what? It works for the Black Lips too!

Key Tracks: "Navajo", "Katrina", "It Feels Alright"

Band With Similar Fire:
The White Stripes
The Rolling Stones
The Makers

Official Black Lips Blog
Black Lips MySpace
Black Lips Info [Allmusic]
Vice Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Warm in the Wake: American Prehistoric

Warm in the Wake
American Prehistoric
Livewire Recordings [2007]










Fire Note Says: Georgia band releases stellar feel good album!

Album Review:
Warm in the Wake may have released the last great summer album to grab before the end of the week to send it out with a bang. American Prehistoric follows their critically acclaimed Gold Dust Trail EP released earlier this year and it is chalked full of cosmic feel good anthems and songs that seamlessly flow into each other. It is no surprise that Warm in the Wake have been compared to Wilco and Grandaddy because they have the same talents when it comes to balancing out their pop sensible songs with piano, pedal steel, and even a little harmonica surrounded by swirling instrumentation. American Prehistoric has a very welcoming laid back feel to it and Chris Roswell’s Tweedy like vocals ride just above the music as the band backs him with very bouncy and pleasant harmonies. Warm in the Wake offers the listener a nice selection of more upbeat numbers such as “Pawn Shop Heart” or “She’d Never Seen It” and earthy sing-a-long tracks like “Joseph Campbell” and “Reelin’” that have a steady mid-tempo beat. American Prehistoric is one of those albums that demand repeat listens to fully appreciate it and it makes you realize real fast that taking it out of your player is not even an option.

Key Tracks: "Pawn Shop Heart", "She'd Never Seen It", "Joseph Campbell"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Wilco
Cass McCombs

"American Prehistoric" (mp3)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Official Warm in the Wake Website
Warm in the Wake MySpace
Livewire Recordings

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Hallelujah The Hills: Collective Psychosis Begone

Hallelujah The Hills
Collective Psychosis Begone
MISRA Records [2007]








Fire Note Says: Boston band releases impressive indie debut!

Album Review:
Boston’s Hallelujah The Hills debut release Collective Psychosis Begone is a solid batch of indie rock tracks that kindle the spirits of some early GBV, incorporate the energy of a Thermals record and balance everything with some folk inspired balladry. Those in the Boston area will already be stoked about this release because they are certainly familiar with Hallelujah The Hills lead vocalist Ryan Walsh and drummer Eric Meyer from the local favorites The Stairs, which broke up in 2005. The real key to enjoying Collective Psychosis Begone is making sure you give it several spins and don’t just stop on track 1. The album opens with the epic song and mid- tempo number “Sleeper Agent (Just Waking Up)” which is a ramp up into the albums next two cuts which are a one two punch of catchiness. “Wave Backwards To Massachusetts” and “Hallelujah The Hills” are probably the best representation of what the band is capable of with their high energy, fuzzed out vocals, shout outs, horns and steady foot tapping beats. Hallelujah The Hills should receive some national exposure based on the strength of Collective Psychosis Begone and it is a great new discovery for every indie rock head out there.

Key Tracks: "Wave Backwards To Massachusetts", "Hallelujah The Hills", "Effie's On The Other Side"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Walt Mink
Guided By Voices
The Wrens

Official Hallelujah The Hills Website
Hallelujah The Hills MySpace
Hallelujah The Hills Info [Allmusic]
MISRA Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Go! Team: Proof Of Youth

The Go! Team
Proof Of Youth
Sub Pop Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Second offering shows that The Go! Team was more than a one time novelty act!

Album Review:
After the sort of surprising hype and success the The Go! Team experienced with their debut Thunder, Lighting, Strike [2005], I questioned if the band could ride that wave into album number two and avoid the sophomore slump. If you are not familiar with the six-piece from Brighton, England they present a sample driven mix mash of hip-hop, rock, indie and kid like chants pooled together that is very unique and not very comparable to other bands. Proof Of Youth retains this formula and gives you another eleven tracks of hyped up fun and quickly will answer “no” to any questions of slump with the power kickoff track and first single “Grip Like A Vice”. What makes album number two a bit different is that instead of relying on tons of samples, all six members contributed to the recording process so Proof Of Youth has more of a band vibe to it. The Go! Team also went and recruited some guest talent which includes Chuck D (Public Enemy), Double Dutch Divas, the Rapper’s Delight Club, Marina (Bonde Do Role), and Solex, which easily gives the album hip-hop qualities. The balance is that the band includes some straight up indie rock on “Fake ID” and a very pleasant breather in the instrumental Alan Parker cover “My World”. I can say that after so many songs the kid like chants can tire a bit but with the multiple styles of music Proof Of Youth offers they never get in the way of enjoying yourself and show a band that has is finding their niche and successfully evolved and grown.

Key Tracks: "Titanic Vandalism", "Grip Like A Vice", "Fake ID"

Bands With Similar Fire:
LCD Soundsystem
Bis
M.I.A.

Official Go! Team Website
The Go! Team MySpace
The Go! Team Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Black Francis: Bluefinger

Black Francis
Bluefinger
Cooking Vinyl Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Bluefinger is the album everyone knew was still in Mr. Black Francis or Mr. Frank Black or just plain Numero Uno Pixie!

Album Review:
So it is pretty easy to say that if the Pixies would have ever made it into the studio to cut that reunion album it could have been Bluefinger. As Frank Black converts back to his old stage name Black Francis, he has also harnessed all that energy from the era. This album represents what fans have been waiting for from Black since the Pixies first broke up. Bluefinger is a complete bombastic experience from the Cobainish opener “Captain Pasty” to his best rock explosion since the Pixies heyday in “Threshold Apprehension”. There are still some moments that still have the vibe of his more recent solo material like “Discotheque 36”, which has an alt country swagger to it complete with female backing vocals. Violet Clarke shows up on many of the 11 tracks, which coincidental or not really seems as if the pieces were written for and perfectly suited to the one and only Kim Deal. Bluefinger truly is the next best thing that fans have been waiting for since Trompe Le Monde [1991] and based on its strength one can only think that if the Pixies would have made it into the studio we would be talking about a top album of the year.

Key Tracks: "Threshold Apprehension", "Captain Pasty", "Tight Black Rubber"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pixies
Herman Brood
Nirvana

Official Black Francis/Frank Black Website
Official Frank Black Fansite
Frank Black MySpace
Frank Black Info [Allmusic]
Cooking Vinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Oakley Hall: I'll Follow You

Oakley Hall
I'll Follow You
Merge Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Clean-cut diverse Americana album!

Album Review:
Bands always must be careful when they have two lead vocalists because it is very easy to have a mixed identity. Sometimes one vocalist overpowers the other or their styles are so different that it sounds like two bands recording a split album. For Oakley Hall’s fourth full-length I’ll Follow You (first for Merge Records) there are no worries. Pat Sullivan and Rachel Cox play perfectly off each other and regardless of the lead vocalist the band all gels together and whoever is in the background is a constant support on the choruses. It is almost like Oakley Hall is the alt-country reincarnation of X with their solid chemistry and soaring harmonies. I believe this chemistry allows the band to expand past the “Americana” genre they may have been previously placed in and showcase their multi-talents with the more rocking tune “No Dreams”, the alt-pop bounce of “Rue The Blues” or the even more traditional country, Rachel Cox driven, “Angela”. I’ll Follow You will not disappoint fans of the band and as a complete album, Oakley Hall could tap into an entire new fan base with this very listener friendly, cleanly produced and perfectly diverse album.

Key Tracks: "No Dreams", "Free Radicals Lament", "All The Way Down"

Bands With Similar Fire:
X
Rilo Kiley
Laura Cantrell

Official Oakley Hall Website
Oakley Hall MySpace
Oakley Hall Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Pinback: Autumn Of The Seraphs

Pinback
Autumn Of The Seraphs
Touch And Go Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Excellent from beginning to end!

Album Review:
Pinback’s new album and fourth long player Autumn Of The Seraphs is everything you expect from the band and more. Even though it seems like it has been a long three years since their dynamic Summer In Abaddon [2004], Autumn picks up right where it left off and shows a natural progression. The album expands Pinback’s sonic sound and has a more grandiose vibe to it with bigger layered melodies, really tight drums and super catchy choruses.

The band itself still retains the two original members Armistead Burwell Smith IV and Rob Crow with the addition of the talented hired guns for drums in Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes) and Chris Prescott (No Knife), which gives Autumn Of The Seraphs more of a band sound than on previous Pinback releases. It actually was really hard narrowing my selections for key tracks because each one really has a life of its own and could be named. “Subbing For Eden” breezes along and builds a small fire with its peaking end chorus, the bounciness of “Devil You Know” just draws you in and refuses to let go and then there is the perfect theatrical closer “Off By 50”, which has all of the ingredients mentioned above and places a big exclamation point on why you will hit repeat and why this album gets better with each listen.

 I honestly don’t see Autumn Of The Seraphs leaving my iPod anytime soon and it probably will get a vote from me for our top twenty-five albums of 2007, so if you even somewhat like this band you should definitely pick this up when it hits retail shelves tomorrow!

Key Tracks: "From Nothing To Nowhere", "Bouquet", "Barnes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beulah
Travis Morrison
Modest Mouse

Official Pinback Website
Pinback MySpace
Pinback Info [Allmusic]
Touch And Go Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Eulogies: Eulogies

Eulogies
Eulogies
Dangerbird Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: New project from Peter Walker delivers!

Album Review:
Sometimes things just work out. That is what you can say about the band Eulogies, which could have easily been the next solo record for singer/songwriter Peter Walker. He was supporting his solo work opening for Starsailor and after 30 shows in 40 days he bonded so well with his backing musicians that Eulogies was officially born. Their self-titled debut is a solid slice of indie rock lead by Peter Walker’s shimmering slightly reverb vocals backed by a steady beat and guitar. Most of the 12 tracks (13 if you count the intro track “Inward”) are slower burning mid-tempo numbers that build with excitement as the tracks continue such as the lead single “One Man” or “Suicide” that includes some hand claps encouraging listener participation. Eulogies benefits from repeat plays and if you liked Peter Walker’s solo material you will totally be into Eulogies. If you have never heard of Peter Walker you can easily start here and always work your way back into his catalog!

Key Tracks: "One Man", "If I Knew You", "Useless Amends"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Death Cab For Cutie
The Long Winters

"One Man" MP3

Official Eulogies Website
Eulogies MySpace
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Nobility: The Mezzanine

The Nobility
The Mezzanine
Self-Released [2007]







Fire Note Says: You can't go wrong with The Nobility's timeless sound!

Album Review:
The Nobility are an old school power pop band out of Nashville, TN whose debut album The Mezzanine treats you to eleven tracks that revive the spirit of The Kinks, Big Star and yes even a bit of The Beatles. Most of this sound comes from simple song arrangements complete with oohs and ahhs, the inclusion of some stylish keyboard and Sean Williams vocals being right on for a young McCartney impersonation. It didn’t hurt that the album was recorded on classic 70’s analog gear for that special touch and I could think of many worse voices to sound like then being able to front Wings. The Nobility use all of this to their advantage because even though the vibe on The Mezzanine screams throwback the album really feels fresh and I can’t imagine someone not hitting repeat for another spin. The foot stomping moments alone on “Halleluiah Chorus” keep you moving and the sincerity of ballad “Angel’s Debut” creates an atmosphere that showcases the bands diversity and multiple talents. What really makes The Mezzanine a winner is the timelessness of the album which not only makes it the perfect listen today but it definitely will still sound as fresh ten years from now. The main issue for The Nobility will be to get the proper exposure they deserve and with the right luck it should not be hard to achieve success based on this debut.

Key Tracks: "I Refuse", "The Mezzanine", "Halleluiah Chorus"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Superdrag
Big Star
Paul McCartney

Official Nobility Website
The Nobility MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Liars: Liars

Liars
Liars
Mute Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Band evolves again with most direct rock album yet!

Album Review:
You never really know what you are going to get when you pop in a new Liars record. They truly are one of the most unpredictable bands on the scene today and calling their work experimental or their style art-rock probably doesn’t even capture the shift-changers that are the Liars. This new self-titled release and fourth album finds the Liars taking the spacey trip of their last two releases and overlaying that sound with straight up punk, garage, and good ol’ rock n’ roll. Where many fans sort of let the Liars vanish over the very interesting but hard to swallow for their core fan base, They Were Wrong, So We Drowned [2004] and Drum’s Not Dead [2006] releases, Liars should be a welcome back with open arms. Everything from the rocking track “Cycle Time”, to the Beckish vibe on “Houseclouds” or the Jesus and Mary Chain fuzz with “Freak Out” the songs not only benefit from the bands past experimentation but come to life because of it. Of course we have no idea if this new direction will be what album five will sound like or it possibly could be a complete 180 turn, so if you were into the band before the more psychedelia of their last several years I would recommend picking this up and enjoying the current incarnation of Liars – it will not disappoint and should open the band up to an entire new group of followers!

Key Tracks: "Plaster Casts Of Everything", "Houseclouds", "Freak Out"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Rapture
Beck
The Jesus And Mary Chain

Official Liars Website
Liars MySpace
Liars Info [Allmusic]
Mute Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

One Small Step For Landmines: One Small Step For Landmines

One Small Step For Landmines
One Small Step For Landmines
Civil Defense League [2007]







Fire Note Says: OSSFL offer solid debut of guitar and melody!

Album Review:
Florida trio One Small Step For Landmines is one of the new bands signed to Civil Defense League, which is the Doghouse Records imprint label created by Sparta front man Jim Ward. OSSFL debut is a guitar driven style of music that has crunchy bass riffs, vocal melodies and snapping drums. They could be categorized with the likes of current chart bands like Plain White T’s or Fall Out Boy, and their music is just as catchy. How OSSFL differentiate themselves from a genre that has more bands then we can list is that their tracks have a certain edge that just hovers in the background. Even in some of their more mellow tracks, that pulse is maintained by the drums and at any moment you know that the band can just tear off into a power chord. OSSFL have not broken any new ground with their self-titled debut but it is solid from beginning to end and worth repeat listens. For a band that had no perceived notion or material when they got together to record One Small Step For Landmines has released an album that will entertain and make new fans look forward to the live show!

Key Tracks: "Good Men Die Young", "Anybody Out There", "I Don't Think"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jimmy Eat World
Hum
Motion City Soundtrack

One Small Step For Landmines MySpace
Civil Defense League

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Have A Great Labor Day!

Hey Fire Note Heads:

We took the holiday off and will be back tomorrow with another great review.

Just so you know we were still thinking about you we have added some legal mp3s of new cool stuff to check out and tide you over!

-Staff

Jeremy Enigk
"Oh John" (mp3)
from "The Missing Link"
(1981 Clothing Inc)
More On This Album


No Age
"My Life's Alright Without You" (mp3)
from "Weirdo Rippers"
(Fat Cat Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album


Numbers
"Mind Hole" (mp3)
from "Now You Are This"
(Kill Rock Stars)
Buy at Kill Rock Stars Store
More On This Album


New Buffalo
"Cheer Me Up Thank You" (mp3)
from "Somewhere, Anywhere"
(Arts & Crafts)
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album


Matt Nathanson
"Gone" (mp3)
from "Some Mad Hope"
(Vanguard Records)
Buy at Matt Nathanson Store
More On This Album


Stereo Total
"Ich Bin Der Stricherjunge" (mp3)
from "Paris - Berlin"
(Kill Rock Stars)
Buy at Kill Rock Stars Store
More On This Album


Stars
"The Night Starts Here" (mp3)
from "In Our Bedroom After the War"
(Arts & Crafts)
Buy at Napster
More On This Album


Frank Black
"Robert Onion" (mp3)
"Ten Percenter [Live]" (mp3)
from "93-03"
(Cooking Vinyl)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album