Barton Carroll: The Lost One

Barton Carroll
The Lost One
Skybucket Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Ready for the lime-light!

Album Review:
Barton Carroll’s name is probably not too familiar with many people as a solo artist, even though The Lost One is his third album. Since 2002, Barton Carroll has toured and recorded extensively with Crooked Fingers and Eric Bachmann, playing guitar, steel guitar, and upright bass. Carroll has also toured, playing various instruments with Azure Ray, Dolorean, and Micah P. Hinson. But what any great right hand man wishes for and wants to accomplish on their solo records is to show off their own style in order to separate themselves from bands they are associated with. On The Lost One that is exactly what the singer-songwriter Carroll does. He offers a nice slice of mid tempo numbers that have a slight folk flavor but can still hit you with catchy rock foot tapping numbers like on “Certain Circles” and “Ramona”. His well planned lyrics and Richard Thompson vocal style bring the listener into The Lost One and not only make the album an enjoyable listen but gives you a reason to spin it again. The Lost One is a solid and honest effort that truly has the ability to put Barton Carroll on the map as a solo artist, once and for all.

Key Tracks: "Superman", "Those Days Are Gone, And My Heart Is Breaking", "Brace Yourself"

Pretty Girl's Going To Ruin My Life (Again) [mp3]
Brooklyn Girl, You're Going To Be My Bride [mp3]

Bands With Similar Fire:
Freedy Johnston
Richard Thompson
Ted Leo

Official Barton Carroll Website
Barton Carroll MySpace
Barton Carroll Info [Allmusic]
Skybucket Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Republic Tigers: The Republic Tigers EP

The Republic Tigers
The Republic Tigers EP
Chop Shop Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Excellent indie!

Album Review:
It takes something special for me to get stirred up after hearing an EP but after taking Kansas City’s Republic Tigers new self-titled four song short player for a spin I am totally sold. All the tracks are infectiously layered with a very Shins / Band Of Horses / Postal Service vibe that incorporate indie, electronica, and pop that brings the listener a true sonic headphone experience. Around every corner The Republic Tigers give you something new and just when you think you have the band figured out they give you something else like an accordion, trumpet, trombone, synthesizers or programmed strings. Just when you think you have the vocals pegged down the band hits you with the EP closer “Rollercoaster”, which is primarily an earthy instrumental until the lyrics and multi-tracked harmonies fill the last minute. The Republic Tigers show true promise and you can’t go wrong checking out their self-titled EP, which I assure will send them up your radar for when their full length debut hits later this year!

Key Tracks: "Buildings & Mountains", "Sinkin' Annie, Down, Down, Down, Down", "The Drums"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Band Of Horses
The Postal Service
Nada Surf

Official Republic Tigers Website
The Republic Tigers MySpace
Chop Shop Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Able Baker Fox: Voices

Able Baker Fox
Voices
Second Nature Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Top notch post-punk for 2008!

Album Review:
Able Baker Fox have officially made my January blues dissipate with their stellar post-punk debut Voices. The band was created out of a touring friendship and a split EP several years ago between former members of Small Brown Bike and The Casket Lottery. After some long distance trading of tracks between Missouri, Michigan, Illinois and New York the four guys finally joined up to jam in Chicago, which lead to four days of recording in Kansas with the familiar Ed Rose (SBB, Casket Lottery, Get Up Kids). Voices takes no prisoners and shuffles the vocals with three solid singers supported by their in your face drumming, guitar and bass. Able Baker Fox creates a wall of sound with power melodic backgrounds that make Voices seem totally effortless and therefore giving it the cohesiveness to keep you coming back for more!

Key Tracks: "October", "Face On Fire", "Palindramatics"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Hot Water Music
Fugazi
The North Atlantic

Official Able Baker Fox Website
Able Baker Fox MySpace
Second Nature Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Marah: Angels Of Destruction!

Marah
Angels Of Destruction!
Yep Roc Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Marah are still trying to find out what works - and what doesn't.

Album Review:
If there was ever a band that I would love see make our Blazing Top 25 it is Marah. They represent everything that I enjoy about music with their bar band edge, straight up rock n roll hooks and consistent work ethic. Unfortunately, they always seem to fall a bit short of my expectations because I believe that they have great talent but their sixth album Angels Of Destruction! suffers from some over arrangement and instrument layers that get in the way and restrict their raw energy. It is not until the second half of the album that Marah refocus and launch songs that highlight their strengths such as the ballad “Blue But Cool”, the upbeat “Santos De Madera” and the more feel good backyard rock of “Songbirds” and the title track. By no means is Angels Of Destruction! a throwaway because Marah shine in multiple places, which will still help fans embrace the album but I guarantee if they reduce some of the instruments and go back to their roots, Marah has that killer album in them still, which will land them on that “best of” list yet.

Key Tracks: "Santos De Madera", "Blue But Cool", "Old Time Tickin' Away"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Rolling Stones
Jesse Malin
Katy Mae

Official Marah Website
Marah MySpace
Marah Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Magnetic Fields: Distortion

The Magnetic Fields
Distortion
Nonesuch Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: More than just a title, Distortion revisits the carefree side of The Magnetic Fields with excellent results!

Album Review:
Distortion marks the return of The Magnetic Fields after four years and not only does the title and concept work together but the album is one of the most fun and loose albums the band has released since the early 90’s. Not only is Stephin Merritt having a good time but Magnetic Fields collaborator Shirley Simms takes vocal lead on about half the tunes and gives Distortion a balance and breezy vibe that cuts through the reverb and old vinyl sound of the record. What makes Distortion succeed and really up the ante is the hum along choruses that Merritt drives home on tracks like “Zombie Boy” and “California Girls” that will stick in your head for days to come. The Magnetic Fields make the four years in the making worth every minute because Distortion holds up to their best work and has a timeless quality to it that will still sound great years to come.

Key Tracks: "California Girls", "Drive On, Driver", "The Nun's Litany"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Raveonettes
Jens Lekman
Yo La Tengo

Official Magnetic Fields Website
The Magnetic Fields MySpace
The Magnetic Fields Info [Allmusic]
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Times New Viking: Rip It Off

Times New Viking
Rip It Off
Matador Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: A perfect blast of lo-fi that is worth every short minute!

Album Review:
It used to be that fans always worried about their favorite band changing direction once they moved to a major label. Now with the implosion of the majors, fans have shifted their worry to indie bands jumping to bigger indie labels, which was the concern for lo-fi rockers Times New Viking going to Matador Records. Now that their third album Rip It Off is out, you can officially put all your frets aside because Times New Viking bring the same lo-fi and distorted sounds that you love and ensure that they will take your player by storm. I can’t say I was ever really concerned, considering that Matador houses plenty of Guided By Voices and Pavement records that have the basement flavor and Rip It Off does them proud, cranking out 16 tracks in a mere 30 minutes. The best quality about Times New Viking is that even though it may seem like their style is half-hazard and their music is only half complete all covered up by the fuzzy feedback and crackly vocals, Rip It Off is a very catchy and well planned out record that is more confident then their previous work, stronger lyrically and most importantly flows perfectly from one track to the next making repeat listens a must.

Key Tracks: "(My Head)", "The Wait", "Faces On Fire"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Early GBV
The Capstan Shafts
Early Pavement

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

Times New Viking: Present The Paisley Reich [Fire Note Review 8/9/07]

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Cat Power: Jukebox

Cat Power
Jukebox
Matador Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Chan Marshall shows off her vocals!

Album Review:
No matter what I say below, I can honestly admit that Chan Marshall has one of those voices that you can listen to all day regardless of the style or subject matter of the music at hand. She could do a cover album of all Wesley Willis and it would still be solid, so on her new and second album of covers, Jukebox, Marshall reinterprets songs from great vocalists that have influenced her over the years. The list of artists that she tackles is impressive and includes Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Hank Williams and even herself on “Metal Heart” from the Moon Pix (1998) album. All of the songs are a great listen because Chan Marshall has the talent and vocal strength of anyone out there but Cat Power’s take on the tracks are mostly subdued and lo-key, which is fine but I would have loved to see her really shake some of these tracks up and even take some of them to a new upbeat high. Overall if you like Cat Power, Jukebox is a nice listen but I don’t know that in six months you still will be playing it, not because it is bad, just because it is what it is – a decent covers record.

Key Tracks: "New York", "Don't Explain", "Lost Someone"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Okkervil River
Charlotte Martin
Bonnie 'Price' Billy

Official Cat Power Website
Cat Power MySpace
Cat Power Info [Allmusic]
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Jet Lag Gemini: Fire The Cannons

Jet Lag Gemini
Fire The Cannons
Doghouse Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: A notch above the rest!

Album Review:
Basically there are many bands out there cranking out the power pop punk these days but to stand out you got to have a little extra to give the people. Jet Lag Gemini have that extra and their new sophomore album Fire The Cannons, which releases today, showcases a band ready to take the masses by storm. Starting off with the energetic opener and first single, “Run This City” Jet Lag Gemini hits you fast with a catchy melody and slick guitar work that clearly sets the stage of what this very young band (average age 19.5 yrs old) has to offer. The most noticeable distinguishing feature that Jet Lag Gemini have that differentiates them from their pop punk brethren is the blistering guitar work of Vlad Gheorghiu, which is highlighted on every upbeat track with small guitar solos interlaced throughout the hooks. For fans of the band this is a no-brainer to pick up but for followers of the pop punk genre I would recommend Jet Lag Gemini because they do offer a well thought out and catchy record in Fire The Cannons, which should put them right up there with the best in this group.

Key Tracks: "Run This City", "Bittersweet", "Fit To Be Tied"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fall Out Boy
Jimmy Eat World
The Academy Is...

Official Jet Lag Gemini Website
Jet Lag Gemini MySpace
Jet Lag Gemini Info [Allmusic]
Doghouse Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Darren Gaines & The Key Party: Demo EP

Darren Gaines & The Key Party
Demo EP
Self-Released [2007]






Fire Note Says: Gaines puts his name out front for this 5 song EP available right now for free at his MySpace page!

Album Review:
Darren Gaines is back in front of The Key Party with a 5 song EP that once again showcases his ease with a guitar that you can download for free at his MySpace page. Where Hit Or Miss [2006] featured a little more rock and punk carryover from Gaines underappreciated band The Great Shakes, the Demo EP focuses more on the acoustic strength of that album but still retains his gritty Tom Waits style, which makes it catchy and worth checkin’ out. The EP also features Sara Syms on the 3Vs (Vocals, Violin and Vibraslap) that helps bring a subtle balance to Gaines’ gruffness and creates a complete focus to the song structures and lyrics. Still rather unknown to many but with support in the underground scene from the likes of WOXY radio and or course great sites like ours, Darren Gaines has the talent and goods to grow fast and furious, which is the way I know he wants it!

Key Tracks: "The Litterati", "Snowdrift", "Hallelujahville"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nick Cave
Tom Waits
Mike Ness

Official The Key Party Website
Darren Gaines & The Key Party MySpace

The Key Party: Hit Or Miss [Fire Note Review 10/13/06]

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Starrfadu: And Yes...Our Thoughts Were Elsewhere

Starrfadu
And Yes...Our Thoughts Were Elsewhere
Self-Released [2007]






Fire Note Says: Starrfadu deliver catchy memorable tracks one after another on sophomore release!

Album Review:
It won’t take very long for you to compare Starrfadu to Coldplay once lead off track “Come What May” hits your speakers because singer/songwriter Austin Hartley’s voice is spot on to that of Chris Martin. For a band, this comparison would never be a bad thing and for Starrfadu it is no different because the Missouri trio has released a solid and balanced sophomore album in And Yes…Our Thoughts Were Elsewhere that is worth repeat listens. The band does separate itself from the UK lads as the album progresses and is known to have a more acoustic approach when they play live but Our Thoughts has a much bigger and expansive vibe to it with top notch production and radio friendly mid tempo anthems. Although many of the tracks fit the guitar, drum and bass rock acoustic style they each take on a bigger stage with their foot tapping melodic harmonies like on “Wisdom From Vanity” or the catchy duet “All Your Words” with the lovely local voice of Annie Peters that should have a broad appeal. Lastly, many people may have already heard Starrfadu without knowing it if you have seen the latest Kleenex ads because the song in the background “Let It Out” is included on And Yes…Our Thoughts Were Elsewhere, which not only showcases their strength but just emphasizes the band’s likability and possible appeal to an international audience. Starrfadu released And Yes near the end of last year and if they continue to get the right breaks, 2008 could be the year we hear more from them because this release only can bring success!

Key Tracks: "Come What May", "Let It Out", "Wisdom From Vanity"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Coldplay
Pedro The Lion
Sun Kil Moon

Official Starrfadu Website
Starrfadu MySpace
Purchase Starrfadu CD or mp3s [CD Baby]

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Good Night, States: Short Films On Self-Control

Good Night, States
Short Films On Self-Control
Self-Released [2008]







Fire Note Says: Indie band from Pitt, PA should not be overlooked!

Album Review:
The Good Night, States are a straight up indie band from Pittsburgh PA that are set to release the physical version of their debut Short Films On Self-Control (digital version already available) on February 9^th. Good Night, States do not hide behind any gimmicks with their honest approach on Short Films with guitar, bass, drums and the catchy vocal harmonies of Steve Gretz and Megan Lindsay, which are memorable and infectious. Their style rides in the direction of a more modern rock Americana sound that is combined with the indie pop of synthesizers, which gives the album an upbeat vibe. The band can rock out like the in your face “Killer Of The One” or give you nice mid-tempo sing alongs such as “Not Come Around” that showcases their range. Regardless of the track you will immediately be attracted to the solid songwriting and hooks on Short Films On Self-Control that will keep you coming back for repeat listens. If you are looking for some great self-released independent music you will not be disappointed picking up Good Night, States debut that has a real potential to gain label support and widen their fanbase.

Key Tracks: "Not Come Around", "I Am The Loser", "Killer Of The One"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Imperial Teen
Stereophonics
Wilco

Official Good Night, States Website
Good Night, States MySpace
Purchase Album [Digital or Hard Copy]

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatstby

Say Hi: The Wishes And The Glitch

Say Hi
The Wishes And The Glitch
The Rebel Group [2008]









Fire Note Says: New shortened name - Same great quality!

Album Review:
Taking on a new name or any alteration to a bands namesake is always a daring maneuver because it always leaves some of your old fans in the dark, which is never a good thing for an upstart band. As of September 2007, the band formally known as Say Hi To Your Mom dropped their Mom and simply became Say Hi. I think the abbreviated name works and hopefully won’t be too confusing because the bands fifth album The Wishes And The Glitch is their best. It uses all of their previous experience and skills with synthesizers and digital beats but pushes and expands Eric Elbogen’s vocals to the front and lets the drums set the pulse with some solid guitar work. The Wishes And The Glitch has a fantastic upbeat and catchy opener in “Northwestern Girls” and a solid more earthly and electronic closer “We Lost The Albatross”. Everything in-between is just as melodic and supports Say Hi’s new confidence complete with some hand claps, quick drum timing and a balance throughout that makes repeat listens a must. The key for Say Hi is that not only will old fans not lose track of them but The Wishes And The Glitch should build a new base that never even knew their Mom! You can find this album right now through the bands label in digital format but it hits shelves everywhere on February 5, 2008.

Key Tracks: "Northwestern Girls", "We Lost The Albatross", "Bluetime"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nada Surf
Band Of Horses
Wolf Parade

Official Say Hi Website
Say Hi MySpace
Say Hi Info [Allmusic]
The Rebel Group

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Aloha: Light Works EP

Aloha
Light Works EP
Polyvinyl Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: I hope their forthcoming album is this good!

Album Review:
If you did not get a chance to check out Aloha’s new EP Light Works that was released in early December last year because of all the holiday rush, I highly recommend you start your journey back into the music world with this seven track delight. Light Works really plays as a mini-album considering it is full of well planned out tracks that combine Aloha’s multi-instrumental sound with a relaxed seasoned studio feel that provides many highlights of melodies and concise songs. The lead off track “Body Buzz” packs the most punch with a down play on the bands typical atmospheric post-jazz rock sound and hits you heavy with acoustic guitar and more upfront vocals. As the progression of tracks continues you can tell the band really focused on offering something new and emphasizing the guitar and Tony Cavallario’s vocals which turns out excellent results. Sometimes bands use EPs to give the fans a little teaser or scraped ideas from the past while they work on another long-player but Aloha have not only given a thank you to fans but Light Works has the ability to attract a whole new set of listeners to the band.

Key Tracks: "Body Buzz", "Trick Spring", "The End"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Minus The Bear
Built To Spill
Chin Up Chin Up

Aloha MySpace
Aloha Info [Allmusic]
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Love in October: Pontus, The Devil, And Me

Love in October
Pontus, The Devil, And Me
The Musik Group [2008]







Fire Note Says: Debut from Minneapolis-based four-piece worth checking out!

Album Review:
On January 22, Love in October will release their indie rock upon us with their debut album Pontus, The Devil, And Me that is filled with likeable and catchy tracks sure to win you over after just one spin. Native Swedish brothers, Erik and Kent Widman, formed LiO in the summer of 2006 in Minneapolis and quickly released a snappy six-song EP that earned some national airplay and solid reviews. That energy is definitely carried over on Pontus… and like the title suggest, Love in October present many different turns and styles that mix the albums subject matter into three parts, with the first telling a story about somebody or something (Pontus); fast angry dark songs reflecting the bipolar nature of humans (The Devil); and songs of a more personal nature (Me). The contrast between the three types is very apparent but the transitions are smooth and work in the albums favor. From the all out rocker “Viva La Revolucioun” into the calm ballad of “Vi Går till Stranden”, which is completely in Swedish, to more poppy synthesizer rock songs like “Find Me Sunshine”, “A Day In The Life Of”, and “Method To Madness” Love in October supply a healthy dose of quality musicianship that should be a perfect balance to be successful in the mainstream but still cool enough to be gulped up by the indie crowd throughout 2008!

Key Tracks: "A Day In The Life Of", "Viva La Revolucion", "Circa 1989"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Superchunk
The Get Up Kids
Motion City Soundtrack

Official Love In October Website
Love In October MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Boy Genius: Eureka EP

Boy Genius
Eureka EP
Self-Released [2007]









Fire Note Says: 80's rock vibe for new generation!

Album Review:
It seems like we have featured a bunch of quality Brooklyn bands over the past several months and you can file Boy Genius right in there with the lot. On their debut EP Eureka, Boy Genius offer five simple tracks of indie pop that contains enough energy, excitement and talent to entice your interest and keep you going until their full length arrives later this year. The band has a very 80’s college sound with traditional guitar and drums combined with a vibrant male-female harmony. The EP includes handclaps, trumpet, organ and layered piano in very small doses, which gives the listener a small window into Boy Genius’s overall diversity and adds depth to the band. Eureka is a solid debut that plays no games to hide what Boy Genius is all about and prove that many times less really is more!

Key Tracks: "Radio Silence", "Fair Weather", "Great Lakes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The New Pornographers
Early R.E.M.
Papas Fritas

Boy Genius MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down: We Brave Bee Stings And All

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
We Brave Bee Stings And All
Kill Rock Stars [2008]







Fire Note Says: Great album to kick-start 2008!

Album Review:
Thao Nguyen’s new album We Brave Bee Stings And All will be a guaranteed refreshing rush of new music when it hits shelves January 29 on Kill Rock Stars. Thao has all of the qualities that make for a superb performing artist and a likable folk pop record that every indie fan can get with. Her voice can clearly be described as a mix of Beth Orton, Cat Power and Laura Veirs all bundled into one bright upbeat gentle pitch, which is inviting and engaging. The perkiness and bouncy feeling that comes from We Brave Bee Stings can not hide Thao’s sophisticated songs that paint pictures of difficulties in life that gives the album a realism that can sometimes be hard to find in artists work. Now don’t think the album is nothing but her sappily strumming the acoustic guitar because, more than not, Thao is rocking out with hand claps, like on “Feet Along” or providing sing along melodies that stick with you, such as in the first single “Bag Of Hammers”. Thao really does not hold anything back and leaves no room for you to not foot tap along to each memorable track. The mixture of strong song quality and Nguyen’s lighthearted approach makes We Brave Bee Stings And All the new release to check out this month and it has the catchiness to hang around in my iPod all year long!

Key Tracks: "Bag Of Hammers", "Swimming Pools", "Feet Asleep"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Laura Veirs
Mary Timony
Cat Power

Beat (Health Life And Fire) [mp3]
Bag Of Hammers [mp3]

Official Thao Website
Thao MySpace
Kill Rock Stars

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Diableros: Aren't Ready For The Country

The Diableros
Aren't Ready For The Country
Baudelaire Label [2007]







Fire Note Says: Sophomore album shows growth in the right direction!

Album Review:
The Diableros are an indie success story that never gets old to tell. The Toronto band recorded their debut record You Can’t Break The String In Our Olympic Hearts [2005] for around $500 bucks and it not only put them on some critics top of the year lists but they also received nominations for best new Canadian act of 2005. So now we fast-forward to the band’s sophomore album and their attempt to dodge the slump. The good news is that Aren’t Ready For The Country avoids any chance of a slide and is a nice balanced record that shows some growth and what The Diableros can do on a bigger budget. The band still puts off a lo-fi vibe with their approach but each song has that building quality to it. Around each turn you come to expect that The Diableros are going to give you something to remember from the foot tapping “Ever-Changing” to the epic seven minute “Turning Backwards” or the all out rocker “Telepathic Love”. Aren’t Ready For The Country may or may not break the band to a bigger audience but is proof that the band is not going to fade away and has the potential for indie stardom.

Key Tracks: "Ever-Changing", "Telepathic Love", "Nothing Down In Hogtown"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arcade Fire
The Walkmen
The Unicorns

"Nothing Down in Hogtown" (mp3)

Buy at eMusic
More On This Album

Official Diableros Website
The Diableros MySpace
Baudelaire Label

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Frank Turner: Campfire Punkrock [EP]

Frank Turner
Campfire Punkrock [EP]
Welcome Home Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Finally we get to hear Turner over here!

Album Review:
Originally released in 2006 over seas, Welcome Home Records has now brought us Frank Turner’s debut EP for everyone to experience along with two extra tracks. Campfire Punkrock is an essential piece and great starting point in his catalog because it showcases his singer-songwriter abilities and style that may surprise many, considering he fronted the British hardcore band Million Dead for four years. After taking Campfire Punkrock for a spin you would never know his history except that it still has an edge, even though it may be an acoustic one, on tracks like “Thatcher Fucked The Kids” and “Casanova Lament”. This EP is a great introduction to Turner and if you get a chance you can grab his debut full-length Sleep Is For The Week [2007] on import plus Turner is set to release his second album in March 2008. I would assume that we will get a chance to hear all of these stateside but it will be a matter of timing. Quite possibly 2008 could be the year of Frank and after hearing Campfire Punkrock, I would be ok with that!

Key Tracks: "Thatcher Fucked The Kids", "Casanova Lament", "The Ballad Of Me And My Friends"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Billy Bragg
Robyn Hitchcock
Neil Young

Official Frank Turner Website
Frank Turner MySpace
Welcome Home Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Frantic: Audio & Murder

The Frantic
Audio & Murder
Sinister Muse Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Young and fun punk rock from The Frantic!

Album Review:
I don’t believe there are many times that punk rock is described as refreshing but that is exactly the vibe that The Frantic’s Audio & Murder puts out. It is a straight up fun time punk record that is not tied up in politics and filled with harmonies that keep your attention because of their catchiness. The Frantic may seem like a young band because of their age (two are 17, two are 18) but these Chicago teens have been together since they were nine so they actually are well seasoned punk veterans. One might be scared from the hardcore look of the album’s cover art but those fears should be put aside because the best part of Audio & Murder is its laid back quality and its catchy pop punk songs like “Fast Girl” and “Frantic Summer” followed by the surprise country twang of “Movin’ Along”. The Frantic should be an album that you pick up because you share a love for bands like The Mr. T Experience, The Queers or Squirtgun and enjoy their humorous take on life and careless attitude towards the industry. Clearly at their young age, The Frantic have plenty of years to become forward thinking or cynical but for now Audio & Murder is exactly the album they should be releasing and it will remind you of why you love music in the first place!

Key Tracks: "Fast Girl", "Frantic Summer", "Audio & Murder"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Exploding Hearts
Face To Face
The Queers

Official Frantic Website
The Frantic MySpace
Sinister Muse Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Redwalls: The Redwalls

The Redwalls
The Redwalls
MAD Dragon Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: Straight-up old school rock n' roll!

Album Review:
There is nothing wrong with a good straight forward rock n roll album and that is exactly what you get on the new self-titled album from Chicago’s Redwalls. This release is the band’s third long player and third label after having an experience with Capitol Records on their last release De Nova [2005], which I am sure ended with spite because of poor promotion and support of a really good record. Even after that experience, The Redwalls return with their same British invasion style that could fit into several decades because of its timeless qualities mixed in with American swagger. The album was produced by Tore Johannson (OK Go, Franz Ferdinand), which I believe helps bring The Redwalls into 2008 which shows most on track “Summer Romance” that has a very Strokeish vibe to it and “Modern Diet” which rocks out with The Hives or Louis XIV type energy. Overall, The Redwalls get blamed for not bringing anything new to the table but that argument can only go so far because their songs are solid, the melodies are catchy and their sound is timeless - what more do you really need?

Key Tracks: "Hangman", "Modern Diet", "They Are Among Us"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Singles
The Greenhornes
The Strokes

Official Redwalls Website
The Redwalls MySpace
The Redwalls Info [Allmusic]
MAD Dragon Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Wombats: A Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation

The Wombats
A Guided To Love, Loss And Desperation
14th Floor Records [2007]









Fire Note Says: Import packs a punch for 2008!

Album Review:
Sometimes the UK has a current “it” band that launches stellar singles but never sees an airwave over here in the US. The Wombats are one of those bands. Released in early November, On A Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation contains the singles “Kill The Director” and “Let’s Dance To Joy Division” that I guarantee could succeed on alt rock radio anywhere and help put this band on the map much like Franz Ferdinand or The Killers. Where The Wombats differ is that they still do have a very English swag to them that is very reminiscent of Blur with their sing-a-long choruses and sort of polite quartet numbers that break up the high energy rock numbers. The real substance of On A Guide… that will win you over are the smart whipping and catchy dance rock tracks that stick with you all day and keep you coming back to hit the repeat button. Eventually, I believe The Wombats will arrive in the US market for 2008 but until then On A Guide.. is worth seeking out on import or at the very least make sure to check out the singles for something new and lively to kickstart the year!

Key Tracks: "Kill The Director", "Let's Dance To Joy Division", "Moving To New York"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blur
Arctic Monkeys
Kaiser Chiefs

Official Wombats Website
The Wombats MySpace
The Wombats Info [Wikipedia]
14th Floor Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Terra Diablo: Deluge Songs

Terra Diablo
Deluge Songs
Nocturnal Records [2007]






Fire Note Says: Big rock from Scotland!

Album Review:
Terra Diablo hit you hard with a wall of sound for a straight 50 minutes on their new long player Deluge Songs. In fact, the first three tracks put the album in full throttle and give you a floor plan for the rest of the album. Terra Diablo supply solid harmonies that float just above the fuzzed guitar and drums as Ian Fairclough leads the pack with his commanding vocals. There are several slower tempo tracks like “Walked Away” that have staying power and break up the assault but for most of Deluge Songs, it is a straight up rock affair. The band does not really bring anything new to the table but is very consistent and is comparable to bands like Idlewild, Foo Fighters or even Bush. If you are looking for something new to break up the monotony of the now stagnant Christmas music in your player, Terra Diablo can supply the ammo!

Key Tracks: "Setting Son", "Disappearing Act", "Captain Of The Simpletons"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fretblanket
Idlewild
Jawbreaker

Official Terra Diablo Website
Terra Diablo MySpace
Terra Diablo Info [Allmusic]
Nocturnal Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael