Mike Doughty: Golden Delicious

Mike Doughty
Golden Delicious
ATO Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Consistent Doughty will please his fanbase!

Album Review:
If I had to list my top five favorite all time alternative bands, Mike Doughty’s Soul Coughing easily could make that list, so taking a new solo record for a spin holds both excitement and caution. Golden Delicious is officially his second studio release but when you include his multiple EPs and several stellar live albums, Doughty’s solo years seem way more productive then just two albums, considering it has been 10 years since the final Soul Coughing record. Golden Delicious finds Doughty in a familiar place with his “Doughty” scat style and catchy sing-a-long harmonies front and center, which make the album an enjoyable listen and perfect in a shuffle playlist. If there is any difference from his band work to his solo material is that some of the beats are bit more gentle and not so pulsing, which brings more focus on Doughty’s vocals, lyrics and the other instruments that pop up - none of which is a bad thing. For fans there will be no disappointments here but it also probably won’t capture a new audience. My only criticism is that if you have never listened to Doughty live you will not get a sense for his ease at creating word play and quickness at the mic which enhances his artist profile – These qualities are somewhat lost in his studio recordings and this holds true on Golden Delicious.

Key Tracks: "Put It Down", "I Got The Drop On You", "27 Jennifers [New Version]"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ben Folds
Cake
Beck

Official Mike Doughty Website
Mike Doughty MySpace
Mike Doughty Info [Allmusic]
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Raveonettes: Lust Lust Lust

The Raveonettes
Lust Lust Lust
Vice Records [2008]







 
Fire Note Says: Best record yet from the Danish duo!

Album Review:
Lust Lust Lust is a welcomed return to the band we fell in love with back in 2002 on their debut mini-album Whip It On. After getting a bit bogged down with guest musicians and longer tracks on Pretty In Black [2005], The Raveonettes launch back on their third long-player Lust Lust Lust into the intense rock out distortion that sets them apart from any other band currently out there. The band has the balance of the 60’s two part harmony that bleeds together with a high pitched buzz and fuzz that gives Lust Lust Lust an energy that is hard to find on many albums. The duo also discovered for this album that less is more and the group kept to a few staple instruments like guitar, drums, bass and synths with Sharin Foo’s vocals sprinkled over the noise, which works in the bands favor and the album feels complete versus too much going on. If you were already a fan of The Raveonettes, Lust Lust Lust is a must and if you get the US copy it contains two bonus tracks, if you are new to the group this album could be a perfect introduction.

Key Tracks: "Aly, Walk With Me", "Dead Sound", "You Want The Candy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Jesus And Mary Chain
The Kills
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Official Raveonettes Website
The Raveonettes MySpace
The Raveonettes Info [Allmusic]
Vice Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Teenagers: Reality Check

The Teenagers
Reality Check
XL Recordings [2008]







Fire Note Says: Solid debut from band that really started as a joke!

Album Review:
What started out as a band only by name, the French trio known as The Teenagers have developed into a sound group of creative musicians and their debut Reality Check is a fresh slice of breezy alt-pop that only could be released from 20-something young adults. They still are young enough to vividly remember all the great simple things about their adolescence, which includes going to the mall, making out in the movies and holding hands. The Teenagers combine all of these great memories with a young in your face humor, while creating perfect hooks and beats that draw you into each new wave track. The group has the smoothness of New Order; spoken word moments like the Pet Shop Boys and are able to combine it all with the dance beats similar to Franz Ferdinand. Reality Check is a complete debut that has many great pulsing songs that are catchy and memorable that work very well with repeat spins.

Key Tracks: "Starlett Johansson", "Wheel Of Fortune", "Homecoming"

Bands With Similar Fire:
New Order
Cut Copy
New Young Pony Club

The Teenagers MySpace
The Teenagers Info [Allmusic]
XL Recordings

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Eye The Ear And The Arm: Paths

The Eye The Ear And The Arm
Paths
Portia Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: A simplified prog-post-punk rock - I think you will like it!

Album Review:
The Eye The Ear And The Arm brings a very unconventional style of rocking out straight to your player courtesy of their debut record Paths. The power trio from Cali brings an entertaining post-punk album that draws on their influences such as King Crimson, Bowie and Yes but possesses a much harder edge and distinctive quick guitar turns that will leave the listener with no question that this is a 2008 release. The other noticeable difference that The Eye, The Ear And The Arm has from their influences and peers, such as The Mars Volta, is that they hit on point with tracks averaging around the three minute mark and some of the best tracks like “Sell This” and “The One With The Gold Tongue” finish in just over two. Only on the 8 minute closer “Passed Down” do they show off their affections for a more prog-rock sound which is an effortless transition and perfect finale on their solid debut. Paths is an album that will fly under the radar but once you hear it you will be hooked by The Eye The Ear And The Arm’s brooding intensity and “hit the repeat button” qualities.
Key Tracks: "The One With The Gold Tongue", "Sell This", "Let's Fall Into Line"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Mars Volta
The Narrator
The Dear Hunter

The Eye The Ear And The Arm MySpace
The Eye The Ear And The Arm Info [Allmusic]
Portia Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Heavy Circles: The Heavy Circles

The Heavy Circles
The Heavy Circles
Dynamite Child Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: The new environment is a perfect fit for Brickell's voice!

Album Review:
In other settings, working with your stepmother may be weird but for Haper Simon and Edie Brickell it just made sense. In the past they have written and collaborated casually during their many years of friendship but over the past two years that collaboration has become more formalized thanks to a series of recording session in New York City with several friends including Sean Lennon, Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) and Martha Wainwright, as they have just released their work and debut album under the name The Heavy Circles. The album is a great new forum for Brickell and fits in perfectly with today’s music scene. The songs vary in tempo, which really offers something for every listeners taste, but Brickell really shines on the more bouncy tracks like “Better” or the surprise 2 minute rocker “Dynamite Child”. It is on these tracks that you remind yourself that this is the Edie Brickell from the New Bohemians, which makes it all the bit more special. For Harper Simon, The Heavy Circles shows off his years of experience in the music biz with his steady co-production, co-writing and simply making this project a reality. The Heavy Circles highlight why Edie Brickell has one of those all time great distinguishable vocals and this new vehicle is the perfect environment to hear it in.

Key Tracks: "Dynamite Child", "Easier", "Better"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Aimee Mann
Fiona Apple
Feist

Official Heavy Circles Website
The Heavy Circles MySpace
The Heavy Circles Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Dirtbombs: We Have You Surrounded

The Dirtbombs
We Have You Surrounded
In The Red Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Detroit can once again be proud of The Dirtbombs!

Album Review:
The Dirtbombs make a highly anticipated return with their fourth long player We Have You Surrounded. Long time fans of the band will be happy to hear that the soulful Detroit garage rockers still bring enough noise, fuzz, and venom to remind you of why they have always stood out in this genre. We Have You Surrounded is the most modern sounding Dirtbombs album in their catalog with its strategically placed beats and several electronic pulses that run in the background, which hits its highlight on the Bloc Party like rocker and catchiest track “Wreck My Flow”. Most of the album has that “take no prisoners” feel to it and Mick Collins leads each track with his distinct vocal and attitude. Along with some of the more experimental songs, The Dirtbombs tackle an 8 minute noise rock out called “Race To The Bottom” near the conclusion of We Have You Surrounded that may have many fans screaming and yelling but it really does show that the band is not afraid of new avenues. The band is still best at the 2-3 minute rockers and some of the keyboards and feedback found here, regardless if you love it or hate it, give The Dirtbombs relevance and remind us of how good they are at what they do!

Key Tracks: "Ever Lovin' Man", "Wreck My Flow", "I Hear The Sirens"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Mooney Suzuki
The Gories
Bloc Party

Official Dirtbombs Website
The Dirtbombs MySpace
The Dirtbombs Info [Allmusic]
In The Red Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Loved Ones: Build & Burn

The Loved Ones
Build & Burn
Fat Wreck Chords [2008]







Fire Note Says: A little punk + a little rock n roll = turn the volume up!

Album Review:
Recently it seems that punk rock has sort of slipped off the music map and although the bands are still around the press seem to have lost interest. I know in the spirit of punk – who gives a crap? Right? I must admit there is only so much you can do with a punk album and still call it punk but when it is done right it can’t sound any better when you crank up the volume to ten! Philadelphia’s Loved Ones have just released their sophomore album Build & Burn on Fat Wreck Chords and the album is a picture perfect 33 minute punk rock record to the core and includes some listening surprises. Although the band has gone through some lineup changes, which includes adding a couple members from the now defunct Explosion, they seem to have focused on a broader sound. The first half of the album is more what you expect from a punk outfit but the second half of Build & Burn finds The Loved Ones strumming a more old school rock n roll, that show another side and talent of the band. They even recruited Franz Nicolay and Tad Kubler from our favorite Springsteen lovin’ band, The Hold Steady to help out with a little guitar, piano, organ, harmonica, accordion and even saw to round out the new band that is The Loved Ones. The end result is that you have a balanced American punk record that was produced by Pete Steinkopf and Bryan Keinlen from the Bouncing Souls and offers a little different definition of what “punk” is. This new approach ultimately gives the band that special niche which should get The Loved Ones noticed by a bigger audience!

Key Tracks: "The Inquirer", "The Bridge", "Louisiana"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Social Distortion
Face To Face
The Explosion

Official Loved Ones Website
The Loved Ones MySpace
The Loved Ones Info [Allmusic]
Fat Wreck Chords

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Jason Choi: Leave The Night Behind

Jason Choi
Leave The Night Behind
Team Grizzly Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Florida singer-songwriter showcases talent on re-release of debut album!

Album Review:
Jason Choi is well known on the Florida indie scene but outside the Sunshine State not many people probably have heard of him. Hopefully with the re-release of Choi’s 2006 self-produced and self-released album Leave The Night Behind he can gather some deserved attention. The record is the perfect length with 10 tracks at 33 minutes that in Choi’s words “should aspire to uplift the listener, using imagery of light and darkness as a parallel to good and evil, joy and sorrow, and hope and shame.” That description alone captures the true essence of Leave The Night Behind with Choi’s soft vocals hovering just above the instrumentation by his solid backing band named “The Sea”. Leave The Night Behind is a perfect introduction to Jason Choi and showcases why he is looked up to in Florida as an indie rock grandfather. There are a multitude of singer-songwriters out there gleaming for everyone’s listening ear but Jason Choi’s subtle and effortless approach to his music will win you over with just one listen and raise the anticipation for some new material, with any luck, later this year.

Key Tracks: "Morning", "Waking", "Up Jumps The Devil"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Long Winters
Pedro The Lion
Hayden

Official Jason Choi Website
Jason Choi MySpace
Team Grizzly Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Bell X1: Flock

Bell X1
Flock
Yep Roc Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Thanks to Yep Roc - The wait is over for this Irish favorite!

Album Review:
Sometimes it takes a while for album to land over here in the US (sometimes they never land) but for the Irish band Bell X1 the wait has been two years and thanks to Yep Roc we now get to hear what all the fuss has been about. You may think be thinking that we have heard this one before but Bell X1’s third record Flock is the real deal. The album has already gone 5-times platinum and landed four songs simultaneously in the Irish Top 20. This success rolled into the UK last year and now Flock comes to the US with an extra limited edition enhanced CD that has three live videos, a music video and two special tracks. Flock is full of straightforward rock songs that highlight lead vocalist Paul Noonan’s distinct vocals, contain plenty of layered harmonies, contain both roaring and acoustic guitars, which are all balanced by piano and keyboards. The band has been compared to everyone from the Irish Radiohead to the modern U2 but one thing is for certain – If you like any of those bands plus Snow Patrol, Coldplay or Keane then Bell X1 is a new band that will find plenty of time in your shuffle playlist.

Key Tracks: "Rocky Took A Lover", "Flame", "Bad Skin Day"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Snow Patrol
The Frames
Keane

Official Bell X1 Website
Bell X1 MySpace
Bell X1 Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Switches: Lay Down The Law

Switches
Lay Down The Law
Interscope Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: US release features new title, new artwork and one less song but still retains its 1-2 punch of UK swagger.

Album Review:
The Switches are following their own namesake and going to maneuver just that March 18 when their debut album hits US shores on Interscope Records. This US repackage features a more modern looking cover, new title and does not contain the track “Give Up The Ghost”. Originally released in the UK back in April 07 under the title Heart Tunes To D.E.A.D. the Switches created some homeland buzz with their retro glam dance rock that at different moments can sound similar to Franz Ferdinand, T-Rex, Suede and Queen. Lead single and title track “Lay Down The Law” is a catchy intro to the band and given the right placement could grab some US attention and new fans. All of the songs on Lay Down The Law have that same big UK swagger of Suede or Blur that is politely in your face and bring hooks that will have you foot tapping along to almost every track. The real question to answer will be if the Switches are too British for the average US listener – The answer is probably yes but for all of UK scene followers that do exist on this continent the Switches will provide fun repeat listens and are worthy of your time to check them out.

Key Tracks: "Lay Down The Law", "Drama Queen", "Every Second Counts"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Franz Ferdinand
Queen
Suede

Official Switches Website
Switches MySpace
Switches Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
Jagjaguwar Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Bon Iver offers 9 tracks that are worth every minute you give it!

Album Review:
Following the demise of his earlier band DeYarmond Edison, Justin Vernon created a new musical vehicle called Bon Iver. Under the new title he self-released his debut For Emma, Forever Ago last year and it now gets a proper launching next week from Jagjaguwar Records. There is a reason this artist and album was snapped up by Jagjaguwar because its stellar 9 songs of indie folk ranks Bon Iver up there at the top with the likes of Iron & Wine and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. The story behind the record is so simple because the songs were created in a remote cabin located in the Wisconsin north woods over three months and 12 hour writing and recording eruptions that feel like they would have been years in the making. What you will find is that Vernon wears his sincerity on his sleeve and the pureness of his imagery shines thru and thru on each quiet but complex track. For Emma, Forever Ago has a solid intensity that makes repeat listens and must and Vernon’s layered falsetto will stick with you well after the album has finished.

Key Tracks: "Skinny Love", "Lump Sum", "Creature Fear"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Joseph Arthur
Elvis Perkins
Iron & Wine

Bon Iver MySpace
Bon Iver Info [Allmusic]
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Evangelicals: The Evening Descends

Evangelicals
The Evening Descends
Dead Oceans Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Super-psychedelic sophomore record offers something new and fresh!

Album Review:
If you are looking for something a bit outside your normal alt listening then Oklahoma’s Evangelicals is the band for you. On their sophomore record The Evening Descends the band continues down the same reverb psychedelic road they started on their ear opening debut So Gone [2006]. It is very easy to compare them to their OK state buddies Flaming Lips because they do present the same swagger and experimental risk but take the listener more into the music side of their compositions than catching them with a memorable hook. The Evangelicals attack you from all different sides with sudden tempo changes, explosions of noise, and vocal swirling which certainly will catch you off-guard but at the same time it is exactly what you want them to do. So if you are ready to take a listening experience risk and enter the crazy gospel according to the Evangelicals then I believe that The Evening Descends could easily become your new favorite record.

Key Tracks: "Party Crashin'", "Skeleton Man", "How Do You Sleep?"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Flaming Lips
Clinic
Animal Collective

Evangelicals MySpace
Evangelicals Info [Allmusic]
Dead Oceans Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Whitsundays: The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays
Friendly Fire Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Older sound is new again courtesy of The Whitsundays!

Album Review:
Edmonton, Alberta’s Whitsundays will immediately bring you a feeling that you have just been through a time warp with their pop rock 60’s vibe. That same sound will win you over as you take their self-titled debut for spin. The songs are catchy and have the perfect injection of modernization to make you their number one fan. Paul Arnuch’s vocals have a smooth washed vocal that wraps you up in each song with some Door’s like keyboards giving a retro feel without overkill. Most of the tracks stay in the mid-tempo range but somehow still reach to a different level to maintain interest like the more rocking “Antisocial” or the power group of yesteryear sound that is “Already Gone” or “Sorry James”. The Whitsundays are not going to revolutionize the world of music but it is a perfect change of pace to hear a band tackle this style, which would make all of those classic bands proud!

Key Tracks: "It Must Be Me", "Already Gone", "Sorry James"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Veils
The Zombies
Ocean Colour Scene

It Must Be Me (mp3)
Sorry James (mp3)

The Whitsundays MySpace
The Whitsundays Info [Allmusic]
Friendly Fire Records

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Robert Pollard: Superman Was A Rocker

Robert Pollard
Superman Was A Rocker
Happy Jack Rock Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Interesting ride will mostly will appeal to collectors - but that is ok!

Album Review:
Look no further for what is sure to be one of the best album titles this year and the first 2008 offering from Mr. Robert Pollard. Superman Was A Rocker is a mini-album (13 songs, 30 minutes) that was recorded the old fashioned lo-fi GBV way and put together from some newly found instrumental cassette music that Pollard put vocals over. I know what you are thinking - God help us if the man ever rented a storage unit because the last time he just opened a suitcase, 200 songs jumped out. Like the suitcase box sets, Superman spans a 20 plus year period with all of the GBV family present. There are no real completed thoughts on Superman but it is the pureness of the static vocals and retro feel to the album that works with songs like “Love You Spaceman” and “Peacock” that could have been b-sides from GBV's greatest works. Superman Was A Rocker is a completely fun listen and has some great ideas. It is the nostalgic style of the pieced music that will draw longtime fans to the album but much like earlier GBV works – you will either get it or not.

Key Tracks: "Go Down First", "Love Your Spacemen", "You Drove The Snake Crazy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neutral Milk Hotel
Sentridoh
Throwback GBV

Official Robert Pollard Website
Robert Pollard MySpace
Robert Pollard Info [Allmusic]
Happy Jack Rock Records

Robert Pollard: Coast To Coast/Gargoyle [Fire Note Review 10/16/07]
Robert Pollard: Silverfish Trivia EP [Fire Note Review 4/23/07]
Robert Pollard: Normal Happiness [Fire Note Review 10/12/06]
Robert Pollard: From A Compound Eye [Fire Note Review 4/19/06]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Drive-By Truckers: Brighter Than Creation's Dark

Drive-By Truckers
Brighter Than Creation's Dark
New West Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Brighter Than Creation's Dark finds The Truckers still at the top of their game!

Album Review:
This is the album that Trucker fans have been holding their breath to hear because Brighter Than Creation’s Dark is the group’s first album after the exit of third guitarist and song contributor Jason Isbell, which leaves Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley as the primary songwriters. I will let you know that Hood and Cooley step up to the plate with almost equal sharing and at 19 songs that clock in just over 75 minutes they clearly were not hard up for material. To still provide the well know triple dynamic, DBT also tapped into bassist Shonna Tucker for three tracks that provide an excellent change of pace throughout the album giving the band an entire new and fresh look. With the overflow of material there is just about something for everyone from rockers like “3 Dimes Down” to the more quiet and seriousness of “Daddy Needs A Drink” to the humorist “Bob”. Brighter Than Creation’s Dark succeeds because the DBT are able to harness all of the band’s talent from three songwriters and create perfect transitions with three voices to make a fun, serious and good sounding record that easily will be one of the best this year in the alt-country genre if not every genre.

Key Tracks: "Two Daughters And A Beautiful Wife", "3 Dimes Down", "Bob"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wilco
Old 97's
Whiskeytown

Official Drive-By Truckers Website
Drive-By Truckers MySpace
Drive-By Truckers Info [Allmusic]
New West Records

Drive-By Truckers: A Blessing And A Curse [Fire Note Review 4/18/06]

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Black Mountain: In The Future

Black Mountain
In The Future
Jagjaguwar Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Black Mountain's In The Future is really a modernized rock of the past that feels fresh and alive in today's scene.

Album Review:
In a world of new alternative, dance rock, electronic beats and the every day “next big thing”, Black Mountain bring it old school with grinding rock riffs that feel more like they belong aside in a playlist with heavy weights Sabbath and Deep Purple than the White Stripes or Radiohead. In The Future is the Vancouver bands sophomore album and it is a nice expansion on the path already set forth on their self-titled debut that shines a bit more light on the entire group. One aspect that you will notice instantly is the emergence of Amber Webber’s vocals on several tracks which add depth and combined with leader Steve McBean, the duo sound like the powerful X combo of John Doe and Exene Cervenka if the band played classic rock versus punk. The album also has a nice balance because where their debut had five songs that breached the six minute mark, In The Future only has three, although the band totally makes up the difference with their own tribute to “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” on the almost seventeen minute “Bright Lights” which although massive, I will let you know there is no solo drum beat or cow bell. What Black Mountain offers is something that sounds completely fresh because it is stoner rock that has a timeless appeal and In The Future is great album to just let play to hear the riffs, which are worthy of spinning again and again.

Key Tracks: "Angels", "Wucan", "Wild Wind"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wolfmother
Deep Purple
The Sword

Official Black Mountain Website
Black Mountain MySpace
Black Mountain Info [Allmusic]
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Whigs: Mission Control

The Whigs
Mission Control
ATO Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Looking for some southern rock? - Look no further because The Whigs bring it on sophomore set Mission Control!

Album Review:
Oh what a couple years and a bigger budget can do for band. Last time we heard from The Whigs was on their self paid and self released 2006 album Give ‘Em All A Big Fat Lip. At that moment the band was riding a lot of blog and critic hype as the next big thing and their debut album backed it up with its simple and raw rock. Now after countless days of touring the boys from Athens, GA got back into the studio with Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith) to record Mission Control, their first official album for ATO Records (My Morning Jacket, Ben Kweller, Radiohead). What you will find is that the bands core sound remains in tact which is a unique blend of Replacements meets the Foo Fighters that parties down with the Drive-By Truckers. In today’s music scene there are a multitude of bands that seem to have The Whigs style but the band really is able to rise above many of them because their songs have the right mixing formula of unforgettable hooks, jamming riffs and a high octane energy that will bring you back to Mission Control for repeat listens.

Key Tracks: "Right Hand On My Heart", "Hot Bed", "Production City"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kings Of Leon
The Lonely H
The Greenhornes

Official Whigs Website
The Whigs MySpace
The Whigs Info [Allmusic]
ATO Records

The Whigs: Give 'Em All A Big Fat Lip [Fire Note Review 5/4/06]

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Nada Surf: Lucky

Nada Surf
Lucky
Barsuk Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Nada Surf cheer up a bit and offer another hook filled record that fans will adore!

Album Review:
I am not sure that anyone would have predicted that there would be a new Nada Surf album to review in 2008 after the MTV era of their “popularity” in 1996 just due to the nature of the “one-hit wonder” business. How the band has survived over time is a great example of development, refinement and hard work that should be a template for the many start up bands out there today because they are still around for those very reasons.

Lucky is the bands fifth full length album and third for respected indie label Barsuk. What you will find is that Nada Surf does not stray far away from the familiar mid-tempo numbers of their previous two albums but Lucky definitely contains a more upbeat cheery side of the band that sounds not only relaxed but quite happy with their place in the world.

Nada Surf is one of those bands that I could easily have on shuffle 24/7 because their songs always have that killer hook that brings you into the album and back for more every time. Lucky is no different and it is very evident with the 1-2-3 punch of the first three tracks “See These Bones”, “Whose Authority” and “Beautiful Beat”, which are catchy and completely memorable.

If you compare Lucky to their catalog it may not be their best but it is strong enough to have the argument and if you are already a fan - this album is a must own!

Key Tracks: "See These Bones", "Whose Authority", "Weightless"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Death Cab For Cutie
Built To Spill
Rogue Wave

Official Nada Surf Website
Nada Surf MySpace
Nada Surf Info [Allmusic]
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Liam Blazer

Bob Mould: District Line

Bob Mould
District Line
Anti- Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: A solid balanced record that should appeal to all of Mould's fans!

Album Review:
After experimenting with a more electronic approach for several years, Bob Mould made a return to the guitar on 2005’s Body Of Song. I know many fans would love to see a complete revert back to the days of Husker Du, which I am not sure is a realistic dream, but District Line is probably the closest he has ever been with a complete and almost historical approach that covers the different eras of Mould. There are plenty of distorted guitars for Husker fans, catchy pop hooks for the Sugar groupies, sections that are back to basics, which remind you of early solo Mould and some electronic beats with vocoder vocals sprinkled throughout that retain his 2000's electronica obsession. The ultimate result of all Mould’s sides combines for a very balanced and focused record that rocks out and leaves the listener going back for more. District Line is easily one of his best records in years and Mould sounds completely fresh, relaxed and rejuvenated like it is 1984 all over again!

Key Tracks: "Stupid Now", "The Silence Between Us", "Who Needs To Dream"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Frank Black
Sugar
Lou Barlow

Official Bob Mould Website
Bob Mould MySpace
Bob Mould Info [Allmusic]
Anti- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend
XL Recordings [2008]









Fire Note Says: VW holds its own against the buzz hype!

Album Review:
The first great hype of 2008 must be New York’s Vampire Weekend. The band was hailed as the next big thing by everyone and their dog not long after they formed back in 2006 and last year the buzz continued with touring and only a simple 3 song CD-R floating around. The wait is finally over and now we finally get our ears on the 11 song, 35 minute self-titled project that easily stands on top of the pedestal it has been put on. You may ask – What the hell is so new or great about Vampire Weekend? The answer is that they have taken their diverse preppy Columbia schooling backgrounds and created a laid back smart indie record that has Western Afro-pop melodies and rhythms that get in your head and flow seamlessly. Like other new innovative bands that came onto the scene before them (i.e.: The Police, The Strokes) Vampire Weekend will take you by surprise how their mixed tempos and lead vocalist Ezra Koenig’s voice won’t leave you alone. Each song has the ability to stand alone but yet fits perfectly into the album, each track is somewhat danceable but yet really indie and there are many core instruments but around each corner the instrumentation gives you something new from strings, organ or even a little harpsichord. Vampire Weekend back up the hype and have released a stellar catchy album that is more fun with each spin. I know it is early but it will be very hard to keep Vampire Weekend out of the Top 25 maybe even the Top 5 for 2008 – I guess it would have been easier to say I just like this thing!

Key Tracks: "Oxford Comma", "Walcott", "A-Punk"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Strokes
The Police
Talking Heads

Official Vampire Weekend Website
Vampire Weekend MySpace
Vampire Weekend [Allmusic]
XL Recordings

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Hot Chip: Made In The Dark

Hot Chip
Made In The Dark
Astralwerks Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Another solid outing from UK's Hot Chip!

Album Review:
Made In The Dark is the third release from the UK’s electro-alternative band Hot Chip and it drops next week. The anticipation for album number three has been very high following the bands sophomore and Mercury Prize Nominated album The Warning [2006]. The good news is that not only did Hot Chip handle the pressure but Made In The Dark is a more complete and possibly catchier record then the groups previous two. Hot Chip have the perfect balance of electronic, dance, alternative, and pop which makes songs like “Shake A Fist” and “Ready For The Floor” stand out with their distinct beats, solid vocals and carefree vibe. What makes Hot Chip successful is that their albums do not feel overproduced or oversampled. They approach each album in the same manner which means that most of the record is recorded at home and produced by the band. Made In The Dark went through this same process and the end result is an album full of tracks that makes hitting repeat a real treat and will fit easily into your newest shuffle playlist.

Key Tracks: "Shake A Fist", "Ready For The Floor", "One Pure Thought"

Bands With Similar Fire:
New Order
Gorillaz
LCD Soundsystem

Official Hot Chip Website
Hot Chip MySpace
Hot Chip Info [Allmusic]
Astralwerks Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox