The Republic Tigers: Keep Color

The Republic Tigers
Keep Color
Chop Shop Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: A debut that lives up to the hype!

Album Review:
Building on their most excellent debut self-titled EP; The Republic Tigers release their full-length Keep Color next week, which holds up to the hype and anticipation by offering another solid batch of textured symphonic pop that ranges from the strong pulses of Interpol to the more simplistic harmonies of The Shins. The only song from the EP to show up on Keep Color is lead off track “Buildings & Mountains”, which is still one of their best followed by eleven completely new songs using all the array of instruments like accordion, trumpet, trombone, synthesizers and programmed strings that made the EP so endearing. With everyone in the band being a multi-instrumentalist the album takes on different faces with each song and the common denominator is singer Kenn Jankowsi’s soft and memorable vocals that lift every track to the next level. Keep Color was engineered by Mark Needham (The Killers, Louis XIV, We Are Scientists) but ultimately the rest of the workload fell on the band themselves, making the album a product that they can be truly proud of and rally behind. The Republic Tigers are a new band that should be checked out immediately because Keep Color is motivated, creative and completely gets etched in your mind, which becomes better with every spin and will easily be one of your favorite records this year.

Key Tracks: "Buildings & Mountains", "Golden Sand", "Strangers To The Eyes Of A Child-Man"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Interpol
Band Of Horses

The Republic Tigers: The Republic Tigers EP [Fire Note Review 1/30/08]

Official Republic Tigers Website
The Republic Tigers MySpace
The Republic Tigers Info [Wikipedia]
Chop Shop Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Joseph Arthur: Crazy Rain [EP]

Joseph Arthur
Crazy Rain [EP]
Lonely Astronaut Records [2008]






Fire Note Says: Experiments worth checking out!

Album Review:
Crazy Rain is second in a series of four EPs that Joseph Arthur is releasing each month leading up to the August 5^th release of his full-length All You Need Is Nothing. The great part about these EPs is that they are a perfect preview of the forthcoming album and you essentially get loaded up with b-sides before the release versus after. Crazy Rain can be described as the more soul funk side of Arthur, which gets a shot in the arm on “Nothin 2 Hide” featuring Greg Dulli’s (Afghan Whigs, Twilight Singers, Gutter Twins) swagger that sets the tone, along with the louder beats of “Killer’s Knife” and the electricity of “I Come Down”. Joseph Arthur gets a chance to experiment with all sorts of reverb and vocal styles throughout the eight track EP but he still shines on what he does best, which is the melodic mid tempo numbers like “Dream Of The Eternal Life” that just let his voice carry the listener effortlessly through the track. Fans will want to pick the each EP up because so far each one has provided a little different side of Arthur that is worth exploring.

Key Tracks: "Nothin 2 Hide", "Killer's Knife", "Dream Of The Eternal Life"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Twilight Singers
Jeff Buckley
Nick Cave

Joseph Arthur: Nuclear Daydream [Fire Note Review 11/7/06]

Official Joseph Arthur Website
Joseph Arthur MySpace
Joseph Arthur Info [Allmusic]
Lonely Astronaut Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Slackers: Self Medication

The Slackers
Self Medication
Indication Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: The Slackers bring Ska back to the prime time!

Album Review:
Anyone that was around for the Ska explosion in the late nineties knows of NYC’s The Slackers. They were once staples on Tim Armstrong’s Hellcat/Epitaph label putting out consistent and pleasing straightforward ska records and have been in existence since 1991. Now on ex-label mates The Pietasters new label Indication Records, The Slackers are releasing their seventh studio album Self Medication tomorrow. It is an album that brings everything that you expect from The Slackers with rooted reggae, 60’s soul and old blues leading each of the twelve tracks down a path that is enjoyable, danceable and ultimately laid back. A good ska album holds up to the test of time and rewards the listener with every spin – Self Medication is one of those records and still showcases The Slackers as one of the best in the game. Not only do you get solid ska on Self Medication with songs like “Eviction” that you will be humming and swaying to well after completion but the inclusion of the honky-tonk “Don’t Have To” and the more rock orchestra ballad of guitar driven “Stars” displays the The Slackers different talents and keeps them current even though Ska is currently being kept in the closet. It is time to get it back out starting with The Slackers and Self Medication!

Key Tracks: " Eviction", "Don't You Want A Man", "Self Medication"

Don't You Want A Man (mp3)
Self Medication (mp3)

Bands With Similar Fire:
Stubborn All-Stars
Hepcat
The Toasters

Official Slackers Website
The Slackers MySpace
The Slackers Info [Allmusic]
Indication Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Leopold And His Fiction: Leopold And His Fiction

Leopold And His Fiction
Leopold And His Fiction
Self-Released [2006; re: 2008]








Fire Note Says: A great indie release uncovered!

Album Review:
I am not sure how Leopold And His Fiction flew under the blog and indie scene radar with their self-titled album but it was originally was released back in 2006. That’s right -2006. I say this because not only does the duo have the same vibe as The White Stripes but Leopold And His Fiction is a totally satisfying bluesy, jazzy, and garage-rock n roll experience. Even though the duo calls San Francisco their hometown, frontman/guitarist Daniel Toccalino is Detroit based and jazz-trained drummer Ben Cook is Kentucky-born. This mix of Detroit garage and Southern charm flows heavily throughout their debut along with solid guitar licks and drum beat tracks that stay mostly in the two to three minute range minus the perfect six minute jam of “Promise To Reality”. The great thing about Leopold And His Fiction is that even though the record is two years old it still sounds fresh and current for today, which underlines the appeal to the band that this record will still sound great ten years down the road.

Key Tracks: "She Ain't Got Time", "Be Still", "Go On Have My Way"

She Ain't Got Time (mp3)
Miss Manipulation (mp3)

Bands With Similar Fire:
The White Stripes
Kings Of Leon
The Mummies

Official Leopold And His Fiction Website
Leopold And His Fiction MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Millencolin: Machine 15

Millencolin
Machine 15
Epitaph Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Pop-punk done the way you like it!

Album Review:
On May 6, Millencolin will release Machine 15, which is their seventh studio release to date. The Swedish pop punk outfit has been cranking out solid album after album of this style and Machine 15 is no different. Millencolin is now at veteran status and is really like an old shirt that still fits and looks great. They are a band that you sort of forget about but when you hear them again, you instantly recognize and take notice. On Machine 15, Millencolin reunited with producer Lou Giordano (Sugar, Taking Back Sunday, Plain White T's) who also produced their well received Home From Home [2003] album. What Giordano brings to the table is a really clean polished sound that not only works in Machine 15’s favor but shows off Nikola Sarcevic’s vocal range and the bands seasoned harmonies and melodies that make every track memorable. Nothing here is necessarily new or innovative but it is not supposed to be. What it is supposed to be is a solid punk pop record that will hold your interest throughout the entire album and make you come back for more.

Key Tracks: "Detox", "Brand New Game", "Broken World"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Plain White T's
The Hives
No Use For A Name

Nikola Sarcevic: Rock Roll And Free [Fire Note Review 12/21/06]

Official Millencolin Website
Millencolin MySpace
Millencolin Info [Allmusic]
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Constantines: Kensington Heights

Constantines
Kensington Heights
Arts & Crafts Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Another consistent solid release from Ontario's Constantines!

Album Review:
The Constantines are one of those bands that have released consistent indie albums but still relatively fly under the radar. Kensington Heights is their fourth release set to hit US shelves next Tuesday and it will please the already loyal fans of the band while attracting some new ones with a new label and slightly more mature sound. The band has always presented many different sides and has drawn comparisons to The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, Fugazi and Nick Cave. That is a very wide mix and captures the different personalities of the band but Kensington Heights pulls back some of the punk rock in favor of a more sprawling My Morning Jacket/Karate vibe combined with the soul and swagger of The Afghan Whigs. Most of the tracks grind along at a mid-tempo pace and the album is real grower, that with each listen becomes a bit catchier then the previous spin. The Constantines have a real talent and ability to shape-shift their sound and Kensington Heights is another entry into their catalog that won’t disappoint.

Key Tracks: "Credit River", "Time Can Be Overcome", "Hard Feelings"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Afghan Whigs
Spoon
Karate

Hard Feelings (mp3)

Official Constantines Website
Constantines MySpace
Constantines Info [Allmusic]
Arts & Crafts Records

Buy at Rhapsody

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Elbow: The Seldom Seen Kid

Elbow
The Seldom Seen Kid
Geffen Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: If you don't know this UK band yet - Take note now!

Album Review:
Over the last five years, an increased amount of UK bands have found success on this side of the sea that fit into a certain mold that is Coldplay, Keane, and Snow Patrol. At times Manchester’s Elbow can fit perfectly into this pot but what gives them an extra nudge and a campaign to make room for one more, is lead singer Guy Garvey’s excellent voice and a now well-seasoned band that is on album number four, which walks the line between a more arty Radiohead with catchy chorus lines of all the above. The Seldom Seen Kid style follows their 2004 release Cast Of Thousands, which brings back the charm of melding their tempos naturally versus trying a bit too hard to rock out, that was a bit over the top on Leaders Of The Free World [2005]. It all gets back to Elbow basics with the earthy opener “Starlings” that flows musically for several minutes before Garvey shows up, the solid bluesy romp of “Grounds For Divorce” will leave you wanting more, and later in the album the chorus anthem of the first single “One Day Like This” rings out like a big production of a band ready to take it all by storm. If you have never discovered Elbow before now, don’t let that stop you from starting with The Seldom Seen Kid because it ranks up there as one of their best. It is album that holds up to repeat listens and easily will fit in between your favorite bands.

Key Tracks: "Grounds For Divorce", "Mirrorball", "One Day Like This"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Embrace
Gomez
Snow Patrol

Official Elbow Website
Elbow MySpace
Elbow Info [Allmusic]
Geffen Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sleepercar: West Texas

Sleepercar
West Texas
Civil Defense League [2008]









Fire Note Says: West Texas is where Jim Ward feels most at home!

Album Review:
Sleepercar is a project that has been bouncing around in the head of Jim Ward (lead singer/guitarist of Sparta, and founding member of At The Drive-In,) since 2002 and all the demos recorded since then are fully realized on their debut West Texas. From the opener “A Broken Promise”, Sleepercar follows a true alt-country pop reminiscent of Austin brethren Old 97’s, making West Texas catchy, heartfelt and enjoyable. The songs walk a line that not many bands can pull off, which stays away from too much country twang but retain the spirit of the genre with a bounce to each chord that not only would sound great a little roadside bar, but in front of a stadium crowd. Some of this balance comes from Ward’s experience in two post rock bands and “Wednesday Nights” is a perfect example of this with the steel guitar playing in the background but a giant rocking bridge by Ward that brings the song to a different level and easily teeters back n’ forth between small country and big city. Even though Jim Ward’s name will always be linked to the rock of At The Drive-In and Sparta, Sleepercar shows where his true passions rest and have the potential for more great albums in the future.

Key Tracks: "A Broken Promise", "Kings & Compromises", "Fences Down"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Old 97's
Wilco
Drag The River

Jim Ward: Quiet EP [Fire Note Review 11/15/07]

Sleepercar MySpace
Sleepercar Info [Wikipedia]
Civil Defense League Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sun Kil Moon: April

Sun Kil Moon
April
Caldo Verde Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Dense, thoughtful, and mesmerizing - This is Sun Kil Moon!

Album Review:
Admittedly so, Sun Kil Moon’s debut Ghosts Of The Great Highway [2003] was one of my favorite albums of that year and still gets played today. The Modest Mouse cover album Tiny Cities [2005] was interesting but stayed at just that, so I welcomed back Mark Kozelek and his new release April with open ears. What could easily just be a solo project for Mark, Sun Kil Moon is a band and he brought back the same players that were on their previous albums to retain the cohesiveness, which helps create the same atmosphere. April will most likely be the densest album you will listen to this year with its 11 tracks in an almost 74 minute running time, with the first two tracks taking about 20 of that. Long tracks sometimes scare people away but Sun Kil Moon’s subtle approach and strong lyrical weaving will hold you to your speakers, making you forget about times or transitions because they are seamless. Kozelek also recruits some high powered backing guest vocalist with Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) lending their support and only enhancing an already great album. For fans of Kozelek and Sun Kil Moon, April is a no brainer to pick up. The ballads are beautifully haunting, the extensive tracks are mesmerizing and April ranks up there with the best of Kozelek’s career.

Key Tracks: "Lost Verses", "Moorestown", "Like The River"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Bon Iver
Lambchop

Official Sun Kil Moon Website
Sun Kil Moon MySpace
Sun Kil Moon Info [Allmusic]
Caldo Verde Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Long Blondes: Couples

The Long Blondes
Couples
Rough Trade Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: A lower key affair for The Long Blondes still will hold your ear.

Album Review:
The Long Blondes smooth out their spunk a bit on their sophomore release Couples. The album shows off a more mature side to a band that most likely reflects some of the couple splitting and troubled relationships within the band. From the outside though The Long Blondes still put forth a very listenable and more synth vibe that is reminiscent of New Order or the Pet Shop Boys. Lead singer Kate Jackson is a commanding presence that weaves their stories and shows even more confidence as the front woman that automatically brings comparisons to Debbie Harry. Even though some of the material on Couples is slightly darker the catchiness of several tracks like “Here Comes The Serious Bit”, the short punk of “I Liked The Boys” and the dance beat heavy “Guilt” show the band is still tweaking and learning their sound. The Long Blondes offer a different side of music on Couples that is not your everyday radio play and fans will still appreciate the album, even though it may not be as immediately assessable as their debut Someone To Drive You Home [2006], it still delivers a solid return on repeat listens.

Key Tracks: "Here Comes The Serious Bit", "Century", "Erin O'Connor"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blondie
Camera Obscura
Lush

The Long Blondes: Someone To Drive You Home [Fire Note Review 1/17/07]

Official Long Blondes Website
The Long Blondes MySpace
The Long Blondes Info [Allmusic]
Rough Trade Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Attack In Black: Marriage

Attack In Black
Marriage
Dine Alone Records [2007]







Fire Note Says: It is never to late to discover a good album!

Album Review:
Typically here at The Fire Note we try and stay ahead of the curve and review current and future releases but on occasion we run across an album that makes the cut, which has been out for awhile. Marriage from Canada’s Attack In Black is one of those albums. Released back in July 2007, Marriage is a true unity of a raw alt-country sound with a polished punk edge. Their sound is sort of like if the Drive-By Truckers Patterson Hood fronted The Get Up Kids. The result is Marriage and it is a solid fun and upbeat listen. The bands strength is that they are capable of musically turning on a dime and revving up or down in an instant that keeps the listener on their toes and ready for the catchy transitions like on the mostly acoustic “Foot Print” that explodes in the middle then returns to a simple acoustic strum. Other tracks like “Young Leaves” include horns, hum along melodies and straight up rock that instantly grabs you and makes you want to here more. Attack In Black are a promising new band from the North that we look forward to hear more from and Marriage is immediately appealable and an album that you will not want to divorce anytime soon!

Key Tracks: "Young Leaves", "Northern Towns", "Hunger Of The Young"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Limbeck
The Get Up Kids
Drive-By Truckers

Official Attack In Black Website
Attack In Black MySpace
Attack In Black Info [Allmusic]
Dine In Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Black Keys: Attack & Release

The Black Keys
Attack & Release
Nonesuch Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: The Black Keys shake things up a bit w/ a little help from Danger Mouse!

Album Review:
From the start, The Black Keys created their own niche and style of garage / blues rock that has always put them out there to stand alone. After four albums of expanding their current instruments to their limits back and forth, The Black Keys collaborated with Danger Mouse on Attack & Release in order to tap some new creative elements within the duo. That collaboration sets the stage for a new dynamic and depth to the Black Keys that has not been heard before. From the flutes on “Same Old Thing” to the stylistic banjo picking on the slow burner “Psychotic Girl” or the organs that show up throughout Attack & Release, The Black Keys accomplish their creative goal with their extra layer of resonance. Even with the new instrumental editions, The Black Keys still offer a solid reverb guitar show on rockers like “I Got Mine” and “Remember When (Side B)” that gets the blood pumping and keeps Attack & Release alive and kicking down to the memorable bluesy closer “Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be”. Getting Danger Mouse onboard as producer was a daring step for The Black Keys that pays off because their core structure is still in full effect. The reality is that The Black Keys make consistent albums and are masters of their trade - Attack & Release just confirms this again.

Key Tracks: "I Got Mine", "Same Old Thing", "Strange Times"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Pack A.D.
The White Stripes
The Greenhornes

The Black Keys: Magic Potion [Fire Note Review 10/5/06]

Official Black Keys Website
The Black Keys MySpace
The Black Keys Info [Allmusic]
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Anti Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: At the top of his game!

Album Review:
People sometimes think that as you age you should slow down a bit. Nobody told this to the now 50 year old Nick Cave. After last years rockin’ side project Grinderman [2007] and a stylish soundtrack score to the western Assassination of Jesse James [2007], Nick Cave is back with the Bad Seeds and hits us with Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! that is filled with electric guitar, Cave’s howl and the complete collaboration of a well seasoned band. On his last release, the double opus Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus [2004], Cave presented very mature and grandiose sounding with his approach that not only worked well but still put forth a swagger that not many can meet. On Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! he replaces that mature sounding Cave with an energetic Birthday Party like Cave that leads the listener into a straight forward garage rock album, which is not only a fun ride but an experience that hits high levels on songs like “Today’s Lesson” and “Albert Goes West” all the way down to the “Sha Sha La La’s”. Now don’t think that just because Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! rocks along it has lost substance because you still get all of Cave’s take on the shadowy angles of Americana along with what feels like a lesson in some spots that only Cave can deliver. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds has released another stellar album in Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!, which only enhances their discology and will rank up there with the best of the year.

Key Tracks: "Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!", "Albert Goes West", "More From Nowhere"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jon Spencer
The Gutter Twins
The National

Grinderman: Grinderman [Fire Note Review 4/6/07]

Official Nick Cave Website
Nick Cave MySpace
Nick Cave Info [Allmusic]
Anti Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Gifted Children: Whitespace Differences

The Gifted Children
Whitespace Differences
Tinhorn Planet Music [2008]









Fire Note Says: This may be your introduction to the band but this is their 20th release to date!

Album Review:
Not too many bands can live up to the massive song number creations of Guided By Voices but Western New Yorkers, The Gifted Children come close with the recording of more than 1300 songs over their past 13 years. The band has been hiding in the shadows all these years and is now having their albums and EPs released and reissued by Tinhorn Planet Music. Whitespace Differences is their 5^th full-length and their 20^th release to date. It is no surprise that The Gifted Children are longtime fans of GBV because they have taken the model of mass production and tweaked it by replacing the Cheap Trick underbelly with a more atmospheric, folk and shoegaze vibe, while having retained the short tracks, harmonic moments and injecting their own wordplay magic. The band currently has five members and has been consistently driven by singer/songwriter Jeff Suszcynski but over their past 13 years, the revolving door has included at least 23 others that have appeared on an album in some capacity. All the way down to the pleasant closer “The Best Of The Surface Tourists”, The Gifted Children present their case as the new king of the two-minute song in a nice ten tracks less than thirty-minute package on Whitespace Differences. The good news is that if like this small offering get ready because the rest of the bands work will be released all year long.

Key Tracks: "Velvet Rope", "We Saw The Vultures", "The Best Of The Surface Tourists"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Swearing At Motorists
Marmoset

Official Gifted Children Website
The Gifted Children MySpace
Tinhorn Planet Music

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Fire Note Turns 2

Two years ago on April 10th we published our first review and have been going strong ever since.






Thanks goes out to all the reviewers, without your dedication we would still be on post number two. We also want to give special thanks to the independent labels, promotion firms, major labels, visitors and most importantly bands themselves for their support over the last two years. Here is to another great year! -Managing Editor

The Breeders: Mountain Battles

The Breeders
Mountain Battles
4AD Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: The Breeders return after 6 years with a little something for everyone!

Album Review:
Anymore even the mention of Dayton, OH’s The Breeders sends longtime fans into some sort of banter either for or against the direction they have taken after that little known record called Last Splash [1993]. The joke is that the debate about the music is short because since Last Splash only one album has been released by The Breeders in Title TK [2002]. If we count Kim’s side project The Amps Pacer [1995] and several Kelley Deal projects – one that even included Sebastian Bach, we can get a total of five in the discussion. Mountain Battles now gives us something to really talk about, compare, digest and ultimately continue the debate, which will definitely keep fans on both sides of the fence. I can tell you now that if you want some “Cannonball” or “Divine Hammer” go back to your copy of Last Splash because that style of song is nowhere here. Although if that is what you were looking for, don’t fret completely because Mountain Battles still has its high energy moments like the bouncy rockers “German Studies” and “Walk It Off” plus the cover of fellow punkier Daytonians The Tasties on “It’s The Love”. This record is interesting because it is a true mix of their discology that goes back to Pod [1990], has some Pixies influence, was produced again by longtime acquaintance Steve Albini, contains 13 songs at about 3 minutes long equaling 36 minutes, includes a weird Spanish sung track “Regalame Esta Noche” and most certainly contains moments that fans will love and hate - all in the same moment. Those combined elements make Mountain Battles successful and fun to check out! Basically, The Breeders are doing what they want, when they want, and I can throw some respect their way for that. Mountain Battles is a record that will grow on you with repeat listens and at the end of the day you will realize it has some great moments that will keep you coming back for more!

Key Tracks: "German Studies", "Walk It Off", "It's The Love"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sonic Youth
My Bloody Valentine
PJ Harvey

Official Breeders Website
The Breeders MySpace
The Breeders Info [Allmusic]
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Lemuria: Get Better

Lemuria
Get Better
Asian Man Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Lemuria reminds us of how cool the early 90's were with a fresh take on the style with their debut Get Better!

Album Review:
Buffalo, NY’s Lemuria have created a stellar debut with Get Better that is full of power punk pop tunes that will instantly win you over with its charm and style. Lemuria will remind you of classic 90’s indie albums from The Breeders, Blake Babies or That Dog with their eager flair that rings in every melody and an approach that sounds as fresh today as it would 10 years ago or 10 years from now. That is the ultimate strength that Lemuria possesses because they package all of this synergy in 12 songs / 28 minutes that will not only have you reaching for the repeat button but actually missing them when it’s over. The band has about a 75/25 split of the vocal duties between guitarist Sheena Ozzella and drummer Alexander Kerns plus they sound superb together on harmonies. Get Better is an album that pleads with the listener to turn up the volume and just let it roll. Lemuria’s hooks on Get Better will hold you song to song with seamless transitions that are fun, catchy and solid. This is a record that will immediately appeal to fans that were around for the 90’s alternative explosion and will be a record to show newbie’s what that era was all about. Regardless, Get Better is an album that should not be ignored and one you should want to pick up!

Key Tracks: "Pants", "Wardrobe", "Lipstick"

Bands With Similar Fire:
That Dog
The Hush Sound
Velocity Girl

Lemuria MySpace
Lemuria Info [Wikpedia]
Asian Man Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Clinic: Do It!

Clinic
Do It!
Domino Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Clinic "Do It" right on their fifth long-player!

Album Review:
Liverpool’s masked men Clinic are back with a vengeance on their fifth studio album Do It! It is album that takes all of their strong points, mixes in some new tricks and entertains down to the last note. The sea-saw rocking of their shoegazing beats are instantly noticeable even without the lead swale of vocalist Ade Blackburn but once his vocals kick in, there is no question that this is Clinic. Many bands can try for years and never achieve that immediate recognition – Clinic doesn’t need to try. Most of this comes from the sporadic fast pace of their tracks, the vintage keyboards and organs, the quick shift in chords and commanding vocals that fans know by heart. For Do It! they are at the top of their game and on tracks like “The Witch (Made To Measure)” their signature sounds rings true with perfection. What gives Do It! strength is that not only do the “Clinic” like tracks sound great but they also bring some new tricks that sound fresh for the band like on the more ballad like “Free Not Free” or the crazy noise explosions in “Shopping Bag”. For fans of the band this is a no-brainer to pick up but for new listeners, Do It! is catchy and will leave an impression. The album is not only a good place to start but has the strength that will gladly force them to check out Clinic’s back catalog!

Key Tracks: "Memories", "The Witch (Made To Measure)", "May & Eddie"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Walkmen
Radiohead
Sound Team

Official Clinic Website
Clinic MySpace
Clinic Info [Allmusic]
Domino Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Annuals / Sunfold: Wet Zoo [Split EP]

Annuals / Sunfold
Wet Zoo [Split EP]
Canvasback Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: New approach by splitting the EP with themselves!

Album Review:
Just when you think you have seen it all the Annuals release a split EP that totally takes a new approach to introducing a new band. The Annuals share the Wet Zoo EP with Sunfold, which turns out is a new side project with the members of the Annuals, just in different roles. On Sunfold, Annuals lead vocalist, Adam Baker takes a back seat to man the drums, while lead guitarist Kenny Florence steps up to the mic for the two final tracks. Musically, Sunfold is a much more pop-rock sounding group with louder instruments, a little more jamming and a much more emo vibe then the Annuals softer indie approach. The first three tracks on Wet Zoo are from the Annuals, which have the same enjoyable and inviting bounce to them as their debut Be He Me [2006] had. The band retains their Shins like comparison vocally and stylistically, which offers that timeless indie sound, making Wet Zoo another time worthy project. The Wet Zoo split EP is not only a welcomed preview for the Annuals sophomore album that is due this fall but also the creative introduction of what we will call the bands alter-ego Sunfold - both of which sound great.

Key Tracks: "Around Your Neck", "Between The Worlds", "Sore"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Kevin Drew
Graham Coxon

Annuals: Be He Me [Fire Note Review 12/08/06]

Annuals MySpace
Annuals Info [Allmusic]
Canvasback Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Muse: HAARP [Live CD/DVD]

Muse
HAARP [Live CD/DVD]
Warner Bros. Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: This is what Muse is all about!

Album Review:
Muse is the working mans band and with each release they have been expanding their following into every continent outside their European base. With the release of HAARP CD/DVD, everyone finally will get a chance to see what all the hype and fuss has been about because although their studio albums have been a great listen their live show has made them Wembley stadium worthy. What can never translate from a record into your living room is the energy that Muse puts into their performances. The pulsing pounding beats, keyboards and crunchy guitars all sound bigger, badder and more intense live. Many times fans stay away from live discs because it just isn’t the same but what you get on HAARP is the equal driving straight-ahead no nonsense from Muse that you get live. They don’t spend much time talking or joking around but have good interaction with and participation from the crowd, while giving the sonic experience you expect. As an addition to this live offering you cannot go wrong because you also get a DVD with the performance plus extra tracks that couldn’t fit on the album version. My only small complaint would be that songs from their first album Showbiz [1999] are absent but I am sure I could argue track selection all day. The main point with this release is that there is a reason Muse has been awarded best live act by NME and why they can sell out two nights at Wembley Stadium –HAARP is your proof!

Key Tracks: "Invincible", "Stockholm Syndrome", "Knights Of Cydonia"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Queen
Black Sabbath
MGMT

Muse: Black Holes And Revelations [Fire Note Review 7/11/06]

Official Muse Website
Muse MySpace
Muse Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

She & Him: Volume One

She & Him
Volume One
Merge Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: An unlikely duo rings out the tunes with surprising ease!

Album Review:
Sometimes weird and implausible pairings succeed. She & Him is one of those unexpected matches that features Zooey Deschanel, an actress whose credits include Elf, and The Assassination of Jesse James plus the “him” in the project, singer/songwriter M. Ward. The interesting thing about their debut album Volume One is that the project is really driven by Deschanel, who is credited for writing ten of the thirteen tracks. The albums flavor is split into two parts, which one is a pure classic alt-country sound that has the same swagger and sway as a Neko Case record. The second piece of Volume One is a 60’s sunny pop record that hits its stride on “I Was Made For You” all the way down to the doo-whops. Zooey’s voice whispers and waves throughout the album with an inviting tone and confidence that sounds like she has been doing this for years. Even for a little country fun their take on The Beatles “I Should Have Known Better” is a tasteful cover that brings out the spirit of the song and shows the artists relaxed demeanor with the inclusion of some playful laughs from Deschanel showing that she really is enjoying herself. My guess is that Deschanel will not quit her day job but She & Him is proof that she always will have something to fall back on and let’s hope that Volume Two is already in the works!

Key Tracks: "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?", "This Is Not A Test", "Sweet Darlin'"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Let's Go Sailing
Julie Sokolow

Official She & Him Website
She & Him MySpace
She & Him Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Kyle Sowashes: Yeah Buddy!

The Kyle Sowashes
Yeah Buddy!
We Want Action Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Yeah Buddy! will remind you of why you like indie rock in the first place!

Album Review:
Columbus Ohio’s Kyle Sowashes rekindle the jangle indie rock of the early 90’s when music was more straightforward and simple. The group relies on a full band sound supporting leader Sowash as he tackles each track with a bursting throttle vocal that guides them through the pop gems he has created. Yeah Buddy! shows off the fun and crazy side of Sowash as the subjects hit on Andre The Giant, Fleetwood Mac and making mix tapes for his brother in Korea. What I really liked about Yeah Buddy! was that it contains all of the elements of classic indie rock with Dinosaur Jr. like guitar, a frontman that waffles his sound between Mac from Superchunk or Chuck Cleaver in the Ass Ponys to the harder driving punk edge of an Archers Of Loaf, while still making their own niche with quality songs, catchy choruses and putting a 100% into the recording. The Kyle Sowashes are not going to change your life but I guarantee that this album will grow on you with every listen because it has a retro-cool vibe and energy to it that will play perfectly on a nice warm day with the windows down. Yeah Buddy! is a great statement that straight up indie rock is alive and well in the Midwest, so be sure to search out The Kyle Sowashes to get your fix.

Key Tracks: "Free Ride", "Korea", "My Resume"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ass Ponys
Dinosaur Jr.
Superchunk

Official Kyle Sowashes Website
The Kyle Sowashes MySpace
We Want Action Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Dodos: Visiter

The Dodos
Visiter
Frenchkiss Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: The Dodos bring the noise and make something special!

Album Review:
Lately “West-African Pop” is the new genre that is taking the music scene by storm much like the way “Electroclash” did several years ago with bands incorporating the worldly beats and rhythmic pieces that all intertwine well with indie song structures. San Francisco’s Dodos are the latest entry into this genre that successfully combine their acoustic guitars with rhythmic shifts and pace to make their sophomore record Visiter a superb listen from beginning to end. The Dodos consist of Meric Long and Logan Kroeber which simply put is an acoustic-and-percussion duo. What makes them sound bigger and more expansive is their skill for creating pop gems out creative soundscapes with catchy melodies and quick shifts of finger picking on the acoustic guitar with pulsing West African style drumming. On the quiet acoustic opener “Walking”, Long’s voice is very comparable to Death Cab’s Ben Gibbard but the track is sort of a pleasant trick for what the Dodos have in store for you because the next number “Red and Purple” launches with the drums roaring, harmonies ringing in and the pace surprisingly increased with the inclusion of toy pianos. While most of the tracks follow the guitar, drums and harmony combo the songs vary in length switching nicely between short three minute numbers and expansive songs that hit the six minute mark. This back and forth keeps a nice pace and on the longer tracks the Dodos shine because it allows them the forum to show off their entire talents while maintaining an indie structure that just works. Overall, Visiter is a solid album that gets better with every spin. Repeat listens offer different findings and never get old, which gives The Dodos that timeless appeal that is welcomed and sets Visiter apart from some of their peers.

Key Tracks: "Walking", "Fools", "Jodi"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Vampire Weekend
Gomez
Yeasayer

Official Dodos Website
The Dodos MySpace
The Dodos Info [Allmusic]
Frenchkiss Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony