Love As Laughter: Holy

Love As Laughter
Holy
Epic/Glacial Pace Recordings [2008]







Fire Note Says: Many new directions on Holy.

Album Review:
Sam Jayne’s Love As Laughter has to be one of the hardest working indie bands that has been around for twelve years and never really broke out from the underground. On the groups sixth release Holy, they are going to try and change that status as this is the first record released under their partnership with Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock’s Glacial Pace Recordings, which is a part of major label Epic records. Holy is a new turn for the band because it is a complete expansion of their sound and LAL utilize more instrumentation then ever before. On songs like “Crosseyed Beautiful Youngunz” and “Konny And Jim”, LAL sound like a new jam band with laidback structures and lingering bridges that feel like that they could go on forever. This relaxed vibe circulates throughout the record with “All Parts Of Me” having a World flavor to it complete with congo drums, while the blaring horns in the closer “Bonnie And Clyde” once again pull out another trick. Holy features guest contributions from TK Webb, Robin Peringer (ex-Band of Horses, Modest Mouse), Tommy Mandel (who has played piano with the Clash and Dire Straits), and Brock himself, who plays guitar on "Paul Revere" and "All Parts of Me". Longtime fans of the band won’t feel totally abandoned because “Paul Revere” and “Peace” still have that LAL snarl and reverb to them and overall Holy starts to grow on you more with repeat listens but at the end of the day it will still fall short of grabbing any new attention for this indie staple.

Key Tracks: "Paul Revere", "Bonnie And Clyde", "Konny And Jim"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sonic Youth
Vampire Weekend
My Morning Jacket

Official Love As Laughter Website
Love As Laughter MySpace
Love As Laughter Info [Allmusic]
Epic/Glacial Pace Recordings

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Alejandro Escovedo: Real Animal

Alejandro Escovedo
Real Animal
Back Porch/Manhattan Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Escovedo breaks out the rock on superb new album!

Album Review:
Austin’s living legend Alejandro Escovedo is back at full strength both mentally and physically with the proof being his new thunder and venom powered release Real Animal. After a life threatening battle with Hepatitis C and his excellent comeback album The Boxing Mirror [2006], Real Animal represents a new era for Escovedo. Where Boxing Mirror was a much darker record and coming off of just surviving his health battle plus trying to climb out of medical bill debt, Real Animal is album of great life perspective and confidence that contains all out rockers like “Chelsea Hotel ‘78” and “Chip N’ Tony” plus killer ballads “Sister Lost Soul” and “Sensitive Boys”. To help achieve this bigger rock sound Escovedo recruited his buddy Chuck Prophet to help co-write a portion of the record, which he credits for filling the album with catchy hooks. Escovedo was right because Real Animal is full of foot taping sing along tracks that are his most accessible batch of songs in years. To sum up the quality of this release, it is easy to say that even if you know nothing about Alejandro you could easily start your discovery with Real Animal. This record will make you seek out the rest of his catalog because it truly showcases all of his skill sets to the max and just gets better with every spin!

Key Tracks: "Chelsea Hotel '78", "Sensitive Boys", "Chip N' Tony"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bruce Springsteen
Big Head Todd & The Monsters
Richard Thompson

Official Alejandro Escovedo Website
Alejandro Escovedo MySpace
Alejandro Escovedo Info [Allmusic]
Back Porch Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Vega Under Fire: Life Of The Party [EP]

Vega Under Fire
Life Of The Party [EP]
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Note Says: Band lives up to EP title!

Album Review:
Being called “the next big thing” or “the band to watch” can always be a sizeable statement to live up to but Naples, Florida Vega Under Fire could be up to the test. Already highlighted in the new August Alternative Press as one of the best unsigned artists, Vega Under Fire’s new EP Life Of The Party contains five tracks of synth-rock radio-friendly tunes that walk the line above your average new wave alt band sound and push a bit on the aggressive side without ever going there. Vega Under Fire lives and dies on two key elements throughout the EP with the first one being lead singer Brian Blount’s commanding vocals that soar above the instruments and make each song catchy and a new experience. The second element is the bands ability to quickly shift and transition during songs like in the second track “Cue The Fight Song” that plays along at normal speed then mid-point hits a riot section that brings the song alive and could only bring some fist pumping action live, which completely changes the track with surging bass lines and sing along background vocals. Vega Under Fire are not going to turn any heads as a completely new sounding act but based on this EP alone the band lives up to the hype. Anticipation for their debut LP should be a real thing and not just fluff because right now they are the Life Of The Party and we will be waiting to see what is next!

Key Tracks: "Fabricated Air", "Cue The Fight Song", "Boom Boom"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Motion City Soundtrack
The Virgins
Panic At The Disco

Vega Under Fire MySpace
Vega Under Fire Info [purevolume]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Earlimart: Hymn And Her

Earlimart
Hymn And Her
Majordomo/Shout! Factory Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Earlimart continue to transform!

Album Review:
Earlimart have made a slow and easy transition over the last several years from an edgy indie sound to a more mainstream alt-pop vibe highlighted now by their sixth album Hymn And Her. After going through personnel changes, the band has completely pared down to just co-leaders Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray. This maybe has sped up the creative process because Hymn And Her has arrived quickly after last years Mentor Tormentor [2007] and was written and recorded in just four weeks. You would never tell by listening that the record did not take longer because it easily is the most mature record the band has released with its big production feel and much larger presented soundscapes. It also starts to solidify Earlimart as a duo because Ariana Murray takes lead on three of the albums twelve tracks plus has a stronger presence throughout the albums background vocals. Hymn And Her still possesses the enjoyable Elliott Smith like vocals from Espinoza and maintains Earlimart’s pleasant indie sound with catchy tracks like “Teeth” and “Song For” that get better after every spin. Hymn And Her does really signify a changing of the guard of sorts because Everyone Down Here [2003] is still an album I hold up very high in the bands catalog with “We Drink On The Job” as a highlighted single from that year so as we flash forward to Hymn And Her, with the group now two and the sound more polished, the end result is an album that is still held together by the same texture that made Earlimart’s earlier records so great!

Key Tracks: "Song For", "Face Down In The Right Town", "Teeth"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Death Cab For Cutie
Mates Of State
Elliott Smith

Official Earlimart Website
Earlimart MySpace
Earlimart Info [Allmusic]
Majordomo/Shout! Factory Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Matt Pryor: Confidence Man

Matt Pryor
Confidence Man
Vagrant Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: You thought this might be bad?

Album Review:
Matt Pryor decided that after all of these years fronting The Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdams and the kids group The Terrible Twos that putting out an album that is a bit quieter and acoustic was something left blank on his resume. Confidence Man is that album and it finds Pryor stamping his own name on the project that reaches as far back in his career as 1995 with the track “Dear Lover” to just several months ago writing “Lovers Who Have Lost Their Cause”. Where The New Amsterdams has been closer to this style of material, Confidence Man was written, self-recorded and self-produced entirely in Pryor’s garage, which really highlights the one man show aspect of this undertaking. To say that Confidence Man sounds lo-fi or similar to River Cuomo’s basement tapes would be a complete misconception. Matt Pryor’s voice rings superb throughout combined with his skillful guitar strumming and despite the portrayal of anything negative from some outside observations, Pryor’s own happiness and stability are reflected more than not. Simply put, Matt Pryor has one of those distinguishable voices in the indie world and Confidence Man is the ultimate showcase for it. The album fits perfectly in any music rotation you have going on and should not be a risk for fans of his past catalog to pick up!

Key Tracks: "I'm Sorry Stephen", "Lorelai", "Confidence Man"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Lou Barlow
Elliott Smith
Billy Bragg

The New Amsterdams: At The Foot Of My Rival [Fire Note Review 9/25/07]

Matt Pryor MySpace
Matt Pryor Info [Wikipedia]
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Shys: You'll Never Understand This Band The Way I Do

The Shys
You'll Never Understand This Band The Way I Do
Aeronaut Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: California blues garage rock never sounded so smooth!

Album Review:
Previously described as “the perfect hybrid of LA rock and classic British rock", southern California’s The Shys have just released their sophomore album You’ll Never Understand This Band The Way I Do, which is full of in your face bluesy rock n roll that leaves it all on table with nothing to hide. The Shys actually use a bit of a surprise factor to new listeners as you start the record because the opening instrumental track “Spanish Village By The Sea” is very subtle, so it throws you for a complete loop when the ripping guitar kicks off “The Hangman” and really starts your journey to tear it up with The Shys. You’ll Never Understand This Band The Way I Do has big sing-out loud choruses in songs like “She’s Already Gone” and no nonsense ballads in “I’m On Your Side”. The band has stated that classic artist such as The Kinks, Dylan, and The Beatles along with more current rock troubadours like Jack White have influenced their music. After just one spin of You’ll Never Understand This Band The Way I Do those artists great characteristics shine out of The Shys music, which combined with their fresh energy makes this album one that won’t leave the player for awhile!

Key Tracks: "She's Already Gone", "The Hangman", "I'm On Your Side"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Raconteurs
The Rolling Stones
The Redwalls

Official Shys Website
The Shys MySpace
The Shys Info [Wikipedia]
Aeronaut Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The War On Drugs: Wagonwheel Blues

The War On Drugs
Wagonwheel Blues
Secretly Canadian [2008]

Fire Note Says: Modern approach with classic sound!

Album Review:
The War On Drugs vocalist Adam Granduciel sounds like Dylan right down to every nasally drawled out line, which gives the Philadelphia bands debut Wagonwheel Blues a very retro vibe but mixed with the strumming guitars, background organs and fuzzy harmonica they sound like an early reinvented Sonic Youth. That is probably the appeal to The War On Drugs because they are completely different then any band out there right now and in the tradition of Dylan or The Boss, the band are good storytellers with tales of touring the wide open spaces. Interestingly enough the album offers several varieties and styles during its nine tracks, two of which are instrumental and “Show Me The Coast” is an expansive ten minute epic number that highlights their multiple talents. This combo of sound and style makes Wagonwheel Blues a great album to just let play as your imagination wonders because the music just leads you into a spacey dimension and ultimately makes you want to stay!

Key Tracks: "Arms Like Boulders", "A Needle In Your Eye #16", "Taking The Farm"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Velvet Underground
Marah
Bob Dylan

Taking The Farm (mp3)

Official War On Drugs Website
The War On Drugs MySpace
The War On Drugs Info [Allmusic]
Secretly Canadian Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Lackthereof: Your Anchor

Lackthereof
Your Anchor
Barsuk Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: A great little indie find!

Album Review:
You may not know Lackthereof by name but if you are into indie music you are familiar with Danny Seim as the drummer in the critically acclaimed group Menomena. If you have been lucky enough to hear his side project Lackthereof’s hard to find earlier recordings you can consider yourself one of the lucky ones because most of the albums have been given out over the last ten years by hand on cassette tapes within small circles of friends. That secrecy is about to change with Barsuk Records release of Your Anchor that hits shelves today. It is a solid thirty minutes of mid-tempo indie music that will certainly keep your attention and its intricate parts get better with every rotation. With a nice low drawing voice comparable to Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow, Seim is always in control of Your Anchor’s pace with a constant beating rhythm section, guitar and harmonies all hitting in the right places with splintered instrumentation strung throughout to shake up the mix and give each song its own personality. Seim also includes a superb closing cover of The National’s “Fake Empire” which is completely stripped down and instantly makes you want to return to Your Anchor for some more. Your Anchor is an album to be discovered and start sharing with your circle of friends because it is a textbook approach on how to release a heartfelt no-nonsense indie record that has no expectations but to deliver a quality set of songs to the fans!

Key Tracks: "Doomed Elephants", "Fake Empire", "Chest Pass"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Iron & Wine
Lou Barlow
Built To Spill

Last November (mp3)

Menomena: Friend And Foe [Fire Note Review 2/27/07]

Lackthereof MySpace
Lacketherof Info [Wikipedia]
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

CSS: Donkey

CSS
Donkey
Sub Pop Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: No slump here!

Album Review:
Everyone that creates, listens, reviews or produces music knows that they don’t call it the sophomore slump for no reason and the pressure for Brazil’s CSS is no different on their second release Donkey for Sub Pop. To avoid the slump, CSS approached album number two smartly – give the people what they want and know. Donkey was created with the idea to recreate on record a typical live CSS show, which is always a mix of high energy, dance party, 100% effort and a little bit of a chance that it gets out of control! With an electro-rock band like CSS the risk is always overproducing the songs to the point of sounding too polished, which in their case I think it helped that Donkey was produced in Brazil by the band’s own Adriano Cintra and mixed by Mark “Spike” Stent (Bjork, Massive Attack, U2, M.I.A., Arcade Fire). This combo found the right amount of balance to put a record out that sounds clean but not overdone, rough but yet soft and punches while helping you back up. Tracks like “Jager Yoga”, “Left Behind” and “Rat Is Dead (Rage)” are increasingly catchy with each spin because of Lovefoxxx’s commanding vocals and the grinding guitar riffs that take the record to the next level throughout. CSS are not offering anything relatively new on Donkey but you can’t find a band right now pushing out these electro rock jams and doing it much better, so fans of their debut will be delighted while the catchiness of the new songs should easily find them some new ones!

Key Tracks: "Left Behind", "Jager Yoga", "I Fly"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Le Tigre
Elastica
Ladytron

CSS: Cansei De Ser Sexy [Fire Note Review 12/12/06]

Official CSS Website
CSS MySpace
CSS Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Benji Hughes: A Love Extreme

Benji Hughes
A Love Extreme
New West Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Debut double album entertaining, fun and worth the investment!

Album Review:
How many times does a new artist release a debut 25 track double album? That count is very low but that is exactly what Benji Hughes is releasing next Tuesday with A Love Extreme. Hughes is not your average artist and just to look at him your stereotype would place him in a different category with his long hair and draping ZZ Top beard that around a studio he could easily be mistaken for Rick Rubin. What sets him apart from his appearance is his smooth vocal style and lyrical balance throughout the record which makes A Love Extreme flow seamlessly and the double record feel much shorter. His style is very Beck like with intricate wordplay that fuses different instruments, folkish undertones and electro-beats depending on the song structure. With offering 25 tracks, Hughes tackles multiple subjects such as the highs of love and the difficulties of relationships but mixes his stories with some humor. I guarantee that Benji Hughes will be one of the more entertaining and interesting artists you check out all year. A Love Extreme seems like an adventurous beginning point for Hughes’ work but the melodic and harmonic elements of the songs stay with you long after the album has stopped, making repeat plays easy not overwhelming.

Key Tracks: "You Stood Me Up", "I Went With Some Friends To See The Flaming Lips", "Vibe So Hot"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Self
Chris Knox
Beck

You Stood Me Up (mp3)
Why Do These Parties Always End The Same Way? (mp3)
The Mummy (mp3)
I Went With Some Friends To See The Flaming Lips (mp3)

Official Benji Hughes Website
Benji Hughes MySpace
New West Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Hold Steady: Stay Positive

The Hold Steady
Stay Positive
Vagrant Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Once again Craig Finn and the boys release a stellar LP!

Album Review:
Plain and simple The Hold Steady always has seemed like one of the most underrated bands in the land even dating back to Craig Finn’s earlier days in Lifter Puller. After the breakthrough record Boys And Girls In America [2006] landed on everyone’s best of the year list, including #2 right here, the anticipation for Stay Positive has been nothing but red alert high.

After three completely solid albums it was easy to believe that album number four might have a misstep, a wrong direction or turn out to be The Hold Steady’s artistic statement album. Guess what? Forget about all that speculation because Stay Positive is another completely exhilarating, energetic and rocking album that once again combines a classic rock vibe with a modern alternative edge all stitched together with intriguing lyrical play.

From the beginning tracks “Constructive Summer” and “Sequestered In Memphis” through the closer “Slapped Actress” the group produces songs that not only make you want to sing along but force you to participate. This attention grabbing talent makes The Hold Steady completely addicting and Stay Positive another A+ record to their catalog!

Key Tracks: "Sequestered In Memphis", "Joke About Jamaica", "Constructive Summer"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Replacements
Spoon
Bruce Springsteen

The Hold Steady: Boys And Girls In America [Fire Note Review 10/3/06]

Official Hold Steady Website
The Hold Steady MySpace
The Hold Steady Info [Allmusic]
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Albert Hammond, Jr.: ¿Cómo Te Llama?

Albert Hammond, Jr.
¿Cómo Te Llama?
Black Seal/RCA Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Consistent sophomore release from Albert Hammond, Jr.!

Album Review:
The Strokes guitarist returns with his sophomore solo outing ¿Cómo Te Llama? and at this rate could easily catch up with his main band’s three album discography. From the opening guitar lick you will automatically recognize that this is an Albert Hammond, Jr. release with its tight rhythmic strums cranking into the leadoff track “Bargain Of A Century”. Like his debut Yours To Keep [2006/2007], Hammond Jr. does not stray too far away from the music he knows although ¿Cómo Te Llama? does get a bit more “experimental” with the seven minute instrumental track “Spooky Couch” which friend Sean Lennon plays piano on and the quick switch of reggae beats in “Borrowed Time” to a rocked up ending makes for an interesting change of pace. Overall if you enjoyed Yours To Keep and like The Strokes there is no reason you won’t be into ¿Cómo Te Llama? because there is plenty of solid 3 minute tracks to keep you entertained and coming back for more. This album is very comparable to his debut and I honestly believe in a good way, that it is no better or worse than his debut but simply put - consistent.

Key Tracks: "GfC", "Victory At Monterey". "In My Room"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arcade Fire
The Police
Spoon

GfC (mp3)

Albert Hammond, Jr.: Yours To Keep [Fire Note Review 3/5/07]

Official Albert Hammond, Jr. Website
Albert Hammond, Jr. MySpace
Albert Hammond, Jr. Info [Allmusic]
Black Seal Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

James Jackson Toth: Waiting In Vain

James Jackson Toth
Waiting In Vain
Rykodisc [2008]








Fire Note Says: Toth sheds Wooden Wand name and plays it straight up for excellent solo debut!

Album Review:
James Jackson Toth is not a household name but on the indie circuit many would know him by his moniker Wooden Wand. For his solo debut Waiting In Vain, Toth set aside the more “indie” folk-psychedelic rock hybrid part of his music and stepped into the role of a full on singer/songwriter country rock troubadour. Toth has a commanding vocal style and a distinct tone that is not only great at telling short stories but explores all sides of music that include blues, country and soul with flashes of rock and catchy harmonies that latch onto the listener. For Waiting In Vain not only did Toth use close talent like his wife Jexie Lynn on supporting and dueting vocals but called upon a small circle of musician friends, that included guitarists John Dietrich (Deerhoof), Nels Cline (Wilco) and Andy Cabic (Vetiver); alt-country multi-instrumentalist Carla Bozulich (Geraldine Fibbers); bassist Shayde Sartin (Giant Sunflower Band) and drummer Otto Hauser (Vetiver/Devendra Banhart). It clearly does not hurt to have talented friends that give Waiting In Vain a full invigorating alive feeling but he called upon Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Soul Coughing) to produce because of his rock history knowledge and track record as a risk taker. I believe that everyone’s contribution makes James Jackson Toth’s debut a complete winner and one of his strongest releases in his resume. From the soft simplicity of “Doreen” to the more foot taping “Beulah The Good” and the great drivin’ down the road whoo whoos in “Becoming Faust” make Waiting In Vain fun, unpredictable and repeat listens an absolute must.

Key Tracks: "Doreen", "The Banquet Styx", "Beulah The Good"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Robyn Hitchcock
Woody Guthrie
Nick Cave

Doreen (mp3)
Look In On Me (mp3)
Beulah The Good (mp3)

Wooden Wand: Second Attention [9/18/06]

James Jackson Toth MySpace
Rykodisc

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Virgins: The Virgins

The Virgins
The Virgins
Atlantic Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Bands debut holds up to the expectations.

Album Review:
After a critically hailed self released and self-titled EP released last year, NYC’s The Virgins have now launched their self-tiled LP on Atlantic Records. Their style mixes the subtle vocal coolness of The Strokes with a more late 70’s new wave that has a swagger to it and becomes more infections after every spin. All five songs on the EP can be found here in full produced form like the catchy and dance heavy “Rich Girls” to the final version of the rockin’ “One Week Of Danger”. The album has a total of ten tracks running right at 30 minutes so The Virgins don’t mess around with filler and out of the new tracks “Private Affair” stands out with its mesh of guitar, sing along melodies and foot tapping beats. Overall The Virgins debut does not necessarily capture all of the hype or energy that the EP had due to some more glossy production that in this case may have mellowed the record a bit. For a debut, The Virgins still is entertaining, catchy, and holds up with repeat listens. This album also shows that The Virgins have solid talent and most certainly will catch our attention down the road for a sophomore release.

Key Tracks: "One Week Of Danger", "Rich Girls", "Private Affair"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Cribs
The Strokes
Black Kids

The Virgins: The Virgins (EP) [Fire Note Review 5/1/08]

Official The Virgins Website
The Virgins MySpace
Atlantic Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

HiFi Handgrenades: Carry On

HiFi Handgrenades
Carry On
New Romance For Kids Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Who said punk rock is dead - you just need to know where to look!

Album Review:
We were so bummed when we learned that one of our favorite power pop bands from Detroit, The Fags had parted ways. To our delight singer/guitarist/songwriter John Speck (The Fags, The Paybacks, Hoarse) has re-emerged with a new power punk band called HiFi Handgrendades which have released their debut album Carry On. The record is a straight-forward melodic attack that cranks through 10 songs in a mere twenty-two minutes. The band has a complete tight sound and is rounded out with some other well known names on the circuit with drummer Ryan Vandeberghe and bassist Rich Tschirhart, formally of the Suicide Machines, along with Grande Nationals guitarist/ singer Tony Vegas. Carry On was recorded with John Lousteau (Foo Fighters, Shadows Fall) and will appeal to any punk fan out there that enjoys strong riffs, tuneful choruses and solid guitar. HiFi Handgrenades will fill any scene void quickly with their no nonsense attitude and dedication to the history of Detroit punk so I guarantee their high octane approach won't let your ear down!

Key Tracks: "Cut Strings", "Hold Fast", "Stupid"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ape Hangers
The Descendents
CIV

HiFi Handgrenades MySpace
New Romance For Kids Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Beck: Modern Guilt

Beck
Modern Guilt
Interscope Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Lean album helps Beck keep his focus!

Album Review:
If anyone had ever started to wonder about Beck’s status as a career artist after his more unbalanced last two lengthy affairs Guero [2005] and The Information [2006], Modern Guilt will put those thoughts completely to rest. It is arguably one of the most mature and focused works Beck has released and rivals Sea Change [2002], which abandoned all of his postmodern grooves. Modern Guilt still has the Beck vibe and brings an array of drum loops, splices, and guitars but has an overall tone that is more subdued and controlled. This of course may surprise some being that Modern Guilt is the product of Beck teaming up with producer guru Danger Mouse, which at first thought would sound like an electro-mix pop dream after his Beatles meet Jay Z grey album but what some might not know is that he has produced more artistic groups like Gnarls Barkley, Gorillaz, The Good, The Bad & The Queen and The Black Keys. Coming in at 10 tracks and just over a half an hour Modern Guilt’s dense subject matter does not stay past its welcome and is an album that will not immediately appeal to fans but truly gets better with repeat spins. From the almost shoegazy “Chemtrails” to the very personal closer “Volcano”, Beck not only offers up another peel of his talent but establishes without a doubt that the “career artist” tag is deserved and Modern Guilt is the proof because it adds yet another solid album to his catalog.

Key Tracks: "Gamma Ray", "Chemtrails", "Soul Of A Man"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bob Dylan
Stephen Malkmus
Conor Oberst

Beck: The Information [Fire Note Review 10/11/06]

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

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Sub Pop Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: A new classic for a new age!

Album Review:
There are only a handful of occasions anymore when you can pop a record in and it completely takes you over. That was my exact response after taking just one listen to Fleet Foxes self-titled debut. The band draws from the traditions of an array of genres that include folk, choral music, gospel, world and most importantly indie harmonic pop. This album is all about the lush and layered vocals and how the band builds off each other to create a sound that feels like the good ol days of CSN&Y but yet is completely new and fresh. Every track has this superior quality to it led by Robin Pecknold’s standout lead vocals and backed by an indie force that together have a resume of bands that include Pedro The Lion, Headphones, Seldom, and Crystal Skulls. The band notes that they grew up listening to the music of their parents so it is no surprise as they developed their own sound the spirit of The Beach Boys, Dylan, Fairport Convention, Zombies and Joni Mitchell can all be felt swooping throughout this album while the chiming melodies hold your attention well beyond its completion. Fleet Foxes is an album that simply just needs played and is perfect for any setting. The album easily will find its way into our top of the year list for 2008 and I expect could be recognized as starting an entire new movement several years down the road from now.

Key Tracks: "Your Protector", "He Doesn't Know Why", "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song"

Bands With Similar Fire:
My Morning Jacket
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Beachwood Sparks

Fleet Foxes MySpace
Fleet Foxes Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Peter Adams: I Woke With Planets In My Face

Peter Adams
I Woke With Planets In My Face
Self-Released [2008]









Fire Note Says: Singer/songwriter Peter Adams offers up something unique and different!

Album Review:
I Woke With Planets In My Face will be one of the more interesting singer / songwriter releases you will hear this year. Cincinnati native Peter Adams sophomore release is full of pop gems surrounded with lush and expansive atmospheric environments that work together making I Woke With Planets an album that was meant to be heard straight thru. It may be hard for some listeners to comply with in today’s age of the playlist, party shuffle and singles only types but in this case that sort of thinking does not make sense. The way Adams intertwines the instruments and lyrics in and out of the track transitions create seamless beginnings and ends. This is the appeal of I Woke With Planets along with Adams soft melodic vocals. This combination helps the listener get lost in his music because several more epic tracks like the seven minute “Antarctica” take you through a full orchestrated spectrum of music with all of these elements rising to the top in different sections. I Woke With Planets In My Face is an album that can be listened through multiple times where something new can be discovered in every listen. Peter Adams successfully combines elements of World, orchestra and indie pop for one unique outing that gets better with every spin!

Key Tracks: "The Observatory", "Conversation With The Moon", "Ziggurat"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Josh Clayton-Felt
Radiohead
Brendan Benson

Official Peter Adams Website
Peter Adams MySpace
Peter Adams Store

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Ron Sexsmith: Exit Strategy Of The Soul

Ron Sexsmith
Exit Strategy Of The Soul
Yep Roc Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Exit Strategy holds some new tricks that fans will relish!

Album Review:
One of Toronto’s favorite troubadours Ron Sexsmith returns tomorrow with his ninth solo full length Exit Strategy For The Soul. Like the title says it is one of his most soulful releases yet to date and for Sexsmith the tracks had a spiritual element to them. The album was recorded in both the cold of London and the tropical Havana, Cuba which helped shape and mold Exit Strategy into some new directions for an artist that admittingly so does not place his music in a Cuban genre but liked the results. In fact “Brighter Still” was written on the flight to Havana and cut on the spot with a roomful of Cuban musicians. Another interesting collaboration that shows up on Exit Strategy is the standout track “Brandy Alexander” which was co-written with fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Feist (her own version can be found on The Reminder) and has A Girl Called Eddy singing background vocals. This album also has Sexmith reaching back deep into his own unfinished work with “Poor Helpless Dreams” that actually predates his first record. He had several attempts of recording it over the years and never got a version he was happy with nor seemed to fit with his records until now. Exit Strategy For The Soul is another solid release in Sexsmith’s catalog and his longtime fans will not be disappointed. Is this the record that will break him out into the mainstream so that more people can experience his mostly hidden talent? Only time and luck will tell but as any fan knows it is not for lack of talent!

Key Tracks: "One Last Round", "Brandy Alexander", "Poor Helpless Dreams"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elliott Smith
Patrick Park
Elvis Costello

Official Ron Sexsmith Website
Ron Sexsmith MySpace
Ron Sexsmith Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Wolf Parade: At Mount Zoomer

Wolf Parade
At Mount Zoomer
Sub Pop Records [2008]

Fire Note Says: Krug + Boeckner = Top notch indie ride!

Album Review:
Had we been around in 2005 I imagine that Wolf Parade’s debut Apologies To The Queen Mary would have received a stellar high flame rating and probably landed in our Top 25 for 05 list. So the anticipation for their sophomore record At Mount Zoomer was without a doubt elevated! Good news is that At Mount Zoomer delivers a solid batch of jangly indie rock that is not only unique but completely addicting. The interesting thing about Wolf Parade is that since their initial release both primary songwriters Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner have had great success with their other individual projects (Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake, Handsome Furs) but they still seem completely on the same page on direction as they share songwriting duties for At Mount Zoomer. This cohesive vibe creates a flow that not only sounds fresh but has more confidence and presence than before. The group is not afraid to try some new tricks with only 9 tracks this outing and 4 of them are over the 5 minute mark that includes the 11 minute closer “Kissing The Beehive”. Where this more expansive sound does not yield immediate stand out tracks like their debut it still has catchy songs that have a repeat factor which will keep you coming back to At Mount Zoomer for some time to come.

Key Tracks: "Language City", "California Dreamer", "Soldier's Grin"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arcade Fire
Swan Lake
Built To Spill

Swan Lake: Beast Moans [Fire Note Review 1/17/07]
Sunset Rubdown: Shut Up I Am Dreaming [Fire Note Review 6/15/06]

Wolf Parade MySpace
Wolf Parade Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Golden Animals: Free Your Mind And Win A Pony

Golden Animals
Free Your Mind And Win A Pony
Happy Parts Recordings [2008]







Fire Note Says: Take a ride with the Golden Animals for some folk, country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll!

Album Review:
If you are looking for a bluesy rock chill album then you need to check out the Golden Animals debut full length Free Your Mind And Win A Pony. Tommy Eisner and Linda Beecroft are a psychedelic duo that met on a sidewalk in Brooklyn, recorded an EP and then moved out to the desert in California in 2007 to write their first full-length album and escape the trials of city life. Free Your Mind And Win A Pony is a result of that experience and it is a real mix of rock styles that will remind you of the Doors and Seeds as well as some more modern acts like a more subdued White Stripes or a bluesy Raveonettes. Eisner’s deeper vocals have the commanding lows of a Morrison or Cave, which keeps the listener attentive along with Beecroft’s subtle interjections. The album is a quick eleven songs in 30 minutes and really does float along with a steady rhythm of mid-tempo numbers. Besides releasing one of the more fun album titles this year, the Golden Animals never get old and will fit nicely into any playlist you create!

Key Tracks: "Ride Easy", "Try On Me", "Turn You Around (Don't Let Nobody)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Grinderman
The White Stripes
The Doors

Try On Me (mp3)

Golden Animals MySpace
Happy Parts Recordings

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Vancougar: Canadian Tuxedo

Vancougar
Canadian Tuxedo
Mint Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Half indie rock, half garage rock, all girl!

Album Review:
Vancougar are ready to take the indie world by storm on their sophomore record and Mint debut Canadian Tuxedo expected to hit retail next week on July 8. The female quartet is a mix of punk, new wave and indie that uses pulsing keyboards, driving bass and up-tempo drumming to create 10 songs of catchy riff heavy songs in a 35 minute package. Singer Eden Fineday is the deciding factor and guides the direction for Vancougar because the band has moments of punk but her vocals never take the band completely to that level like a Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney) but they are not near as polished as a more pop friendly Sahara Hotnights record. This in-between makes Vancougar completely infectious because although on many occasions the listener gets the retro vibe, the music is completely forward and modern. All of these elements combined with melodic lyrics that are well written and have meaning equal the ideal album. Canadian Tuxedo is short, sweet and indie cool, so make sure to check Vancougar out because I guarantee you won’t stop hitting repeat!

Key Tracks: "Phone Calls", "Distance", "Obvious"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Le Tigre
Sahara Hotnights
The Rondelles

Obvious (mp3)

Official Vancougar Website
Vancougar MySpace
Vancougar Info [Allmusic]
Mint Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Dead Leaf Echo: Pale Fire [EP]

Dead Leaf Echo
Pale Fire [EP]
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Note Says: Shoegaze bliss from NYC band Dead Leaf Echo!

Album Review:
For many music fans, shoegaze is a genre that most of the time is either loved or hated. It is a genre that hit its heyday back in the early nineties but has slowly crept its way back on the scene because of some quality bands like The Black Angels, The High Violets and the newly reformed Swervedriver. You can now put New York’s Dead Leaf Echo in that list and their second release Pale Fire because it is a full on blast of sound that is focused but yet refined and offers a solid entry into the reemerging genre. The six song EP was recorded at Bunker Studio (Ambulance LTD, Hot Chip) and had the title track mixed by well known shoegazer Ulrich Schnauss. Dead Leaf Echo offer a unique take on the genre with several short tracks but conclude the record with two sonic explosions in “Pale Fire” and “Reflex Motion” that each go over the 6 minute mark. Dead Leaf Echo will not disappoint the new fans into “nu-gaze” but has potential to break into fans of indie music in general. The band has the talent to create a stellar full length so that a whole new generation can discover shoegaze and we will be waiting with anticipation of what they release next.

Key Tracks: "Pale Fire (Ulrich Schnauss Mix)", "Thought Talk", "Tears"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Black Angels
Slowdive
A Shoreline Dream

Official Dead Leaf Echo Website
Dead Leaf Echo MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony