The Stills: Oceans Will Rise

The Stills
Oceans Will Rise
Arts & Crafts Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: The Stills are back with a more focused sound!

Album Review:
Montreal’s The Stills are one of the great chameleons of alternative rock. They have really done the impossible of changing and tweaking their sound on each album while still remaining popular, releasing catchy singles and keeping a fairly large hype behind each record’s release. Oceans Will Rise was not much different arriving on hipster label Arts & Craft and once again it changes pace and style throughout the record but unlike the more uneven Without Feathers [2006] this time around all of the songs transition much smoother into each other. From the heavy single soarer “Being Here” and equally intense “Panic” to the more pulsing classic 80s alt sound of “I’m With You”, The Stills sound comfortable and in control from beginning to end. Even if this album is different stylistically than their more Interpol like debut Logic Will Break Your Heart [2003], fans will really enjoy the sonic effort on Oceans Will Rise. The record sounds good; rocks good and shuffles good, so The Stills maybe have finally found their niche and potentially still have that breakthrough to the masses album right in front of them.

Key Tracks: "Being Here", "Panic", "Snow In California"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Editors
U2
Echo & The Bunnymen

Snakecharming The Masses (mp3)
Rooibos / Palm Wine Drinkard (mp3)

Official Stills Website
The Stills MySpace
The Stills Info [Allmusic]
Arts & Crafts Records

Buy at Rhapsody

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

One Day As A Lion: One Day As A Lion [EP]

One Day As A Lion
One Day As A Lion [EP]
Anti Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
Didn’t know if this day would ever come but One Day As A Lion marks the return to recording for Rage frontman Zach De La Rocha with the help of former Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore. The EP is really set up as man vs. machine as Rocha pits his instantly recognizable vocals and keyboards against the drums of Theodore. The end result is 20 minutes of protest music that has the right intensity that Rage Against The Machine fans will embrace but yet still retains a different flavor for a new generation to pick up the cause.

Key Track: "Wild International"

Band With Similar Fire: Rage Against The Machine (duh)

Official One Day As A Lion Website
One Day As A Lion MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Bel Air: Pole To Pole

Bel Air
Pole To Pole
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
Brooklyn just keeps overflowing with its musical talent and the debut from Bel Air continues the rush. Pole To Pole is rooted in the Americana sound which offers a combination of male/female lead vocals and multi-layered harmonies that balance the musically solid album. The record also features slide guitarist Mike Brenner (Marah, Magnolia Electric Company) on several tracks which rounds out its alt-country flavor while building on several members indie rock backgrounds. The cohesiveness of the group and strong collaboration of ideas ultimately creates an enjoyable debut which is perfect for any time of the day listening.

Key Track: "Looking Up"

Band With Similar Fire: Whiskeytown

Official Bel Air Website
Bel Air MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Night Marchers: See You In Magic

The Night Marchers
See You In Magic
Vagrant Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
The Night Marchers are a new band but the players will be very familiar to many. John Reis (Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes, Sultans) is leading this foursome along with Hot Snakes guitarist Gar Wood and drummer Jason Kourkounis plus newbie CPC Gangbangs bassist Tommy Kitsos. See You In Magic is full of tracks that represent the Reis sound with his knack for catchy punk rock out numbers that keep your feet tapping. The Night Marchers do offer more melody and less volume in certain places compared to their collective previous work but at the end of the day Reis and the boys still rock pretty good!

Key Track: "I Wanna Deadbeat You"

Band With Similar Fire: The Raconteurs

The Night Marchers MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Giant Sand: proVISIONS

Giant Sand
proVISIONS
Yep Roc Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Howe Gelb returns with another "must" for Giant Sand fans!

Album Review:
A friend said to me once “If you don’t know Giant Sand, you don’t know shit”. At that moment in time I thought he was a bit whacked and diving too deep into his “No Depression” catalog. Well after taking his subtle suggestion to check out Giant Sand, I was hooked instantly. Flash forward to present day and after a four year absence, Howe Gelb and his musical vehicle Giant Sand are releasing proVISIONS next Tuesday and it ranks up there with some of his best work to date. To kick things off you get the one-two-three punch of “Stranded Pearl with Isobel Campbell followed by “Without A Word” featuring the always superb Neko Case and finally you have M. Ward helping out on “Can Do”. Can you really go wrong with those collaborative friends? A pretty good start I would say but that just gets things rolling as Gelb continues his slow brooding approach and narration to country tinged songs about loss and defeat that make it the ideal headphone album to just soak in. The pace slides up and down with a surprising and excellent cover of PJ Harvey’s “The Desperate Kingdom Of Love”, a funky “Muck Machine”, the hard beating kick drumming in “Saturated Beyond Repair” or finally in the strong willed and upbeat closer “Well Enough Alone”, Giant Sand wins your loyalty again and again. The end result finds proVISIONS getting stronger with every spin and explaining the theory behind “If you don’t know Giant Sand, you don’t know shit” - I suggest you start now!

Key Tracks: "Without A Word", "Muck Machine", "The Desperate Kingdom Of Love"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Calexico
Jim White
The Sadies

Official Giant Sand Website
Giant Sand MySpace
Giant Sand Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

The Pack A.D.: Funeral Mixtape

The Pack A.D.
Funeral Mixtape
Mint Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
It may seem weird but after being introduced to The Pack A.D. in January with Tintype the duo’s sophomore album Funeral Mixtape is upon us right now from Mint Records. What is cool is that the band’s second release hits with a solid right hand blues rock force and embraces the tag of the female Black Keys because that description is spot on. Becky Black has a voice that has been compared to Janis Joplin and those throaty vocals are in full display as The Pack A.D. rock out harder and more confident than their debut showing an evolvement into one of the more interesting groups out there.

Key Track: "Making Gestures"

Band With Similar Fire: The Black Keys

Making Gestures (mp3)

Official Pack A.D. Website
The Pack A.D. MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Conor Oberst: Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst
Conor Oberst
Merge Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
This time out Mr. Bright Eyes decides to just self-title his new record with his given name Conor Oberst and make a jump to bigger indie Merge Records. As an artist that is slowly working his way into this generation’s Dylan or Springsteen Conor Oberst continues the campaign because this record easily reaffirms the strong skill set of songwriting and performance that he possesses. This album definitely feels more relaxed than his previous work but if you have been a longtime fan of Bright Eyes there is nothing here that should steer you away because it is another batch of 12 quality songs.

Key Track: "Sausalito"

Band With Similar Fire: Bob Dylan

Bright Eyes: Casadaga [Fire Note Review 4/12/07]
Bright Eyes: Four Winds EP [Fire Note Review 3/15/07]

Official Conor Oberst Website
Conor Oberst MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Ghosty: Answers

Ghosty
Answers
OxBlood Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
Ghosty have been adored in the Midwest indie scene now for several years and Answers is the bands sophomore record. The album is full of melodic and catchy tunes that use all of the group’s collective talents to simply release one solid performance. This band has collaborated with the Flaming Lips and individual members have worked with Rogue Wave, Dr. Dog, Benjy Ferree, Sia and avant-jazz group Snuff Jazz. The bands entrenchment into the music scene when they are not together and the hard work put in when they are has paid off because Answers is worth taking for a spin again and again.

Key Track: "Dumbo Wins Again"

Band With Similar Fire: Pavement

Like A Bad Lie (mp3)

Official Ghosty Website
Ghosty Myspace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Trophy Fire: A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean

The Trophy Fire
A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean
Talking House Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Superb and catchy indie debut from the Bay!

Album Review:
The Trophy Fire consists of longtime friends Ben Flanagan and Jamie McGoldrick, which met in a philosophy class at the University of San Francisco. They claim earning an A- in the class but shoot even higher on their debut record A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean to not only get high marks with fans but win new listeners over with their catchy approach to indie rock. I believe their goal is achieved, as the record is full of memorable tracks with Flanagan’s soft vocal delivery style over clear progressive chords and guitar grooves that stick in your head. To get the full band vibe the duo used four different Bay Area drummers along with a creditable list of local favorite guests on keyboards, guitar and backing vocals that all perform their tasks to the max by blending in perfectly. What The Trophy Fire accomplish, that is really difficult, on A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean is generating the illusion of being an upbeat bright album with a lot of bounce and angular guitar chords, when in reality it is a more hidden powerful piano-driven emo album with dark lyrics that entrance the listener. This entrancement carries thru the completion of A Lifetime In The Middle Of The Ocean and only leaves the listener reaching for the repeat button in order to hear The Trophy Fire again!

Key Tracks: "Jenny Under House Arrest", "Dearly Departed", "Better Not To Know"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jimmy Eat World
The Dismemberment Plan
Pinback

The Trophy Fire MySpace
Talking House Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Wild Sweet Orange: We Have Cause To Be Uneasy

Wild Sweet Orange
We Have Cause To Be Uneasy
Canvasback Music [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
You don’t think of a sprawling British rock inspired album coming from Birmingham, Alabama but that is exactly what you get in the debut from Wild Sweet Orange. We Have Cause To Be Uneasy is full of big sounding tracks that lead by singer Preston Lovinggood are both relaxed and haunting in the same instance. The underlining intensity and memorable choruses of the record shine throughout, making it an album that gets better with every spin.

Key Track: "Ten Dead Dogs"

Band With Similar Fire: Coldplay

Official Wild Sweet Orange Website
Wild Sweet Orange MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Matt Keating: QUIXOTIC

Matt Keating
QUIXOTIC
Kealon Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
To be honest it has been about 11 years since I checked out anything by Matt Keating but I have found memories of his record Killjoy [1997]. So there is nothing like reconnecting to your audience and entice someone like me back by releasing a double album with a total of 23 tracks that covers a lot of ground. You get some rockers, some ballads and a whole lot of great songwriting. Keating probably is and has been one of the more underrated artists in this category and QUIXOTIC highlights that.

Key Track: "Louisiana"

Band With Similar Fire: Tommy Keane

Official Matt Keating Website
Matt Keating MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Hectors: Sometimes They Collide [EP]

The Hectors
Sometimes They Collide [EP]
Tarantism Records [2007]








Fire Drill Review:
The Hectors are a fun little band out of LA that actually put this EP out late last year but have been doing the “trying to breakthrough thing” by touring and promoting. It is that initiative that finds Sometimes They Collide here on the Note plus a lot of help from the infectious vocals of Corinne Dinner. There style is somewhere in the middle of a classic indie rock sound like a female Pavement with some reverbed guitars that has pop elements but never really goes there. Not to mention they make great, creative and plain fun videos!

Key Track: "Carol And Sanford"

Band With Similar Fire: Belly

Official Hectors Website
The Hectors MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Human Highway: Moody Motorcycle

Human Highway
Moody Motorcycle
Suicide Squeeze Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Who can deny this harmonious indie duo!

Album Review:
What makes Human Highway so completely interesting is not the fact it is comprised of Nick Thorburn (Islands, Unicorns) and ex-bandmante Jim Guthrie (Royal City, Islands) but that the pair recreate an era of duo folk that sounds so retro that it is new again. If you take some of the greatest harmonizing artists that come to mind from the past like Simon/Garfunkel, CSN&Y, The Beach Boys or even The Everly Brothers and picture them injected with the indie blood that runs through Human Highway, you start to imagine perfectly what Moody Motorcycle sounds like. The indie side of the record is most reflected in the title track with its foot tapping modern pulsing background while retaining the theme of the record that focuses on the duo playing off each other sweeping in and out vocally. Lead track “The Sound” has a finger snapping and swaying ability to it which sets the tone for the rest of the harmonious sounds of Human Highway. Moody Motorcycle slowly gets in your brain and the tracks get better with each spin almost making this record more accessible to a wider audience than anything the duo have done separately.

Key Tracks: "Moody Motorcycle", "The Sound", "What Would"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Simon & Garfunkel
Band Of Horses
Neil Young

Human Highway MySpace
Human Highway Info [Allmusic]
Suicide Squeeze Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Carbon Whales: South [EP]

Carbon Whales
South [EP]
Happy Jack Records [1979; re 2008]







Fire Drill Review:
Alright – We will play along for a second that Carbon Whales is a band that recorded but never released these 4 songs in 1979. Well thanks to Bob Pollard and Happy Jack they tracked the band down and asked for permission to release plus offered Pollard’s artwork for the cover – poof the South EP is born! Turns out that the lead vocalist Bob Evans sounds a lot like Robert Pollard. When it comes down to it who cares because this little EP is classic indie GBV and I guess we see now where his real influence came from!

Key Track: "Welcome To Miami"

Band With Similar Fire: Robert Pollard

Carbon Whales MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Kelley McRae: Highrises In Brooklyn

Kelley McRae
Highrises In Brooklyn
sonaBLAST! Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
Sophomore album from Brooklyn girl Kelley McRae that has super pleasant vocals and strong acoustic guitar work. Her voice range is a mix of styles that are a combo of Neko Case, Laura Cantrell and Ani DiFranco all mixed into different tracks for a cohesive album that moves effortlessly from track to track. Coming in at a perfect 35 minutes, Highrises In Brooklyn is an album that once it gets some airtime it should be an instant hit along with the name Kelley McRae.

Key Track: "Highrises In Brooklyn"

Band With Similar Fire: Laura Cantrell

Official Kelley McRae Website
Kelley McRae MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

King Khan & The Shrines: The Supreme Genius Of King Khan

King Khan & The Shrines
The Supreme Genius Of King Khan
Vice Records [2008]







Fire Drill Review:
The Supreme Genius of King Khan & The Shrines is a collection of their best tracks over the last several years from 7”s, 10”s and three full length records. This band has the infectious sound of soul on speed and this record contains melodies that will stay with you long after it has concluded. This is a great introduction to a band that for sure will be a band to watch for their next full length of all new material.

Key Track: "Land Of The Freak"

Band With Similar Fire: Jon Spencer

King Khan MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Walkmen: You & Me

The Walkmen
You & Me
Gigantic Music [2008]








Fire Note Says: Spend some time with The Walkmen - You will like them!

Album Review:
Had they been around a bit longer I would have thought the album description of “growler” would have been specifically reserved for The Walkmen. All of their records seem to slow burn their way into something special. The bands fourth long player You & Me is no different and will most certainly please fans and critics alike. Once again the band uses lead singer Hamilton Leithauser’s drawn out vocals to pace each song along at the mid tempo rate with peaks and valleys that leave the listener on the edge of their seat. What is probably most prominent and infectious about You & Me is the fact that there is a lot of emphasis on Hamilton’s vocals, which unlike on some of their previous work are very clear and distinguishable. On songs like “In The New Year” and “Postcards From Tiny Islands” the band rallies behind Leithauser with powerful organ and percussion that plays to perfection. On other sections of the album like the ballads of horn drivin’ “Red Moon” or album closer “If Only It Were True” the band plays as if these tracks were the last songs they were releasing. It is this desperation and urgency factor that I have admired from The Walkmen’s catalog and You & Me nails it, which also leads to the album getting better with repeat plays and likely to land on some “best of “ lists for 2008.

Key Tracks: "In The New Year", "Canadian Girl", "Donde Esta La Playa"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fleet Foxes
Tom Waits
Arcade Fire

Official Walkmen Website
The Walkmen MySpace
The Walkmen Info [Allmusic]
Gigantic Music

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Plushgun: Plushgun [EP]

Plushgun
Plushgun [EP]
Tommy Boy Entertainment [2008]







Fire Drill Review:
Really good synth rock that is poppy, dance-able and catchy by one man show Daniel Ingala who goes by moniker Plushgun. Also be sure to watch first single "Just Impolite" cool video by director Tyler Shields featuring him and Rainn Wilson (The Office) in a scuffle. This EP is a quick 4 song sample of Plushgun's music with a full length due in January '09.

Key Track: "Just Impolite" (Video)

Band With Similar Fire: The Postal Service

Official Plushgun Website
Plushgun MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Muy Cansado: Stars & Garters

Muy Cansado
Stars & Garters
Precious Gems [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
Muy Cansado thrives on the dueling vocals of Chris Mulvey and Lisa Libera making their sound very reminiscent of the Pixies. Their debut Stars & Garters is a raw rock sounding, bar ready and intense experience from beginning to end. It is full of straight ahead indie punk explosions that will take you by surprise and reaching for the repeat button when it’s over.

Key Track: "Telemundo"

Band With Similar Fire: Pixies

Telemundo (mp3)
Stockholm Syndrome (mp3)

Official Muy Cansado Website
Muy Cansado MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Brice Woodall + The Positrons: Sine Wave Sea

Brice Woodall + The Positrons
Sine Wave Sea
AEMMP Records [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
Really smooth laid back album from Brice Woodall that mixes indie pop, a dash of electronic and a whole lot of heart. Sine Wave Sea is glued together with Woodall’s somewhat haunting vocals that create a surreal atmosphere throughout the record. Brice Woodall is a new artist that has paid his dues and won several awards in the independent music scene over the years – check out why!

Key Track: "Outside Blurring"

Band With Similar Fire: Joseph Arthur

Official Brice Woodall Website
Brice Woodall MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Delta Spirit: Ode To Sunshine

Delta Spirit
Ode To Sunshine
Rounder Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Band has unique indie swagger that I am sure you are going to like!

Album Review:
One look at the album cover and you might be thinking you are in for a party and you would be thinking right! Delta Spirit forces the listener to ask the question – What genre is this? 60’s rock, alt-country, folk, soul, or indie? After taking Ode To Sunshine for a quick spin you realize that it was just a trick question because it contains elements of all the above, which is also why this record is so damn addictive. Originally released in 2007, the re-release of Ode To Sunshine contains the excellent new track “Streetwalker” along side already great songs like “People C’mon” and “House Built For Two”, that each have a swagger to them making repeat listens a must. The full harmonic sing along of “People, Turn Around” not only makes you chime in but it won’t let you stop. This vibe is created by lead singer Matthew Vasquez and his emotionally drawn out style vocals that give each song a sense of urgency and fragility. This connection to the songs completely brings them to your full attention and makes you not want to put the record down. The Delta Spirit are a band to discover in 2008 and when Ode To Sunshine is in full release next week make sure to give the Californian band a shot because they will take hold!

Key Tracks: "Trashcan", "People C'mon", "Streetwalker"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Walkmen
Cold War Kids
Fleet Foxes

Official Delta Spirit Website
Delta Spirit MySpace
Delta Spirit Info [Allmusic]
Rounder Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Matthew Sweet: Sunshine Lies

Matthew Sweet
Sunshine Lies
Shout! Factory Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: No such thing as a bad Matthew Sweet album as he turns up the notch!

Album Review:
It is hard to believe that Sunshine Lies is the 10^th studio album from Matthew Sweet because I still dig out Girlfriend [1991] and 100% Fun [1995] when I am in the mood for some super quality power pop. On to the present day, it has been four years since Sweet released solo material and for his return he has brought back all of his staple guitar guns for one of his most rockin' albums in years with Richard Lloyd (Television), Ivan Julian (Richard Hell & the Voidoids) and Greg Leisz who handles six-string, slide guitar and steel pedal. Of course this would not be a Sweet record without the steady and clean drumming of Ric Menck (Velvet Crush) that gives Sunshine Lies the complete Matthew Sweet sound. He also brings in duet bud Susanna Hoffs on the title track with some nice background vocals along with his wife Lisa, which gives the track an added key harmonic component and a little different variation to the record. The songs are what you expect with perfect melodic crunch that both rock out like in “Room To Rock” and “Flying” or the perfect pace ballad in “Pleasure Is Mine”. Ultimately Sunshine Lies does not take the title of top Matthew Sweet album but it gives longtime fans another quality batch of tracks that has excellent song writing, musicianship, melody and will work well in any Sweet mix tape you might put together which totally works for me!

Key Tracks: "Brydgirl", "Let's Love", "Daisychain"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fountains Of Wayne
The Beach Boys
Teenage Fanclub

Official Matthew Sweet Website
Matthew Sweet MySpace
Matthew Sweet Info [Allmusic]
Shout! Factory Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Low Vs Diamond: Low Vs Diamond

Low Vs Diamond
Low Vs Diamond
Epic Records








Fire Note Says: Debut should appeal to many and create a new fanbase!

Album Review:
Low Vs Diamond quickly have been gaining some steam on the scene with being selected as one of the favorite up-and-coming bands from iTunes, featured on Rolling Stones “Hot List”, introduced in Filter Mag and a national TV spot on David Letterman. The reason for all this hype – good radio friendly alternative music that at times sounds like U2, The Strokes and even some pulsing Interpol. On their self-titled debut, Low Vs Diamond play each song with confidence and offer tracks that swell with hooks and emotion that keep the listener coming back for more. Lyrically the songs all tell real stories and average right in around the 4 minute mark so they have time to build and launch into a frenzy of sound before completion. For a new band on a major label, Low Vs Diamond would be easy to dismiss as a corporate creation but after taking on the opening rock track “Don’t Forget Sister” and breathing in the huge chorus of “Heart Attack” you realize that labels don’t matter as long as the music holds your interest like Low Vs Diamond accomplishes – just enjoy it!

Key Tracks: "Cinema Tonight", "Don't Forget Sister", "Heart Attack"

Bands With Similar Fire:
U2
Travis
The Strokes

Official Low Vs Diamond Website
Low Vs Diamond MySpace
Low Vs Diamond Info [Allmusic]
Epic Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Ra Ra Riot: The Rhumb Line

Ra Ra Riot
The Rhumb Line
Barsuk Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Album finds band honoring late drummer with ten songs of indie pop bliss!

Album Review:
Ra Ra Riot’s debut full length is a true joy to just have its ten tracks play. After riding the hype machine and next big indie band tag with just an EP over the past two years, Ra Ra Riot easily could not have ever finished The Rhumb Line. In June of 2007, drummer/co-founder and co-writer John Pike’s body was found after a show in Providence, RI. This tragic event could have been enough for this album to never see the light of day but instead became the drive to finish and release a solid product that Pike would have been proud of. From the swirling album opener “Ghost Under Rocks” to a superb Kate Bush cover “Suspended In Gaffa” and the upbeat and catchy “Can You Tell”, The Rhumb Line shines song after song. Even the close to home title “Dying Is Fine” finds the band coordinating and manipulating the cellos and violins with dominant rhythms and winning melodies, which is the constant on this notable piece of indie pop. Ra Ra Riot have not only lived up to any hype the band once adorned but more importantly The Rhumb Line pays a honorable tribute to John Pike’s work and life while in the same instance places the record up there with some of the best releases you will hear this year.

Key Tracks: "Winter '05", "Can You Tell", "Each Year"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Vampire Weekend
The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
What Made Milwaukee Famous

Official Ra Ra Riot Website
Ra Ra Riot MySpace
Ra Ra Riot Info [Allmusic]
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Dandy Warhols: Earth To The Dandy Warhols

The Dandy Warhols
Earth To The Dandy Warhols
Beat The World Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: The Dandy's float around on new long player.

Album Review:
The Dandy Warhols make a return tomorrow with the release of their sixth album Earth To The Dandy Warhols after three years away from the scene. This is the first record since their debut that was not for a major label and is being released on the band’s newly minted label Beat The World Records. Regardless of label, The Dandy Warhols and lead vocalist Courtney Taylor have always taken the band where they wanted to go and since Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia [2000], I believe many fans would like them to come a little closer to Earth. Sure I am down with the whole pscyh rock thing but it seems with each new release the Dandy’s move closer to blending one track into a full album. My biggest issue with Earth To… is that it lacks the really catchy choruses and indie pop gems that the Dandy’s excel at and those moments are hard to find here. What that leaves is a good number of songs that loop in space and before they go anywhere they fade away. Now it is not all doom and gloom because there is enough of the pulsing tracks to keep your interest like on the tricked out Taylor vocals and beats on the two-minute thumper “Mission Control”, foot stomper “Now You Love Me” and the southern flavored dancer “Mis Amigos”. There are also the intriguing guest players on “Love Song” which is no other than Dire Strait’s Mark Knopfler and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell which seems a bit odd but for the Warhols – why not. Overall with time and repeat listens, Earth To The Dandy Warhols may grow on the listener a bit and live these songs should easily intertwine with their bigger hits without missing a beat.

Key Tracks: "Wasp In The Lotus", "Now You Love Me", "The Legend Of The Last Of The Outlaw Truckers AKA The Ballad Of Sheriff Shorty"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Talking Heads
MGMT
Black Mountain

Official Dandy Warhols Website
The Dandy Warhols MySpace
The Dandy Warhols Info [Allmusic]
Beat The World Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Gaslight Anthem: The '59 Sound

The Gaslight Anthem
The '59 Sound
SideOneDummy Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: Get ready because this one is good!

Album Review:
The ’59 Sound from The Gaslight Anthem is the type of album you wait for all year long. The New Jersey bands sophomore outing is full of Springsteen meets the Replacements tracks that all tell a story and hold nothing back. It is this raw bar band quality that makes The Gaslight Anthem so appealing and offers a style of punk rock that is completely infectious. It really does not matter if lead singer Brian Fallon is cranking up the volume on the title track or comes at you with their style of a ballad in “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues”; The ’59 Sound feels complete, heartfelt and contains 100% effort. For me, this is 42 minutes of rock bliss and even lead Mighty Mighty Bosstone Dicky Barrett gets into the action by making an appearance and ringing out the chorus on “The Patient Ferris Wheel”. Much like The Hold Steady’s 2006 highly acclaimed rocker Boys And Girls In America, The Gaslight Anthem have released an album to be remembered in 2008 with its awkward perfection and stick in your head qualities. This Jersey band should gain some much deserved upward momentum and notoriety after The ’59 Sound releases next week so this is your warning - time to get on board now!

Key Tracks: "Old White Lincoln", "Miles Davis & The Cool", "The '59 Sound"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Hold Steady
Bruce Springsteen
The National

Official Gaslight Anthem Website
The Gaslight Anthem MySpace
The Gaslight Anthem Info [Allmusic]
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Love Is Chemicals: Song Of The Summer Youth Brigade

Love Is Chemicals
Song Of The Summer Youth Brigade
New Earth Objects [2008]







Fire Note Says: What seems like out of nowhere - Love Is Chemicals makes great sophomore record!

Album Review:
Do you remember San Francisco’s Love Is Chemicals self titled debut record in 2005? Me neither so it was a pleasant surprise to discover their sophomore record Song Of Summer Youth Brigade and its grab your attention ability, which for sure will shoot up our final best of list in 2008. It all starts with the one/two punch of the upbeat "Our Darkest Days And Nights" and straight ahead indie pop with "Let Me Come Down”. These two songs latch onto your ear and spike your interest while funneling you into the rest of the record that ebbs and flows into moments of shoegaze, west coast sun and smooth Brit-pop. Love Is Chemicals even closes the album with slow burning rockers "Roads Lead Underground" and "The Drift” just to make sure that as many genres as possible get some attention. All of these elements make Song Of Summer Youth Brigade a great indie record and I guarantee that if you place it into a shuffle playlist all your friends are going to be asking “Who is that?” when a Love is Chemicals track hits the speakers – that should tell you all you need to know right there!

Key Tracks: "Let Me Come Down", "Our Darkest Days And Nights", "Meet Me On The Tarmac"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Dandy Warhols
Death Cab For Cutie
Built To Spill

Our Darkest Days And Nights (mp3)
Over Land Over Sea (mp3)
The Blossom & The Butterfly (mp3)

Official Love Is Chemicals Website
Love Is Chemicals MySpace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band: The Whole Fam Damnily

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
The Whole Fam Damnily
SideOneDummy Records [2008]






Fire Note Says: Reverend Peyton shows that all you need is a guitar, washboard and drums to put out a gospel of rockin' country blues!

Album Review:
You may not know it yet but it is time you head back for the service of Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band and their new batch of alternative county blues in The Whole Fam Damnily. Comprised of Rev Peyton, his washboard playing wife Breezy, and brother/drummer Jayme Peyton, this Indiana trio has only been around for about three years but you would never know it from the output on The Whole Fam Damnily because not once does the group hold back over the thirteen tracks found here. The band is simple, the music is simple but the passion and energy spent by the group is complex and intense. From the country rocker “Wal-Mart Killed The Country Store” to the harmonica foot stomper “Worn Out Shoe” the songs just roll off the tongue of the Reverend and his Nick Cave like vocals. All of the bands elements bring a cohesiveness that only families can provide and stories that are not only real but honest while supplying a bit of humor in the song titles like “Your Cousin’s On Cops” and “Why Is Everybody Getting Paid But Me”. Ultimately the songs on The Whole Fam Damnily are made for the live show, which has been rumored to have Breezy wearing through steel washboards and Reverend Peyton blazing up guitar strings but the album does an excellent job of capturing that energy making it a fun record to hit repeat in order to grab your dose of the Big Damn Band anytime you want.

Key Tracks: "Wal-Mart Killed The Country Store", "Can't Pay The Bill", "Worn Out Shoe"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Southern Culture On The Skids
The Avett Brothers
Country Fried Nick Cave

Official Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band Website
The Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band MySpace
Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band Info [Allmusic]
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Jaguar Love: Take Me To The Sea

Jaguar Love
Take Me To The Sea
Matador Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Need something fresh? Jaguar Love has what you are lookin' for!

Album Review:
Jaguar Love easily can be listed as an indie supergroup, which rose out of the disbandment of two critically acclaimed bands that consists of singer Johnny Whitney and guitarist Cody Votolato from The Blood Brothers along with keyboard/drummer Jay Clark from Pretty Girls Make Graves. Now what should raise your interest is what their debut Take Me To The Sea actually sounds like – hardcore, prog, indie pop, alt-country? What if I tell you that it mixes a little bit of everything. It is album that is full of post-punk power from Whitney’s high end vocals to Clark’s steady pulsing beats. The biggest difference that Blood Brothers fans will notice is how hook driven Take Me To The Sea is. From the opening sing alongable track “Highways Of Gold” to the bluesy ballads “Georgia” and “Bonetrees And A Broken Heart" plus the unforgettable killer in your face track “Humans Evolve In Skyscrapers” which hits hard complete with explicatives that don’t let you breathe. Jaguar Love offer such a new interesting mix of vocals and pulsing music that when Take Me To The Sea lands on shelves next Tuesday on major indie Matador Records it is without doubt the album of choice for any music lover looking for something fresh that will kick them in the ass and not apologize for it!

Key Tracks: "Highways Of Gold", "Georgia", "Humans Evolve Into Skyscrapers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Icarus Line
The Blood Brothers
Ghostland Observatory

Official Jaguar Love Website
Jaguar Love MySpace
Jaguar Love Info [Allmusic]
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Rascals: Rascalize

The Rascals
Rascalize
Deltasonic Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: The Rascals groove the cool on debut record!

Album Review:
Not that you would be confused but just for the record this is not the American Rascals from the 60’s but a new three piece indie band from Wirral, England. I am sure we will just call them The Rascals UK in the States. Anyway, The Rascals have launched onto the scene with ironic or not – a 60s British invasion type vibe. The Rascals story is one of reinvention because these lads made a short run before under the name Little Flames until they decided to split and make it happen on their own. Member Miles Kane is now known better as part of the duo called The Last Shadow Puppets with Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys but this friendship also led to the regrouping of his old band members as The Rascals earning some big scale publicity when they opened for the Monkeys. Now with an EP and a UK tour behind them, Rascalize is the groups debut full length and it is a solid batch of mid tempo numbers that build on each other leaving you reaching for the repeat button upon completion. The band takes elements from other UK staples like The Coral’s groovyness and Arctic Monkeys energy to harness a confident outing that has a modern pulse to it but still feels retro. The Rascals may not have released an album that offers something completely new but Rascalize is a complete effort that hopefully will see the light of day this side of the Atlantic.

Key Tracks: "Out Of Dreams", "Freakbeat Phantom", "Fear Invicted Into The Perfect Stranger"


Bands With Similar Fire:
The Zutons
Arctic Monkeys
The Coral

Official Rascals Website
The Rascals MySpace
The Rascals Info [Allmusic]
Deltasonic Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Airborne Toxic Event: The Airborne Toxic Event

The Airborne Toxic Event
The Airborne Toxic Event
Majordomo Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: This is one infectious toxin!

Album Review:
When you listen to countless albums and only post one review a day, or in my case a week, you are forced to become very selective. Many times there are great bands that never make the posting page due to the shear lack of space. I thought The Airborne Toxic Event would probably fall into this category just by name alone plus they did not even have the advantage of being on a well known indie label like Sub Pop, Matador or Yep Roc to make their argument. I make note of this because despite all of the odds against them, one thing still gets you on the posting page – excellent music! The self-titled debut from The Airborne Toxic Event is the complete package for a great record: smart lyrics, catchy hooks, perfect pace and just 10 tracks in 37 minutes. From beginning to end the band surpasses any expectations for their hyped debut and completely lives up to Rolling Stone naming them one of the top 25 MySpace bands in December 2006 and the club frenzy they have been causing in LA over the past year. Of course we have seen time after time that the hype can totally take over the actual output but not only is the music great but much of this comes from the true spirit of ATE in lead songwriter, singer, and rhythm guitarist Mikel Jollett. After experiencing a personal tragedy several years back he changed career paths from being an established writer with features in the Los Angeles Times, NPR, among other publications and put his creative energy into this project for what now has lead to its triumph. The Airborne Toxic Event bring a combination of modern post punk and straight forward indie rock that breeds success with every catchy track. This record will easily find our best of list at the end of the year and ATE’s debut is a great start for what could be a great career.

Key Tracks: "Gasoline", "This Is Nowhere", "Sometime Around Midnight"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Interpol
The Strokes
Arcade Fire

Official Airborne Toxic Event Website
The Airborne Toxic Event MySpace
The Airborne Toxic Info [Allmusic]
Majordomo Records

The Airborne Toxic Event - The...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Black Kids: Partie Traumatic

Black Kids
Partie Traumatic
Columbia Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Florida band survives the hype machine and comes out with satisfiable album!

Album Review:
After last years super duper blogger excitement surrounding their highly acclaimed Wizard Of Ahhs EP, and the label courting battle that ensued, it would be real easy to dismiss the Black Kids debut record Partie Traumatic as an overhyped pile of major label crap put out by juggernaut Columbia Records. Like I said, it would be easy unless you take the record for a few spins and realize that it makes your foot tap, head nod and chime in on the choruses with perfect synchronization. The four tracks that made the EP so infectious all make an appearance on Partie Traumatic, especially “Hurricane Jane” and the longest titled ever song “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You”. That still gives you six new tracks to make your final opinion if the Black Kids live up to the hype. That answer is that they give it the college effort and reach the bar of reasonable expectations because this record is not going to change any scenes but is very enjoyable to just let play. Partie Traumatic is full of dancey beat heavy tracks that all have the combo male/female vocals of Reggie Youngblood, sis Ali Youngblood and Dawn Watley, which bounce off each other throughout the record in a fun and carefree manor. All of this energy is contained and channeled properly by producer Suede guitarist himself Bernard Butler, which I believe helped give the Black Kids an English vibe. Although Partie Traumatic may have some small issues with smooth song transitions, individually the tracks do very well when popped into a shuffle and can succeed on their own catchiness, which will make you a return customer to the entire record.

Key Tracks: "Hurricane Jane", "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend To Dance With You", "I Wanna Be Your Limousine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
bis
The Go! Team
New Young Pony Club

Official Black Kids Website
Black Kids MySpace
Black Kids Info [Allmusic]
Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Darker My Love: 2

Darker My Love
2
Dangerbird Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Anyone up for some catchy reverb rock?

Album Review:
Darker My Love is not hiding the fact that this is their sophomore record with the ironic title 2 giving everyone a big clue. What you may not have a clue on is how catchy their new album actually is giving the fact that as one of the current leaders of the reverb drenched psych rock movement, that “catchy” might seem to be a bit of a weird word choice for 2’s description. This is the part where Darker My Love succeed in offering something unique surrounded by the pounding rhythms and swirling guitars because on tracks like “Two Ways Out” it all works together to form a groovy base line with a memorable chorus equaling the perfect indie song that quickly has risen in my “play count” list and should be there for some time. This theme continues throughout 2 because the band is completely focused and keeps their tracks in the three to four minute mark with only a couple six minute numbers like the closer and the stellar “All Hurry Up & Wait” which has a shoegaze vibe to it that builds up momentum until the perfect transition takes place into the two minute rock frenzy of “Waves”. Darker My Love’s 2 offers a solid fuzzed out rock journey that I guarantee you won’t be let down that you jumped aboard because it will take hold and not let go!  

Key Tracks: "Two Ways Out", "Pale Sun", "All The Hurry & Wait"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Black Angels
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Lab Partners

Official Darker My Love Website
Darker My Love MySpace
Darker My Love Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Oxford Collapse: Bits

Oxford Collapse
Bits
Sub Pop Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: These Bits are made for rockin'!

Album Review:
If you are ready for one of the most simple and straight-forward indie rock records of the year then the fourth album from Brooklyn’s Oxford Collapse should be on your must list. The band not only sounds directly out of the 80’s college rock era but Bits could be a template with its simple guitar feedback, high end melodic vocals and songs that build into short blistering rock out jams! Right from the start you know that you are on a ride as lead off track “Electric Arc” kicks it in gear with the sound of screeching tires and a rush of indie rock that never decelerates. Bits stands up great to repeat listens because each time thru you discover that a different track grabs your attention giving the record a fresh interest at each turn like on one of the final tracks “John Blood” some surprising background female vocals show up courtesy of Bishop Allen’s Christian Owens. Bits is an album that gives off the vibe of care free attitudes but possesses a controlled focus and solid songwriting which shows that the band has matured and is really coming into their own. Track after track Oxford Collapse emits a timeless appeal that lets you relish in the glory of indie rock past while living it up in the present with Bits!

Key Tracks: "Featherbeds", "Electric Arc", "Vernon-Jackson"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Ponys
Superchunk
The Thermals

Official Oxford Collapse Website
Oxford Collapse MySpace
Oxford Collapse Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Faint: Fasciinatiion

The Faint
Fasciinatiion
Blank.Wav Records [2008]







Fire Note Says: New and fresh vibe but ultimately a return to the form we enjoy!

Album Review:
The Faint had a daunting task to achieve and have put everything on the line to get there with their first release in four years called Faciinatiion, which hits the retail shelves tomorrow. The first big move was breaking away from their longtime record label Saddle Creek and creating their own imprint Blank.Wav while also taking on writing, recording, art and production credit for the new record. Nothing like taking your future into your own hands and Faciinatiion represents exactly what the band wants the fans to hear. Once considered pioneers of the dance-punk new wave movement, The Faint seemed to waiver off track a bit on their last record Wet From Birth [2004] so taking Faciinatiion for a spin is a refreshing return to form. The album is a sure fire dose of space-age sound bites, propulsion bass, falsetto computer sounding vocals and chant-along choruses. Where before some of their studio tricks and bending of sounds may have lost listeners, Faciinatiion has a remarkable ability to keep you focused and submerged in the heavy beats and catchy dance punk. This record may not be the best of their career but it is a “welcome back” to the scene type of release that fans will enjoy and with songs like the first single “The Geeks Were Right”, which gets better with every spin, we are reserving some hard drive space in our iPod for The Faint!

Key Tracks: "The Geeks Were Right", "Forever Growing Centipedes", "Get Seduced"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Brainiac
Les Savy Fav
The Rapture

The Faint Website
The Faint MySpace
The Faint Info [Allmusic]
Blank.Wav Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Paul Weller: 22 Dreams

Paul Weller
22 Dreams
Yep Roc Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: Ranks up there with the best of his solo career!

Album Review:
I know for a fact that any fan of Paul Weller that pops in a new record always has a couple fingers crossed that it revisits the glory years of The Jam. I am just being honest because I always do that even though I usually am completely pleased with his solo efforts – so that reaction is normal. Now what if I told you his new record 22 Dreams is a sprawling 21 tracks of Weller that covers a complete catalog of styles in The Jam, The Style Council, solo work and beyond. That may of struck your interest, as it should, because 22 Dreams is easily one of Paul Weller’s most adventurous records that not only brings new ideas to the table but contains tracks like “Push It Along” that rock out, some more flowing piano ballads in “Invisible” and then there are the jazzy dream like tracks “One Bright Star” that feel experimental but have solid structures. It also helps that with Weller’s status in the Brit rock community he brings in some well known talent on the record such as Oasis’ Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer, Blur’s Graham Coxon playing drums, Robert Wyatt and co-producer Ocean Colour Scene's Steve Cradock. All of these different approaches and length of the album might scare the average listener but they really do work together and the transitions are seamless making the record a complete enjoyment to listen to. The sheer quality of the music makes you want to hit repeat and feel pleased about Weller still having the goods this late in his career!

Key Tracks: "Have You Made Up Your Mind", "One Bright Star", "All I Wanna Do (Is Be With You)",

Bands With Similar Fire:
Billy Bragg
Robyn Hitchcock
Elvis Costello

Official Paul Weller Website
Paul Weller MySpace
Paul Weller Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Sorry for the delay!

Hey Fire Note Fans

You may of noticed we were a bit late with the daily post today and we just wanted to let you know that this was a Blogger issue that momentarily prevented us from posting to the site. We received some nice emails today from concerned viewers making sure we were ok and did not internally explode. It was very nice to know that people cared! Thanks again for stopping in and checking up on us - We are back! See you at the normal time on Monday.

-Staff