Jack's Mannequin: The Glass Passenger

Jack's Mannequin
The Glass Passenger
Warner Bros./Sire Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: A positive and energetic step forward!

Album Review:
Former leader of Something Corporate, Andrew McMahon left in 2004 and launched Jack's Mannequin the next year with a more Cali-pop piano driven album Everything In Transit [2005]. Transit was well received but McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia two months before the album's release, and a series of chemotherapy treatments prevented him from supporting the record with a proper tour. Fast forward three years and a now cancer free McMahon is back strong as ever with The Glass Passenger. During his healing process he discovered some classic artist like Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, and Neil Young which is reflected throughout the record with more emphasis on the band supporting his piano playing then a piano driven album. This whole vibe carries well in The Glass Passenger making many songs like "Spinnning" shine with a power pop rock likeness that is catchy and likable. McMahon wins you over with his superb vocals and strong thoughtful lyrics that keep you coming back whether it is a simple ballad or an upbeat rocker that are made for TV and radio. Jack's Mannequin has put forth a record that lives up to the anticipation and is worth checking out when it hits stores today.

Key Tracks: "Crashin", "The Resolution", "The Drop Out - The So Unknown"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Dashboard Confessional
The Fray
Jimmy Eat World

Official Jack's Mannequin Website
Jack's Mannequin MySpace
Jack's Mannequin Info [Allmusic]
Sire Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

John Eichleay: John Eichleay

John Eichleay
John Eichleay
Copper Beech Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The eponymous debut album by New York musician John Eichleay is a simple lesson what a solid voice, lyric and melody can do that will draw you in immediately. Eichleay started out on classical guitar but has explored everything from blues and funk to jazz and bluegrass. In 1997 he moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University, where he became friends with guitarist Alfonso Ponticelli and played the Chicago Jazz Festival. His album shows off his experience as it is just a solid, catchy and smart Beatlesque record.

Key Track: "Friends And Family"

Band With Similar Fire: Jonathan Richman

Friends And Family (mp3)
Yesterdays (mp3)

Official John Eichleay Website
John Eichleay MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Girl Talk: Feed The Animals

Girl Talk
Feed The Animals
Illegal Art Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
An artist that is considered a mash-up maker like Girl Talk (aka Greg Gillis) can go really well or really bad. When it goes really well there ain't nothin' better and Girl Talk's sophomore album Feed The Animals is a great follow up to the entertaining Night Ripper [2006]. Girl Talk represents a modern day mix master that has the ability to tie snippets together featuring Jay Z, Avril, Tears For Fears, Britney and Radiohead, to just name a few, into one satisfying beat boppin' record that takes life on its own!

Key Track: "Give Me A Beat"

Band With Similar Fire: The Avalanches

Girl Talk MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Unwritten Law: Live And Lawless

Unwritten Law
Live And Lawless
Suburban Noize Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Before you write this off please try to remember the total skate-punk roots of this band and that they had some pretty rocking stuff in their catalog. This was recorded last March in Hollywood and has a solid setlist that covers plenty of the early stuff with the intensity of a revived punk outfit. This release also includes a DVD that features a five song acoustic mini set that couldn't fit on the CD.

Key Track: "Teenage Suicide"

Band With Similar Fire: Face To Face

Official Unwritten Law Website
Unwritten Law MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Ani DiFranco: Red Letter Year

Ani DiFranco
Red Letter Year
Righteous Babe Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: New perspective on life drives upbeat but relaxed album!

Album Review:
It is a shame that a prolific artist like Ani DiFranco is still not a household name when her albums release. Her fan following is an artists dream and Red Letter Year will not disappoint them but will appeal to many new listeners based on its strength.

Over the course of the last two years, Red Letter Year has developed into an album that celebrates existence, motherhood, profession of love, and still reflects a solid point of Ani's views. The birth of her daughter has put Ani in a relaxed and content state of mind and it shows with the joyous hooks that circulate throughout the record.

Co-producing the record is her partner Mike Napolitano (Joseph Arthur, Twilight Singers) backed by a myriad of of solid musicians and a touring band that practically play each others notes. Something fans will notice immediately about the sound on Red Letter Year is that songs pop off at the listener with their production and more expressive beats that make feet tappin' and singing along a must. Not that she needs it but Red Letter Year really does have the potential to break Ani out into a more mainstream audience because as always, lyrically it is a strong record but musically it is one of her most accessible and catchy records to date.

Key Tracks: "Emancipated Minor", "Red Letter Year", "Star Matter"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Michelle Shocked
Joni Mitchell
Suzanne Vega

Emancipated Minor (mp3)

Official Ani DiFranco Website
Ani DiFranco MySpace
Ani DiFranco Info [Allmusic]
Righteous Babe Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Tom Morello - The Nightwatchman: The Fabled City

Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman
The Fabled City
Epic Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Best known as the guitarist in Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, Tom Morello releases his second solo record under the Nightwatchman moniker. The Fabled City is a superb different side of Morello that has not been heard before as politics fall to the side and songs concentrate on his more recent life experiences that had deep impact such as the death of seven close family and friends. The style is also different from his band albums because of Morello's deep and commanding voice that leads the listener through each song and really showcase what a good songwriter and storyteller he is.

Key Track: "Whatever It Takes"

Band With Similar Fire: Nick Cave

Official Tom Morello Website
Tom Morello MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

TV On The Radio: Dear Science

TV On The Radio
Dear Science
4AD Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: TVOTR delivers again with another top album of the year candidate!

Album Review:
Coming off the critically hailed Return To Cookie Mountain [2006] it would be hard for TV On The Radio to top the effort and before hearing Dear Science I figured that it would be good but just ok good not OMFG good! Well it is the later of the two goods and the formula for killer success is really simple - vocals. Not only do the songs on Dear Science fit a little better into their structures and have a crisper produced sound but there seems to be much more focus on Kyp Malone's and Tunde Adepimbe's vocals than on their earlier records. This small difference grabs the listener by the ear and does not allow them to drift off so much into the atmospheric trippy side of TVOTR but forces them to stick around and enjoy the party. And I must tell you - this is a party you don't want to miss. Each song combines the bands musical tools of choice and pushes them to their limits supported by heavy beat lines and catchy melodies that before may have faded away but here TVOTR stays in your head after the album is done. The only action to be taken after completion is hitting repeat because Dear Science is an album that should open the band up to an even wider audience and is solid from Track 1 to Track 11 while really creating a soundtrack for our time!

Key Tracks: "Crying", "Red Dress", "Golden Age"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beck
Peter Gabriel
The Beta Band

TV On The Radio: Return To Cookie Mountain [Fire Note Review 7/12/06]

Official TV On The Radio Website
TV On The Radio MySpace
TV On The Radio Info [Allmusic]
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Kings Of Leon: Only By The Night

Kings Of Leon
Only By The Night
RCA Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Made for the big stage.

Album Review:
After three albums and the more rock based big sound of last years Because Of The Times [2007] it is no real surprise that on Kings Of Leon's fourth release Only By The Night that the group continues their journey into bigger production and sound. I must say that the slow burning opening track "Closer" sets a great stage with its keyboard backdrops and Caleb Followill’s desperate vocals leaving you wanting more. You get more of this slow churn with the next track "Crawl" and the very U2ish first single "Sex On Fire". The rest of the record follows the same sequence and vibe as each song builds within itself into made for stadium choruses and sprawling vocals. Only By The Night is not a bad record but I do feel that it has put the band into more of a hold pattern then pushing forward and making their statement because it has lost that energy and spunk that the first couple records possessed. If the band can find that substance that was in the early albums and combine it with their bigger sound then I believe Kings Of Leon can be the band that everyone wants to hear!

Key Tracks: "Closer", "Sex On Fire", "Use Somebody"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Whigs
U2
The Strokes

Kings Of Leon: Because Of The Times [Fire Note Review 4/3/07]

Official Kings Of Leon Website
Kings Of Leon MySpace
Kings Of Leon Info [Allmusic]
RCA Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

I Set My Friends On Fire: You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter

I Set My Friends On Fire
You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter
Epitaph Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
This duo from Miami are set to release one of the more unique records you will hear this year on Oct 7 for Epitaph that is a real mix of electronic, hardcore and pop packed into 35 minutes. Miami teenagers, Nabil Moo and Matt Mihana became an overnight hit with a rock/screamo cover of Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat", which attracted over 50,000 plays per day on MySpace, then they caught the attention of Epitaph label owner Brett Gurewitz. Their style and approach are unique to the genre while still being catchy plus Matt can really sing, which all combine for a memorable experience.

You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter
I Set My Friends On Fire

MFOF is Matt Mihana (vocals/lyrics) and Nabil Moo
(instruments/programming/arrangements/backup vocals)

All songs written by Matt Mihana and Nabil Moo, except "Crank That", written by Deandre Way

Published by I Set My Friends On Fire, LLC (ASCAP) / Fig Music (ASCAP) except "Crank That", published by Croomstacular Music, Inc. (BMI) / Soulja Boy Tellem Music (BMI)

Produced by Travis Richter & Nabil Moo

Engineered & Mixed by Lee Dyess at Earthsound Recording, Valdosta, GA

Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, New York, NY

Management: Kamal Moo

Legal Representation: Sally Koenig, Koenig Law Offices

A&R: Brett Gurewitz

Product Manager: Jeff Abarta

ISMFOF would like to thank Brett, Lee, Travis, Sue, Jeff, Nick, Austin, Mike, Jason and the rest of the rest of the Epitaph crew, Kamal, Sally, Andrew and Jackie Moo, Atif Mehana and Lillian Abraham, Candace, Lauren, Chico The Murderous Penguin, Ruby R., Sheisa, Gio, Brittany, Brandon, Damien, Jovan "The Mummy" Johnson, Natalie, Aunt Ivy, Anthony AF, Ashley P. Contessa Brewer, Peter Neubacker, Katoktak, Sauron, Jacques The Octopus, Sonic, Macadoos, Steve Jobs, Steve Busch, Myspace, our Myspace fans (and ALL our fans!) We love you!

Key Track: "Things That Rhyme With Orange"

Band With Similar Fire: Silverstein

Official I Set My Friends On Fire Website
I Set My Friends On Fire MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Alkaline Trio: Agony & Irony

Alkaline Trio

Agony & Irony
Epic Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
It took awhile but Alkaline Trio finally made the jump into major label land with Agony & Irony and although the record sounds a bit more polished it still has some remaining parts of the goth punk we loved from these guys. The album has some highs and lows but overall has consistent punk pop formulas. Hardcore fans may scream sellout but there are still catchy songs and a bit of snarl left in Alkaline Trio that followers will still recognize - I just wish the claws would have come out a bit more!

Key Track: "In Vein"

Band With Similar Fire: Less Than Jake

Official Alkaline Trio Website
Alkaline Trio MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Circus Devils: ATAXIA

Circus Devils
ATAXIA
Happy Jack Rock Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Eclectically catchy!

Album Review:
The Circus Devils have always enjoyed the backseat as one of Robert Pollard's longest running side projects with the Tobias brothers Todd and Tim. On last years release Sgt. Disco [2007] we found the band really emerging and becoming its own identity with more of a focus. What happens on ATAXIA is simply called busting out and leaving no doubt that this is a band! Everything is still here that make this a Circus Devils record like the weird noises in "Nets At Every Angle " or the echoing vocals on "I-Razors" but all of the transitions from track to track work together and succeed in making ATAXIA the groups most cohesive and accessible album to date. Don't get me wrong - there are no soaring choruses or harmonies filling the air but even though the song structures are chopped up - they are chopped up with precision almost like Bob, Todd and Tim are true surgeons of noise. ATAXIA is also filled with heavy riffs, guitars and drums that are set as the backdrop to Pollard's vocals that each create an edge, swagger and fever that has never been around with the Circus Devils before. This is a good thing that gives ATAXIA a bigger rock feel instead of an another experiment. ATAXIA also brings back the tradition of releasing the album on Halloween (10/31/08) like the groups first three records so get ready to turn your volume up and don't worry about asking yourself if you are ready for a trick or treat because you are going to get both!

Key Tracks: "I-Razors", "The Girls Will Make It Happen", "Get Me Extra!"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Minutemen
Devo
Frank Zappa

Circus Devils: Sgt. Disco [Fire Note Review 9/17/07]

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

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

These United States: Crimes

These United States
Crimes
United Interests Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
When you hear that a band has recorded their sophomore record in six days and that same band just released their debut last year you know it can only go two ways and there is no in-between. For These United States it went the good way because Crimes is more focused and consistent then their debut. These United States are able to find the balance between knowing when to turn it up so they are a killer bar band or keep it under control with layered melodies that simply make Crimes a solid and fun record to listen to.

Key Track: "Get Yourself Home"

Band With Similar Fire: Langhorne Slim

Get Yourself Home (mp3)
West Won (mp3)

Official These United States Website
These United States MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Shaky Hands: Lunglight

The Shaky Hands
Lunglight
Kill Rock Stars [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Lunglight is The Shaky Hands sophomore record and the first thing you will notice is that their mood has changed somewhat from the upbeat young band to a band that is still developing their sound and diving into darker spaces. The band now has some extra musical help expanding to a quintet while dabbling into some more psychedelic numbers like "Neighbors". Lastly even though Lunglight is lyrically tighter and more introspective there are still plenty of upbeat number like "Settle On" to retain early fans and give The Shaky Hands a balance that will lead to longevity.

Key Track: "Air Better Come"

Band With Similar Fire: Talking Heads

A New Parade (mp3)
We Are Young (mp3)

The Shaky Hands MySpace

Buy at Amazon

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Robyn Hitchcock: Luminous Groove [Box Set]

Robyn Hitchcock

Luminous Groove [Box Set]
Yep Roc Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
This retrospective from Robyn Hitchcock is a 90 song five disc set that covers his more rock period with Egyptians. The albums included are Fegmania! (1985), Element Of Light (1986), and Gotta Let This Hen Out! (1985) plus two exclusive bonus discs entitled Bad Case Of History which features previously unreleased studio recordings, including the final 1994 sessions, and a CD of unheard live material. If you are fan of Hitchcock's work this set is a must but also Luminous Groove could be a great starting point for individuals that want to hear some of his best work because it will certainly make them investigate more of his catalog based on the strength of these three albums!

Official Robyn Hitchcock Website
Robyn Hitchcock MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Mercury Rev: Snowflake Midnight

Mercury Rev
Snowflake Midnight
Yep Roc Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: The deconstruction of Mercury Rev!

Album Review:
First off - if you were looking for Mercury Rev to rekindle the spirit of the now classic Deserter's Songs [1998] I will let you know that Snowflake Midnight is not it. This may either make you quit reading, scratch your head, or really peak your interest. For longtime fans of the band it is no surprise that Mercury Rev continues to manipulate their sound for each release and since 2005's Secret Migration received less than warm reviews Snowflake Midnight is a real test of strength. It would have been easy to return to Deserter's sound but taking Migration to the next level is the direction the band took on Midnight with swirling atmospheres, even more computerized collaboration and a complete release of song structures. Even with the "free" vibe of Snowflake Midnight the album feels completely focused and in the bands control with lead vocalist Jonathan Donahue interweaving his theoretical lyrics which push and guide each track where they need to be. There is no doubt that Snowflake Midnight will be loved by some and hated by others but Mercury Rev does not care because if you threw out their discography and simply rate the music as a mostly electronic sound scape band with spaced out rock songs, you would rank them pretty high because even a new direction for Mercury Rev is still a pretty good listen.

(As a bonus, when you purchase the CD or the double LP of Snowflake Midnight next week it comes with a download card for Strange Attractor, a full-length instrumental companion album which was not available for review.)

Key Tracks: "Faraway From Cars", "Senses On Fire", "Butterfly's Wing"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Radiohead
The Flaming Lips
High Places

Snowflake In A Hot World (mp3)

Official Mercury Rev Website
Mercury Rev MySpace
Mercury Rev Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Joshua James: The Sun Is Always Brighter

Joshua James
The Sun Is Always Brighter
Intelligent Noise Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Joshua James debut album The Sun Is Always Brighter is another example of the strong singer/songwriter types that don't get the airplay they deserve. His subject matter is deep from the war in Iraq, a song about his younger brother's drug addiction and even the Holocaust but his delivery is effortless and appealing. He has already opened for the likes of David Gray and John Mayer, which his style fits right in and his songs could easily find their way onto television or radio with their memorable choruses and Joshua's soft but direct vocals.

Key Track: "The New Love Song"

Band With Similar Fire: Bon Iver

Official Joshua James Website
Joshua James MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

I See Hawks In L.A.: Hallowed Ground

I See Hawks In L.A.
Hallowed Ground
Big Book Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
If you were looking for a rocked up country tinged band that is politically and socially charged then I See Hawks In L.A. could be your new favorite band. On the Los Angeles groups fourth album Hallowed Ground they continue their message on tracks like "Carbon Dated Love" and "Environmental Children Of The Future". They have a solid band vibe that kicks each track up with their vocal harmonies while mellowing them out a perfect slide guitar and violin that gives the tracks the right balance between genres and will attract new fans in the correct forum!

Key Track: "In The Garden"

Band With Similar Fire: Son Volt

Official I See Hawks In L.A. Website
I See Hawks In L.A. MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

ZZ Top: Eliminator [Collector's Edition]

ZZ Top
Eliminator [Collector's Edition]
Warner Bros. Records [1983; re:2008]
(CD/DVD Set)






Fire Drills Review:
This is your chance if you were too young to remember how MTV used to play videos and how cool it was to cruise along with the ZZ Top car! This 25 anniversary edition has been remastered with seven bonus tracks which all sound great along with a DVD that has all the award winning videos plus live footage from the Eliminator tour. There is nothing like cranking up some "Sharp Dressed Man", "Gimmie All Your Lovin", "TV Diners" and "Legs" to get whatever you got cookin' started!

Key Track: "Legs (Live)"

Official ZZ Top Website
ZZ Top MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue

Jenny Lewis
Acid Tongue
Warner Bros. Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: This is Jenny Lewis - Get to know her already!

Album Review:
I believe the saying goes that you can't keep a good woman down and that's exactly what we get with Jenny Lewis's second solo record Acid Tongue. Including last years excellent Rilo Kiley release Under The Blacklight [2007] this is Lewis's third recording output in three years. I bring this up because although Acid Tongue is all Lewis it really is a superb combo of her debut solo record soul displayed in Rabbit Fur Coat [2006] and contains the peppiness of Moonlight while having a solid balance of styles and substance. This solo thing not only gives her and outlet to experiment a bit like the almost 9 minute "The Next Messiah" but also gives Lewis the opportunity to invite all of her friends and she invites them all with boyfriend Johnathan Rice, M Ward, Chris Robinson (of The Black Crowes), Benji Hughes, Zooey Deschanel (of She & Him) & Vanessa Corbala (of Whispertown2000) all lending a hand. Lewis also gets a return favor from Elvis Costello and some of his Imposters for contributing some vocals to his latest record as he duets on the catchy rocker "Carpetbaggers". Acid Tongue is a progression in Lewis's career and just like last years Rilo Kiley record, it is very slickly produced and sounds poised, pure and sophisticated. Even with this sound it still feels very loose because Jenny's vocals are so warming and friendly that they just invite you in to stay and the killer production and catchiness makes you never want to leave!

Key Tracks: "See Fernando", "Black Sand", "Carpetbaggers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Bonnie Raitt
Kate Bush

Acid Tongue (mp3)

Jenny Lewis: Rabbit Fur Coat [Fire Note Review 4/11/06]

Official Jenny Lewis Website
Jenny Lewis MySpace
Jenny Lewis Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sonya Kitchell: This Storm

Sonya Kitchell
This Storm
Decca/Velour Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I know people love to jump on bandwagon's and I am suggesting a new one in the young 19 year old Sonya Kitchell. Given her younger age it might be a surprise that this is not her first album but along with her seasoned veteran sounding voice it will make you a believer and forget about birthdays. This Storm was produced by Grammy Award-winner Malcolm Burn (Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris), and it offers a rock, country and alt-pop side to Kitchell, that showcases her multi-talented vocals.

Key Track: "Here To There"

Band With Similar Fire: Fiona Apple

Official Sonya Kitchell Website
Sonya Kitchell MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sound And Fury: Sound And Fury

Sound And Fury
Sound And Fury
Rebel Youth Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I am not sure why I even put this record on - I mean look at the cover - really? For whatever reason it ended up in my player and I must admit these Canadian rockers made me smile. Sound And Fury are a modern day AC/DC that have a little punk underlining snarl to them that all makes for an entertaining, rip-roaring, beer guzzling and plain kick your ass type of record - trust me - I know it has a scary cover but prepare to rock out!

Key Track: "Can't Get Enough"

Band With Similar Fire: AC/DC

Official Sound And Fury Website
Sound And Fury MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sing It Loud: Come Around

Sing It Loud
Come Around
Epitaph Records [2008]









Fire Drills Review:
Sometimes record labels have a hard time shaking stereotypes and for me Epitaph is a punk label. Sing It Loud is more of an alt pop rock band that was produced by Motion City Soundtrack guitarist Josh Cain and mixed by Mark Trombino (Jimmy Eat World, Blink 182) and has the same sound as the bands listed. Overall, Come Around is not a bad debut and although Sing It Loud blend in with many acts already out there, if played in the right venue this band could catch on because as singles the tracks may be more memorable.

Key Track: "No One Can Touch Us"

Band With Similar Fire: Motion City Soundtrack

Sing It Loud MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Blitzen Trapper: Furr

Blitzen Trapper
Furr
Sub Pop Records [2008]









Fire Note Says: Picking up where they left off - That's a good thing!

Album Review:
Furr is Portland's Blitzen Trapper's fourth album and first for major indie Sub Pop. It's release quickly follows last years critically hailed Wild Mountain Nation [2007], so seeing what direction this eclectic band took is just half of the anticipation. The leadoff track "Sleepytime In The Western World" is a throwback jangly track with a huge chorus that feels like it is out of the 70's and off the newest Elton John record, which makes for a terrific start up to a stellar album. What made Wild Mountain so fun was its quick jump in styles and Furr maintains the same composure and balances a pop Americana flavor but remains totally indie. This is a much harder achievement to pull off but Blitzen Trapper handle it with ease. One focused talent of the band is lead vocalist Eric Earley's likable vocals and the supporting piano that rings throughout Furr. It was just a simple warped piano found in the hallway one day but it became the warhorse upon which Earley wrote and recorded much of Furr on and it really rings out in front on songs “Not Your Lover” and “Echo.” The end result for Blitzen Trapper is another great album in the bands catalog and like last years indie jem that was Wild Mountain Nation - Furr will easily be one of my faves for this year.

Key Tracks: "Furr", "Sleepytime In The Western World", "Saturday Nite"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Okkervil River
Early Elton
The Shins

Official Blitzen Trapper Website
Blitzen Trapper MySpace
Blitzen Trapper Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Subways: All Or Nothing

The Subways
All Or Nothing
Warner Bros. Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
I don't think you can call 10-13 years retro but The Subways have a very post-grunge sound that simply plays great over the loudspeakers and could fit into a 1997 playlist. Their high energy of combo alt rock bounces with hooks like an Oasis album but rocks harder more like the Smashing Pumpkins. It also won't surprise you that Butch Vig (Nirvana, Garbage) produced the record which simply is the perfect fit for their style and swagger giving The Subways sophomore effort All Or Nothing that extra appeal.

Key Track: "Girls & Boys"

Band With Similar Fire: Ash

Official Subways Website
The Subways MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox