Heartless Bastards: The Mountain

Heartless Bastards
The Mountain
Fat Possum Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This is one climb you will not want to pass up!

Album Review:
From the opening strums of the albums lead off and title track "The Mountain" you just know that for the next 50 minutes the Heartless Bastards are going to rock you out with their style of dirty blues and Erika Wennerstrom's howling vocals. It is this cool and steady grind of a song which makes the group unique and it simply oozes their confidence here on album number three. The Heartless Bastards have a simple background that started in Dayton, Ohio with Wennerstrom watching some of the towns best in GBV, Brainiac and The Breeders before setting out on her own and migrating down to call Cincinnati home for the first two records. For a change in scenery she moved to Austin in 2007 and brought some Gem City buds with her in Jesse Ebaugh on bass and Dave Colvin hitting the skins. These guys actually played on the original demo that landed the Heartless Bastards on Fat Possum so they really are veterans of the band. The Mountain is the first record not to be self-produced by Wennerstrom and the duty was passed to Austin man Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Trail Of Dead) which seemed to be the perfect fit as he brought in a slew of musical talent to allow Erika to focus on songs. McCarthy was also responsible for expanding the simple instrumentation found on the groups previous two albums by incorporating strings, mandolin, banjo and a little pedal steel. This expansion of sound suits Wennerstrom's anthem ready song structures and makes every track feel bigger and rock harder. The Mountain is easily the Heartless Bastards most sonic album to date but something that has not changed is Erika's powerful throaty vocals, which drive each song through your head regardless if it is on the sweet country ballad "So Quiet" or in the attitude heavy "Out To Sea" this is the type of record you expect from them and one that should be big enough for more people to take notice when The Mountain drops to retail next week!

Key Tracks: "The Mountain", "Out To Sea", "Eary In The Morning"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Duke Spirit
The Black Keys
Day For Night

Heartless Bastards: All This Time [Fire Note Review 8/7/06]

Official Heartless Bastards Website
Heartless Bastards MySpace
Heartless Bastards Info [Allmusic]
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

BM Linx: Black Entertainment

BM Linx
Black Entertainment
Craze Factory [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
BM Linx are a powerful electronic rock n roll band from New York, New York and their sophomore record Black Entertainment is a real mix of Muse meets The Killers with Orgy joining the party. Everything found here is amped up and sound great with headphones. There are the pulsating bass lines, heavy beats, the in front vocals, precision drums make Black Entertainment a top notch effort but the inclusion of the instrumental "White Limousine" and the smooth appropriately acoustic closer "UO Acoustic" help set the album apart from the crowd. It is also worthy to note that the record was mixed by Alan Moulder (NIN, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode), which seems like the perfect selection and resulted in Black Entertainment's slick sounding tracks!

Key Track: "Kids On Fire"

Band With Similar Fire: Muse

Official BM Linx Website
BM Linx MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Mavis Staples: Live - Hope At The Hideout

Mavis Staples
Live: Hope At The Hideout
ANTI- Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Mavis Staples marched, sang and protested alongside Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960 so it is refreshing to hear her still bring the noise at age 69. Staples states that she was at Chicago's Hideout to "bring joy, happiness, inspiration and some positive vibrations" which are all tasks she completes on this live record. Regardless of your normal listening genre, Staples is an artist that everyone should take a second to check out because she is the picture of what passion, heart, spirit and dedication looks like and it is all captured here on her hour long set!

Key Track: "Down In Mississippi"

Band With Similar Fire: Solomon Burke

Official Mavis Staples Website
Mavis Staples MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Maybe It's Reno: Maybe It's Reno

Maybe It's Reno
Maybe It's Reno
Teenbeat Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Maybe It's Reno is the debut album from Bridget Cross of Unrest, Velocity Girl and Air Miami fame. For the self-titled record she brought in her old Unrest bandmates Mark Robinson and Phil Krauth to create a talented group which leaves its stamp on a musically tight sounding record. Cross has always had an endearing voice and has made every project she is in special - Maybe It's Reno is no different except for that it features her songwriting, direction and spirit which for fans gives it a little extra gleam because it really is her solo record and this is who Cross is!

Key Track: "Sugarloaf Mountain"

Band With Similar Fire: Shannon McArdle

Gravestones And Christmas Trees (mp3)

Official Maybe It's Reno Website
Maybe It's Reno MySpace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Bird And The Bee: Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future

The Bird And The Bee
Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future
Blue Note Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Retro sound may not be for everyone but The Bird And The Bee consistently do the genre proud.

Album Review:
There used to be a few more bands on the scene that played the sort of spacey jazzy pop presented here by Inara George and Greg Kurstin (a.k.a The Bird And The Bee) but currently they are one of the poster children for their genre. Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future is the groups sophomore long player and it takes their artistic vision and injects a bit more overall peppiness on the tracks which include some upbeat moments in songs like "Love Letter To Japan" and "My Love". This is a feature that fits well with the lovely soft delivery style of George and combined with the swirling instruments of Kurstin adds intriguing layers to The Bird And The Bee's overall sound. In fact the retro swagger the duo offer here has never sounded better on the track "Polite Dance Song" , which slow builds with a foot tapping beat that is driven by George's more attitude vocals and la la la's that bop the song along leaving the listener wanting more. As a complete album some of the songs run a bit too similar in style but overall George can still sell it, which is why if you were a fan of the groups debut then Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future will appeal. The only problem will be grabbing new fans which could happen but it really depends if the masses will get on board - if so there is no better place to be!

Key Tracks: "Love Letter To Japan", "Polite Dance Song", "My Love"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Combustible Edison
Komeda
Zero 7

Love Letter To Japan (video)

Official Bird And The Bee Website
The Bird And The Bee MySpace
The Bird And The Bee Info [Allmusic]
Blue Note Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Or, The Whale: Light Poles And Pines

Or, The Whale
Light Poles And Pines
Seany Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Sometimes more is better and San Francisco's Or, The Whale utilizes every piece of energy supplied from the seven members in their band. This allows the band the freedom to create many different sounds on their debut Light Poles And Pines, be it on country rockers, folk styled ballads or just straight forward indie rock. Their male/female vocals give them even more artistic room for exploration along with memorable harmonies that combined with solid songwriting the collective create a smart and sincere Americana record that will give you a positive reaction with each indie country soaked spin.

Key Track: "Call And Response"

Band With Similar Fire: Drive-By Truckers

Call And Response (mp3)
Rope Don't Break (mp3)

Official Or, The Whale Website
Or, The Whale MySpace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Pit Er Pat: High Times

Pit Er Pat
High Times
Thrill Jockey Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
On Pit Er Pat's third album High Times I can tell you that they have pulled out all the stops to use instruments that you didn't know even existed like the electric kalimba, a bobo balaphone, the vibraslap and let's not forget the Burmese temple gongs. All kidding aside because Pit Er Pat really do incorporate those plus an even more expansive variety of instruments to create their 70's style Eastern lounge vibe complete with the sultry vocals of Fay Davis-Jeffers. With the spooky sounding space sounds in "Cooper Pennies" and the infectious jive noise on "The Cairo Shuffle", Pit Er Pat bring another dose of intrigue with High Times that will retain their fanbase while capturing any indie spirited listener who just happens to stumble into their realm.

Key Track: "Omen"

Band With Similar Fire: High Places

Official Pit Er Pat Website
Pit Er Pat MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Rahim: Laughter

Rahim
Laughter
Pretty Activity Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
It sort of surprises me that Rahim are not bigger on the indie scene because their style of jangular indie pop is not only catchy it is pretty good. Now on their sophomore record, Laughter finds the group evolving from the harder edged and J. Robbins influenced debut into more of a subtle indie group that represents more like a Death Cab. This of course is not a bad transition because Rahim still bring smart lyrics, humable choruses and bundle their eleven tracks into a nice thirty minute package. Laughter is one of those albums that after repeated listens you still find something new and it sinks in that Rahim are a band you love to hear but you just don't tell anybody - shame on you!

Key Track: "Cities Change"

Band With Similar Fire: Q And Not U

Rahim: Ideal Lives [Fire Note Review 6/9/06]

Official Rahim Website
Rahim Myspace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Bruce Springsteen: Working On A Dream

Bruce Springsteen
Working On A Dream
Columbia Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This is the bright side of Bruce!

Album Review:
Working On A Dream feels like an album that finds Bruce completely satisfied where he is and what is going on in the world around him. He really couldn't have much more going for him lately when you consider he won a Golden Globe for best song "The Wrestler", has a deal with Wal-Mart, has a Grammy nomination, played the Lincoln Memorial for a President he actually likes and this Sunday is playing one of the biggest venues for an artist - The Superbowl. Heck - I am sure he isn't even that pissed about getting the Oscar snub (even though he should be). This lighter side of Springsteen shines through on many of the albums 13 tracks like first single "My Lucky Day", the great story in eight minute opener "Outlaw Pete" and even a quirky song about supermarket love in "Queen Of The Supermarket". Interesting enough compared to the last several outings working with the E Street Band, Working On A Dream relies on them in more of a background role then jamming side by side with Springsteen. This does change the albums atmosphere but not the substance. Many albums are front loaded with some of the strongest tracks back to back but on Working On A Dream it really is about the last three. There is the solid power pop of "Surprise Surprise", followed by the moving tribute to his late keyboardist Danny Federici on "The Last Carnival" and then the closing bonus award winning track "The Wrestler" that speaks for itself. These songs alone will make you come back for more because Working On A Dream is a feel good album that just raises your euphoric level after each memorable spin!

Key Tracks: "Surprise Surprise", "My Lucky Day", "The Wrestler"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pete Yorn
Alejandro Escovedo
Tom Petty

Official Bruce Springsteen Website
Bruce Springsteen MySpace
Bruce Springsteen Info [Allmusic]
Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears [EP]

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears [EP]
Lost Highway Records [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
You might not expect this combo of soul, blues and attitude to smoke up out of Austin, Texas but Black Joe Lewis and his Honeybears bring it right at you with their 12 minute 4 song preview EP. With songs like "Bitch, I Love You" and "Master Sold My Baby" it is definitely new school but Lewis reincarnates the energy and spirit of James Brown, which is instantly likable. This preview will certainly build some anticipation for their Lost Highway full length Tell 'Em What Your Name Is! due March 17th.

Key Track:"Bitch, I Love You"

Band With Similar Fire: RL Burnside

Official Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Website
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

J. Tillman: Vacilando Territory Blues

J. Tillman
Vacilando Territory Blues
Western Vinyl Records [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
Tillman joined up with Fleet Foxes after the Sun Giant EP, which we know turned out pretty good for him but he was originally a solo artist and Vacilando Territory Blues is his fifth record. Besides not having the constant lush harmonic choruses of the Fleets, his record follows the same kind of format and Tillman's voice shines with his acoustic guitar accompaniment plus he rounds things out with Foxes Christian Wargo and Casey Wescot helping out. If the Fleet Foxes are the Yin then Tillman's solo record is the Yang because even if they are not supposed to, they really do compliment each other and once again puts an exclamation mark next to the future output of this groups members.

Key Track: "Steel On Steel"

Band With Similar Fire: Fleet Foxes

James Blues (mp3)
Steel On Steel (mp3)

Official J. Tillman Website
J. Tillman MySpace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

MarvelAnn: Bad Advice

MarvelAnn
Bad Advice
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Simon Honisett and Jonathan Jubera make up the Portland duo MarvelAnn, which have been around for about ten years. They don't have much output since Bad Advice is the groups sophomore outing but their soft style of indie pop grows with you on every repeat listen. The pair recruited a gob of other artists for a contribution to Bad Advice, which is why it is filled with lush and large arrangements that include pedal steel, accordion, vibes and strings. The extra instrumentation provides a sculpted soundscape that helps MarvelAnn achieve the surreal dream pop that makes for a pleasant listen and will turn you into a fan!

Key Track: "How Long Can You Stay Angry"

Band With Similar Fire: Mercury Rev

MarvelAnn MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Vulture Whale: Vulture Whale

Vulture Whale
Vulture Whale
Skybucket Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Unique name - straight ahead rock!

Album Review:
Vulture Whale are a tight little rock outfit from Birmingham, Alabama that will be releasing their sophomore self-titled record next week on Skybucket Records. You will notice right from the opening rocker "Teedy" that Vulture Whale sound like seasoned veterans. This cohesion spawns from all the members playing together in one form or another for several years plus the industry experience of singer/songwriter Wes McDonald (The Ohms) and guitarist Lester Nuby (Verbena) shines through. The quartet make no mistakes that this is a no frills straight forward rock record that has catchy melodies, in your face guitar and pounding drums that all combine for a good time and an incentive to come back for more. The record was mixed by Mark Rains (The Shys, Waylon Jennings) and it keeps the pedal pushed down hard as the lyrics just roll off McDonald's tongue as he sways and swaggers in "Sugar" plus conducts his business calmly over a triggering guitar lick in the semi ballad "What Do", which showcases that the band is more than one dimensional. If you are looking for a new group that may be slightly off the radar but bring that quality live bar band sound to record then Vulture Whale will fit nicely into your collection!

Key Tracks: "Sugar", "Tote It To Cleveland, AL", "Head Turner"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Replacements
The Hold Steady
The Revisionists

Tote It To Cleveland, AL (mp3)

Official Vulture Whale Website
Vulture Whale MySpace
Vulture Whale Info [Allmusic]
Skybucket Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Neko Case: People Got A Lot Of Nerve [Single]

Neko Case
People Got A Lot Of Nerve [Single]
ANTI- Records [2009]







Fire Drills Review:
“People Got A Lotta Nerve,” is the first single from Neko Case’s forthcoming album Middle Cyclone which is do out on ANTI- Records March 3. The song is a short and sweet 2:31 and soars with Neko's voice that is a bit more poppy like her work with The New Pornographers. The other cool thing about the single is that that for every Blog that reposts the song and/or iLike user who adds it to their profile, Neko Case and ANTI- will make a cash donation to Best Friends Animal Society.

People Got A Lotta Nerve (mp3)

Neko Case: Live From Austin TX [Fire Note Review 1/30/07]

Official Neko Case Website
Neko Case MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Said The Whale: Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia

Said The Whale
Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia
Upper Management [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
This Vancouver five-piece play a very dramatic indie pop that is instantly appealing to the ear. The group has been gaining popularity through their created videos on YouTube and this album re-releases the bands 2007 debut Taking Abalonia and adds seven new tracks to create the 15 you get here. Said The Whale have a very rhythmic clear vocal and playing style that mixes in some organ and harmonies that keep Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia interesting and make Said The Whale an import from up North worth checking out!

Key Track: "This City's A Mess"

Band With Similar Fire: The Decemberists

Said The Whale MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Reel Big Fish: Fame, Fortune And Fornication

Reel Big Fish
Fame, Fortune And Fornication
Rock Ridge Music [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Reel Big Fish were one of those bands that had the right song ("Sell Out") at the the right time (Ska Launch) but if you knew anything about them you would know that they were just as much about the fun as they were about the music. Fame, Fortune And Fornication finds the band 13 years after their breakout album and long after ska is back underground, so it is no surprise that this is an album of interesting covers from the likes of Poison, Slade, John Mellencamp, Eagles, Tom Petty, and more. It is a fun listen but at the end of the day is it necessary - probably not but it still is enjoyable and fans will definitely check it out - the rest will just pass it over.

Key Track: "Authority Song"

Band With Similar Fire: Less Than Jake

Official Reel Big Fish Website
Reel Big Fish MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Loney Dear: Dear John

Loney Dear
Dear John
Polyvinyl Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: They dropped the comma but still brought the sweet sounding indie pop!

Album Review:
Over the last several years, Loney Dear has proved to be one of the better imports from Sweden and their fifth album Dear John meets these expectations. The main force behind the name is still multi-instrumentalist and ex-pro cyclist Emil Svanängen and he claims Dear John is the final piece of his five album puzzle. He by no means says this is the end of Loney Dear but this album represents the final hurrah of the span that started in 2003. We won't know what that exactly means for the future but we can tell you that Dear John is another batch of 10 simple songs that look forward but also seep despair. It is this balance and the endearing qualities that Emil emotes throughout the record, which is only enhanced by the fact that it was recorded both alone in his tiny Stockholm studio apartment and in the comfort of his parents’ house. The album easily splits into those two settings like the warmth of the first single "Airport Surroundings" which is peppy, beat happy and complete with background handclaps while "I Got Lost" feels like you are out by yourself on the cliff especially with the added help of Andrew Bird's haunting violin. Loney Dear is a band that continues to mold, morph and massage their sound and Emil is going for the pinnacle album of the groups existence with Dear John. Ultimately, it may not be his swan song but based on the repeatability and likability of Dear John, perfection for Loney Dear may not be too far away!

Key Tracks: "I Was Only Going Out", "Dear John", "Airport Surroundings"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Brad
The Postal Service
Pelle Carlberg

Loney, Dear: Loney, Noir [Fire Note Review 3/1/07]

Official Loney Dear Website
Loney Dear MySpace
Loney Dear Info [Allmusic]
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Wrens: Pulled Fences (Live) [Single]

The Wrens
Pulled Fences (Live) [Single]
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
It is official - this is new Wrens material and we are all giddy with excitement. "Pulled Fences" comes to us via The Wrens website and the song was recorded last year live on WorldSpace Sessions at Abbey Road. It is a five minute pop nugget that slow builds itself, peaks in the middle and then just gracefully fades away as smoothly as it came in. Basically, another solid track in their catalog. In other Wrens news this year marks the bands 20th anniversary, they have signed to Absolutely Kosher Records and are looking to release a new record in the Spring - lets say a little indie prayer!

Official Wrens Website
The Wrens MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

A.R. Rahman: Slumdog Millionaire [OST]

A.R. Rahman
Slumdog Millionaire [OST]
Interscope Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I can't say that I am a person that ever really cares to relive a movie through its soundtrack but on occasion a film comes along that the music integrates so marvelously that listening again is a must. The charming Slumdog Millionaire is just one of those movies as composer A.R. Rahman and director Danny Boyle make you feel emotion through their perfectly sequenced pieces. The soundtrack already has won a Golden Globe for Best Original Score and has been nominated for three Academy Award nominations. If you have not seen the film the soundtrack is full of fast paced heavy beats that represent the culture while giving them an electric jolt of modernization plus the ever powerful M.I.A., making listening a fun experience every time.

Key Track: "O... Saya" (M.I.A./A.R. Rahman)

Official A.R. Rahman Website
Official Slumdog Millionaire Website

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

LeATHERMOUTH: X0

LeATHERMOUTH
X0
Epitaph Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
You may be unfamiliar with the band but probably not the guitarist because LeATHERMOUTH is the hardcore-punk side project from Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance. Now before MCR fans run out to make a purchase I got to warn you...X0 is punishing, bashing, pounding, harsh and crack your head brutal. If I still have your attention then LeATHERMOUTH is for you and compared to others in the genre the band kills it. 10 songs in 20 minutes leaves no room extras and with songs like "I Am Going To Kill The President Of The United States Of America" and "Sunsets Are For Muggings" you realize quickly that LeATHERMOUTH are not playing. Iero says that X0 was his way to deal with depression and anxiety - after taking it for a spin it will heal all that ails you too!

Key Track: "Catch Me If You Can"

Band With Similar Fire: Some Girls

Official LeATHERMOUTH Website
LeATHERMOUTH MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Matt & Kim: Grand

Matt & Kim
Grand
FADER Label [2009]








Fire Note Says: Matt & Kim grow their sound with superb results!

Album Review:
It has been over two years since we heard from the duo of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino as they have had a constant touring schedule due to an ever growing fan base. Grand has been in the works in between the touring for about nine months so it is nice to finally get a listen to what the group has been up to. The opening track "Daylight" gives some good insight that they have matured a bit from revved up lo-fi jumpy punk synth rockers into solid musicians with a more complete vision. The songs have slowed down a bit, some piano has been laced throughout, the lyrics can now be absorbed and the songs are that more hummable. Don't be afraid that this "grown up" tag takes one ounce of energy away because Matt & Kim still crank out eleven tracks in a neat contained thirty minute package. Grand also is just as fun as their self-titled debut and surpasses it in quality, which fits their song structures where before songs seemed rushed now they seem developed. This all translates into a entertaining indie pop record that bounces and shakes while letting the listener foot tap all the way to the end with a much deeper sound - Grand is a win-win for everybody!

Key Tracks: "Daylight", "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare", "Don't Slow Down"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Seedy Seeds
The Little Ones
Mates Of State

Matt & Kim: Matt & Kim [Fire Note Review 11/21/06]

Official Matt & Kim Website
Matt & Kim MySpace
Matt & Kim Info [Allmusic]
FADAR Label

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

My Morning Jacket: Live At The Palms [EP]

My Morning Jacket
Live At The Palms [EP]
iTunes [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
This iTunes exclusive digital EP may have a live title but you would never know by listening because the crowd noise has been removed. This may be a quick letdown for My Morning Jacket's huge touring following but for many this might pull you in to to check it out. The EP contains six tracks with "Dear Wife" being the only new song on the list. A key point to make about this EP is that the songs have been re-recorded and each one has been updated with some new tweaks. This simply shows that once again My Morning Jacket are the band to see live because they can take any of their catalog and make it feel fresh!

Key Track: "Dear Wife"

Band With Similar Fire: Dead Confederate

My Morning Jacket: Evil Urges [Fire Note Review 6/11/08]

Official My Morning Jacket Website
My Morning Jacket MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The 88: Not Only... But Also

The 88
Not Only... But Also
Island Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The 88 are power pop band from sunny California that has a total British invasion sound to them. Not Only...But Also possesses a confidence that comes through song after song and The 88 have that big sprawling sound which is made for radio. The album was produced by Babyface and Matt Wallace (Faith No More) which is an interesting combo and it must have led to the balance of pop and rock that can found here. The 88 is not putting earth shattering life changing music but Not Only...But Also is a good album from beginning to end with just the right mix of rockers and ballads to keep you entertained.

Key Track: "Go Go Go"

Band With Similar Fire: Stereophonics

Official 88 Website
The 88 MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Octomutt: Please Betty [EP

Octomutt
Please Betty [EP]
Drizzoletto Music [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
You may be surprised to learn that Octomutt call San Francisco home after hearing their more traditional country sound on the groups new Please Betty EP. The record has a very mild flow with Ted Savarese's vocal draw that is balanced with simple country songs that are delivered with simple instrumentation and have a distinct twang. It is this simplicity that with repeat listens Octomutt gain appeal because you appreciate the honest and sincere approach!

Key Track: "Please Betty"

Band With Similar Fire: Hank Williams

Official Octomutt Website
Octomutt MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Boxer Rebellion: Union

The Boxer Rebellion
Union
Self-Released [2009]









Fire Note Says: Out of nowhere comes The Boxer Rebellion!

Album Review:
The Boxer Rebellion may turn out to be the come back story of 2009. Back in 2003 the group won a competition and earned a slot at the Glastonbury Festival, which was followed by a highly anticipated record called Exits [2005]. Unfortunately the release did not do very well commercially or critically and the group found themselves dropped from their label. That was enough to probably break any band but they marched on and now have self-released and self-produced their sophomore record Union. The first single "Evacuate" was made iTunes international single of the week which helped push the iTunes exclusive album release Union into the US and UK iTunes Top 5. It was as simple as a iTunes dude contacting them because he liked their MySpace page. Now I am sure the labels are calling because Union is a solid piece of sprawling Brit pop that contains elements of Coldplay, Snow Patrol, The Killers and even Radiohead. Union has a balance that works well into The Boxer Rebellion's favor because they offer adventurous tracks like the five minute opener "Flashing Red Light Means Go" and the six minute slow burner "Misplaced", while mixing in three minute bursts like the first single "Evacuate" and the catchy "Spitting Fire". The Boxer Rebellion do not offer anything completely new but what they do offer is a fresh "leave it all on the table" approach to their music that oozes a bands fight back into the scene while Union sounds like a release from your favorite veteran band. This is a sound and vibe that is hard to come by and The Boxer Rebellion just make it look easy!

Key Tracks: "Evacuate", "Spitting Fire", "The Gospel Of Goro Adachi"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Snow Patrol
Embrace
The Verve

Official Boxer Rebellion Website
The Boxer Rebellion MySpace
The Boxer Rebellion Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony