Say Hi: Oohs & Aahs

Say Hi
Oohs & Aahs
Barsuk Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Spend some time with Oohs & Aahs and you will be a fan too!

Album Review:
Say Hi's Eric Elbogen spent the later part of 2008 holed up in his home studio creating album number six Oohs & Aahs, which is his Barsuk Records debut. It is an album of stylistic indie rock that is strategically presented in the bands standard ten song increments of synth and guitar which sucks you in right from the beginning. Say Hi succeeds at this approach because Elbogen builds each of the tracks on Oohs & Aahs in a manner that creates anticipation for what is next. None of the tracks are scorchers and none of the tracks are outright ballads but they all have elements of each which implants into your head. From the opening horns in "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh" you get one of the most catchy pop songs Say Hi has ever written and the foot tapping hand claps that run throughout "One, Two...One" keep you movin'. Oohs & Aahs is not an album that immediately wins you over but I guarantee that if you put your headphones on and give it several spins you will find yourself going back for more. Elbogen has a likable voice, each track has solid songwriting and Say Hi offer up an indie rock record that pulsates, which for sure will get you attention and keep it.

Key Tracks: "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh", "Maurine", "Elouise"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nada Surf
Plushgun
Sea Wolf

Say Hi: The Wishes And The Glitch [Fire Note Review 1/16/08]

Official Say Hi Website
Say Hi MySpace
Say Hi Info [Allmusic]
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Russenorsk: Comforts

Russenorsk
Comforts
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Comforts is the sophomore record from the very talented trio Russenorsk from Athens Ohio. It finds the band expanding on their sound and offering more sprawling and intricate tracks that now cross the six and seven minute mark. This newer direction gives the band full range and comes off musically tighter and focused then on their debut In A Great Wave Of Horns. This progress only shines a path for a bigger audience and possible national attention because Comforts is a record that ages better with every spin you give it!

Key Track: "Give Me The Devil"

Band With Similar Fire: Arcade Fire

Russenorsk: In A Great Wave Of Horns [Fire Note Review 12/13/07]

Official Russenorsk Website
Russenorsk MySpace
Purchase @ CD Baby

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Library: The Library [EP]

The Library
The Library [EP]
Feudal Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Los Angeles dance rockers, The Library are getting ready to take over your radio with their debut EP of bouncing beats that mix the rock side of The Killers with the pop of Maroon 5 and shake it with the electronica of Sam Sparro. This combo may seem odd but lead singer Court Alexander has crazy range and a falsetto that can hit every note in stride. Their self-titled EP is filled with catchy hooks that are hard to get out of your head, which should build some anticipation for a debut full length!

Key Track: "No Mercy, Only Violence"

Band With Similar Fire: Maroon 5

The Library MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Neko Case: Middle Cyclone

Neko Case
Middle Cyclone
ANTI- Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: With Neko the question is not about good or bad - it is simply the question of how good is it!

Album Review:
Neko Case easily has one of the best female voices in the industry right now and on her fifth studio record she showcases why. Case can take a simple normal tune and turn it into a soaring and intricate piece of art seemingly without breaking a sweat. This translates into solid albums and is now pretty much a given but what makes Middle Cyclone succeed is that Case's song writing is stronger than ever. It is an album of love songs but none of them about her as they are about characters, places and just good stories. Middle Cyclone was produced by Case with Darryl Neudorf and backed by her core band. As we have seen before, Neko runs around with a musical group, which all show up here lending their talents such as M. Ward, Garth Hudson, Sarah Harmer, members of The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Calexico, The Sadies, Visqueen, The Lilys, and Giant Sand, plus several more. You really can't go wrong with that lineup and along with her twelve originals she includes covers of "Don't Forget Me" by Harry Nilsson and "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" by Sparks, which lyrics both fit properly as if Case wrote them herself. The only weird moment for many will be on the 32-minute closing track "Marais la Nuit", which is a looped recording of frogs outside her Vermont barn that unless you are ready to chill you might take it out of the shuffle. On many of Neko's previous record she always gets placed in the Americana category but with her work in The New Pornographers and a more indie vibe on Middle Cyclone, I think she finally has broken that mold on an album that is a great listen from beginning to end and just gets better each time I hear it!

Key Tracks: "People Got A Lot Of Nerve", "Polar Nettles", "I'm An Animal"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jenny Lewis
Patsy Cline
Conor Oberst

Neko Case: People Got A Lot Of Nerve [Single] [Fire Drills Review 1/27/09]
Neko Case: Live From Austin, TX: Austin City Limits [Fire Note Review 1/30/07]

Official Neko Case Website
Neko Case MySpace
Neko Case Info [Allmusic]
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

Mansions: New Best Friends

Mansions
New Best Friends
Doghouse Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
New Best Friends is the debut record from Louisville, KY's Mansions and they fit right in on Doghouse Records rooster with their style of mid tempo rocking emo. The Mansions put forth a good effort here and offer tracks that keep their young energy contained within certain ranges. This plays out in the Mansions favor because it creates their own niche in a full genre. The Mansions keep their musical outbursts very limited and give emphasis to the lyrics and vocals which works to keep the listener focused and makes them pay attention when the tracks do sprawl out into a full spectrum of instrumentation. The Mansions honest debut is not forgettable and should get some notice in the emo realm and possibly beyond based on its catchiness!

Key Track: "Por Favor In Spanish"

Band With Similar Fire: Jimmy Eat World

Official Mansions Website
Mansions MySpace

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

Zest Of Yore: Quality Of Life

Zest Of Yore
Quality Of Life
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Drill Review:
Here is a Texas band that has completely flown under the radar with their infectious brand of indie power pop. They have a laundry list of bands they cite as influences in the genre but really have their own sound and Quality Of Life consistes of simple song structures with catchy melodies. The record was co-produced by Doug Gillard (GBV, Cobra Verde) and also has him playing all over it, which gives Zest Of Yore and increased indie cred and keeps them in the guitar driven power pop zone for an enjoyable 34 minutes!

Key Track: "I'll Do The Thinking"

Band With Similar Fire: Guided By Voices

Official Zest Of Yore Website
Zest Of Yore MySpace

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

Angus And Julia Stone: A Book Like This

Angus And Julia Stone
A Book Like This
Nettwerk Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This is an import from Australia that you need to check out!

Album Review:
Next Tuesday marks the official crashing on North American soil for Australia's brother and sister duo Angus And Julia Stone. Their record A Book Like This has went Gold since it was released in Australia late 2007 and came out internationally last year in March. The duo have opened for David Gray, have Natalie Portman as a fan and had Fran Healy from Travis co-produce the record. All of this attention and positive press has lead up to the US release of A Book Like This, which has an updated track list with four new tracks from the original release. There is a reason this group has done well because the record is full of likable indie folk and acoustic numbers that are instantly memorable. Angus and Julia split the lead vocals almost evenly on the albums 13 tracks but lend backing harmony support for each other making each track infectious regardless of lead. It is their quiet demeanor and approach that makes the album float and get better with each spin. This is one of those albums that took a while for it to get here but now that it has you start to wonder what took so long because Angus And Julia Stone are a class act that have a bright future.

Key Tracks: "The Beast", "Hollywood", "Mango Tree"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Travis
Bon Iver
Belle & Sebastian

Angus And Julia Stone: The Beast EP [Fire Drills Review 1/20/09]

Official Angus And Julia Stone Website
Angus And Julia Stone MySpace
Angus And Julia Stone Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Kinky: Barracuda

Kinky
Barracuda
Nettwerk Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Kinky has always been one of our favorite imports from Mexico with their entertaining mix of electronic dance and alternative rock. From time to time, I still crank out "The Headphonist" featuring Jon McCrea from Cake on vocals, which was on their Atlas [2003] record and it still holds up today. Barracuda finds the band on their fifth album and once again supplies a dance rock that given a chance can really keep your stereo moving. There may not be any tracks that break them out or offer a completely new sound but Kinky deliver another solid batch of songs that fans will love and show off their now veteran status because they are completely comfortable with what they do best!

Key Track: "Hasta Quemarnos"

Band With Similar Fire: Plastilina Mosh

Official Kinky Website
Kinky MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Black Lips: 200 Million Thousand

Black Lips
200 Million Thousand
Vice Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: The Black Lips deliver another 60's inspired rocker!

Album Review:
The Black Lips simply make 1960's garage rock cool again. If you don't think you are into the scene you might as well stop reading because for the groups fifth record 200 Million Thousand, the Black Lips find their retro groove again and crank out a solid 15 tracks. After their critical breakthrough record Good Bad Not Evil [2007] you already knew that the bar would be set high for this record and it would take a stellar outing to surpass it. With that said, I don't think that 200 Million Thousand has as many consistent catchy tracks but there are still plenty of numbers to keep your feet tapping. "Starting Over" begins with a guitar line that sounds straight out of the Byrds songbook, while the chorus just swaggers along while "The Drop I Hold" is almost a pre-rap era rap, if that is even possible. The end result of taking 200 Million Thousand for a spin is pure satisfaction and it will leave the listener wanting more because whether you are into the revival sound of the Black Lips or not, you can still recognize that they do it well. 200 Million Thousand holds up to repeat listens and succeeds on its transitions and consistency, which is something that definitely show the Black Lips growth as artists compared to some of their earlier records.

Key Tracks: "Starting Over", "The Drop I Hold", "Short Fuse"

Band With Similar Fire:
The Sonics
The Rolling Stones
The Makers

Black Lips: Good Bad Not Evil [Fire Note Review 9/18/07]

Official Black Lips Website
Official Black Lips Blog
Black Lips MySpace
Black Lips Info [Allmusic]
Vice Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Living Things: Habeas Corpus

Living Things
Habeas Corpus
Jive Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
It has been awhile since we heard from the St. Louis band Living Things after they sprung out in 2005 with a record produced by Steve Albini and quite a bit of hype. On the groups sophomore record Habeas Corpus, their sound has smoothed out somewhat from the rock punch on their debut to a more blended vibe, complete with some styling synthesizers. This small stylistic change did not effect the groups knack for writing hooks and Habeas Corpus is full of them, which has the rock dance of a Killers combined with the fuzz attack of a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, which helps find their niche and makes this a welcomed return for Living Things!

Key Track: "Oxygen"

Band With Similar Fire: The Killers

Living Things: Ahead Of The Lions [Fire Note Review 4/14/06]

Official Living Things Website
Living Things MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Gary: Chub

The Gary
Chub
Cedar Fever Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Calling Austin, TX home may get you noticed quicker but automatically sets the bar higher for your release, which is exactly the expectations for this mini-album from The Gary. They play a very brooding style of rock that has the spirit of some past groups that were housed on the Dischord, Drag City and Touch & Go labels as their style blends these influences with small outbursts of guitar combined with a more mid tempo indie vocal. All of this equals a consistent seven track record that keeps Chub interesting and showcases the trio's talents, especially on the instrumental rocker "Freaks Go Forward".

Key Track: "I May Have A Drink"

Band With Similar Fire: The National

The Gary MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Sholi: Sholi

Sholi
Sholi
Quarterstick Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: A different kind of indie that I think you will like!

Album Review:
San Francisco's Sholi have all the right characteristics to be a huge buzz band right now with the recent release of their self-titled debut record. Sholi play a style of indie music that has the appearance of expansive avant-rock but as you dissect each track the trio really are more straightforward than you think. The key to Sholi's likability lies directly in the vocals of lead singer Payam Bavafa and his soft harmonious delivery style. Like in the six minute "Spy In The House Of Memories" you totally forget about length as Bavafa's smooth singing keeps the listener entranced with his voice and the grooves. The foot tapping "Any Other God" is one of the most catchy and bouncing tracks on the record that moves along at a solid mid-tempo pace, which builds as the track progresses. At first glance at the track listing you might think 8 tracks means every track may go on forever but Sholi comes in just over the 43 minute mark, which balances out the lengthy songs with other more concise efforts. Sholi gets better and better with repeat listens and is really a mix of a sprawling rock style of a Karate record that has a more Vampire Weekend college vibe to it. The group enlisted Greg Saunier of Deerhoof to help guide and create their sound too, which I am sure helped gel the cohesiveness of the tracks. These elements all mixed in together create a unique experience and band in Sholi, that live up to and are worth every bit of hype they have received!

Key Tracks: "Any Other God", "Tourniquet", "Out Of Orbit"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Deerhoof
Karate
Vampire Weekend

Sholi: Dreams Before People EP [Fire Drills Review 1/22/09]

Official Sholi Website
Sholi MySpace
Sholi Info [Allmusic]
Quarterstick Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Fake Problems: It's Great To Be Alive

Fake Problems
It's Great To Be Alive
SideOneDummy Records [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
It's Great To Be Alive is Fake Problems debut record for SideOneDummy records and based on its quality, it should firmly put them in a position as a top rock indie band to be reckoned with. Their feverish method of playing is pure and entertaining as each track brings fun call-outs, a different musical approach, and a little bit of quirkiness. A good description of their sound is if someone threw Modest Mouse, Against Me!, The Hold Steady and Crooked Fingers into a cage match and Fake Problems emerged as victor. All of these different elements come together for a record that lives and breaths a spirit that shows off Fake Problems 100% commitment and talent that should not go by unnoticed!

Key Track: "Diamond Rings"

Band With Similar Fire: Against Me!

Official Fake Problems Website
Fake Problems MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Asobi Seksu: Hush

Asobi Seksu
Hush
Polyvinyl Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
New York's Asobi Seksu have always brought a sense of cool to their previous albums with a balance of shoegaze and buried vocals but for album number three, ironically titled Hush, the now reduced group to a duo, push the vocals to the front seat. This is very evident in the first single "Me & Mary" that is upbeat and has the vibe of a band wanting to break out of their mold. For fans don't fret because even though Asobi Seksu's direction is more forward their core is still surrounded by interesting soundscapes and Hush is just another solid chapter in this evolving band.

Key Track: "Me & Mary"

Band With Similar Fire: Lush

Asobi Seksu Website
Asobi Seksu MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

M. Ward: Hold Time

M. Ward
Hold Time
Merge Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Another quality batch of tracks from M. Ward.

Album Review:
It has been three years since Matt Ward released a solo record in the excellent Post-War [2006] but we actually just saw him last year on the entertaining She & Him release with Zooey Deschanel. You might think that after that more pop orientated album and the critical praise he received for Post-War that Hold Time might be Ward's most mass audience friendly album yet. That assumption of course would be completely wrong because Hold Time goes down a trail with a blended mix of country, gospel, soul, folk and blues. Now that does not mean Hold Time is awful or disappointing because it isn't. M. Ward could probably sing lullabies and it would be solid, which is exactly my opinion on Hold Time. It also helps that Ward runs with good company here just as he did on his last record because he has a list of guests that are not only noteworthy but make the album that much better. Lucinda Williams sings on the heart wrenching “Lonesome,” and to no surprise there is an appearances from Zooey Deschanel. He also finds help from the guys in Grandaddy and DeVotchKa to round out the indie side of things. I think some of the ballad tracks here may not be quite as memorable but the rockers "To Save Me", "Jailbird" and "Epistemology" all keep Hold Time on the radar plus the Buddy Holly cover "Rave On". Hold Time may not be as engaging as Post-War but repeat listens does the album good and with this release there is no sign that M. Ward is going anywhere but up - let's hope next time we don't have to wait three years!

Key Tracks: "Never Had Nobody Like You", "Epistemology", "To Save Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Andrew Bird
Howe Gelb
Calexico

She & Him: Volume One [Fire Note Review 4/3/08]
M. Ward: Post-War [Fire Note Review 8/18/06]

Official M. Ward Website
M. Ward MySpace
M. Ward Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Tommy Keene: In The Late Bright

Tommy Keene
In The Late Bright
Second Motion Records [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
If you don't know who Tommy Keene is than shame on you! In The Late Bright marks Keene's eighth album of guitar power pop that is as infectious now as when he first hit the scene back in 1982. I know many of our readers were not even born then but you might recognize Keene's name from playing guitar with Paul Westerberg, Velvet Crush and he was half of the Keene Brothers with Robert Pollard. He has always been critically acclaimed although it has never led to great commercial success but I guarantee after spinning In The Late Bright you not only will enjoy Tommy Keene but will have a better definitive definition of Power Pop!

Key Track: "Goodbye Jane"

Band With Similar Fire: Matthew Sweet

Official Tommy Keene Website
Tommy Keene MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Break Mission: The Prospect [EP]

The Break Mission
The Prospect [EP]
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
This Brooklyn trio has just released a new EP that contains four tracks of sprawling piano driven mid-tempo numbers that make you sit up and listen to their smooth delivery. Somewhere the band falls in between a Coldplay and Death Cab while still making their own niche with honest songwriting and a desire to make quality music. The Prospect EP is an encouraging collection of tracks for a band that already has two indie full lengths in their resume and shared stages with Kristen Hersh, Apollo Sunshine and Squeeze, so it would not surprise me if we don't here more from this group in 2009!

Key Track: "You're So Happy Now"

Band With Similar Fire: Death Cab For Cutie

Official Break Mission Website
The Break Mission MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Eleni Mandell: Artificial Fire

Eleni Mandell
Artificial Fire
Zedtone Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Eleni goes electric!

Album Review:
It was almost two years to the date since we last heard from Mandell on her more contained and torchy Miracle Of Five [2007]. Where Miracle tried a new recording process the overall record was similar to her earlier catalog, which makes this new outing somewhat exciting for fans. Artificial Fire is Eleni's seventh record and it has her all revved up on her inner youth that wants to crank the amps up, strum the electric guitar, and let her vocals fly. This more upbeat pace fits her voice fine and Artificial Fire is a record that you can tell Mandell is having a blast. This laid back feeling rubs off on the listener because every track makes you tap your foot and just sit back to enjoy the breeze. On the two minute songs like "Cracked" and "Little Foot", Mandell brings out her best female Elvis Costello, that is not only fun to hear but totally gives you a new perspective on her as an artist. What will never be replaced on an Eleni Mandell record is her gorgeous voice but Artificial Fire highlights that she has a solid band behind her and it truly feels like a band album fronted by a great vocalist. This is the vibe Eleni Mandell was going for and it translates to an album that fans should adore and the masses might take notice!

Key Tracks: "God Is Love", "Little Foot", "Cracked"

Bands With Similar Fire:
PJ Harvey
Rilo Kiley
Cat Power

Artificial Fire (mp3)

Eleni Mandell: Miracle Of Five [Fire Note Review 2/14/07]

Official Eleni Mandell Website
Eleni Mandell MySpace
Eleni Mandell Info [Allmusic]
Zedtone Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Iran: Dissolver

Iran
Dissolver
Narnack Records [2009]








Fire Drill Reivew:
Six years between albums is a longtime in the music world, especially when Iran member Kyp Malone joined TV On The Radio and put out three spectacular records during that time. Clearly this experience now makes Iran the half-brother to TVOTR and also explains why their sound has morphed from a more experimental noise rock group to an indie band with solid song structures. This direction on its own sounds great and Dissolver does not disappoint taken at face value but considering the source, it is hard to not compare the two bands. This comparison hurts Iran a bit and probably is unfair but if there would have been a bit more of their previous self mixed into these pop structures we might be talking about an album of year candidate.

Key Track: "Buddy"

Band With Similar Fire: Swearing At Motorists

Buddy (mp3)
I Can See The Future (mp3)

Iran MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Mi Ami: Watersports

Mi Ami
Watersports
Quaterstick Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
I don't know how to really classify nor describe Mi Ami's debut Watersports. It is a challenging record that had its sound inspired by dub, free jazz, Afro-beat and dance music. With four of the albums seven tracks pushing past the 6:50 mark, Watersports offers an eclectic blend of noises while guitarist/vocalist Daniel Martin-McCormick interjects shrill hollers into the mix. Now you might be thinking Mi Ami just sound weird - you would be right but this is an album that calls for repeat listens and I guarantee after each spin this San Fran bands weirdness starts to make sense!

Key Track: "White Wife"

Band With Similar Fire: Liars

Official Mi Ami Website
Mi Ami MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Audrye Sessions: Audrye Sessions

Audrye Sessions
Audrye Sessions
Black Seal Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: UK sound straight from the West Coast!

Album Review:
We got a little teaser from their EP back in November of what Audrye Sessions were all about and now on their just released self-titled full length we get the complete sprawling sound of this Oakland band that to the ear seems like a record that should have come from across the seas. The group creates big rock anthems and stirring ballads with lead vocalist Ryan Karazija in the driver seat as he showcases his impressive voice. His soaring vocals give each song a punch that takes them to the next level and combined with their Muse like song structures, Audrye Sessions are made for stadiums and a spectacular light show. The record was recorded with Andrew Scheps (U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash) and Matt Radosevich (The Hives, Taking Back Sunday) which helped mold the sonic and catchy album that you would expect given their credits. It is the real combination of Karazija's voice and the dynamic ringing out melodies that make Audrye Sessions succeed and it will most certainly find them getting some exposure in the TV medium with uplifting tracks like "Relentless" or the swaying swagger of tracks like "Awake". Audrye Sessions may have an uphill battle to breakout their UK sound in their own country but I certainly think it would not be due to lack of talent, quality or catchiness because all of those components can be found here on their solid debut!

Key Tracks: "Turn Me Off", "Awake", "Dust And Bones"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Muse
U2
Travis

Audrye Sessions: Audrye Sessions EP [Fire Drills Review 11/17/08]

Turn Me Off (mp3)

Audrye Sessions MySpace
Audrye Sessions Info [Wikipedia]
Black Seal Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3: Goodnight Oslo

Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3

Goodnight Oslo
Yep Roc Records [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
Let's face it - Robyn Hitchcock is one of those respected artists that delivers each time he puts out a record. Now add in the Venus 3, which consist of the R.E.M. lads Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey & Bill Rieflin and you get a record that is consistently good and delivers quality on every track. The material is positive and contains solid harmonies that get your feet tapping plus includes guest vocalists Colin Meloy (Decemberists), Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger) and Morris Windsor (Soft Boys), that guarantees that Goodnight Oslo never hits a dull moment during its concise 4o minutes.

Key Track: "Saturday Groovers"

Band With Similar Fire: Elvis Costello

Robyn Hitchcock: Luminous Groove [Box Set] [Fire Note Review 9/24/08]
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus: Olé! Tarantula [Fire Note Review 11/3/06]

Official Robyn Hitchcock Website
Robyn Hitchcock MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Rifles: Great Escape

The Rifles
Great Escape
679 Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
England's Rifles Great Escape is the groups sophomore album and it avoids the proverbial slump but does not quite hit it out of the park either. It has a good number of bouncing rockin' numbers like the title track and first single "Fall To Sorrow" but seems to reach short of its maximum potential in the substance department. Although Great Escape may not keep your interest all the way through there are still enough individual tracks to keep you a fan and go back later to hear the singles again.

Key Track: "Fall To Sorrow"

Band With Similar Fire: Kaiser Chiefs

Official Rifles Website
The Rifles MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

William Elliott Whitmore: Animals In The Dark

William Elliott Whitmore
Animals In The Dark
ANTI- Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: It is time to introduce you to William Elliott Whitmore!

Album Review:
William Elliott Whitmore is the shining example of a pure singer/songwriter. He still lives in the Iowa house he was born in, complete with horses and chickens, and as he does his daily chores, Whitmore's writing process ignites. This simplicity is what Whitmore is all about and on his last several albums it has been reflected through song, as he has focused inward on his country living. With that chapter covered, Whitmore has now looked out at the state of the country and created Animals In The Dark with the same guitar/banjo approach but now he has an added musical maturity that oozes from the records ten tracks. Right from the opening track, the pounding drumbeat and the chant to let the MF burn in "Mutiny" to political characters being demonized in "Old Devils", Whitmore shows he means business, while still providing his likable and endearing weathered vocals to each song. By the time you hit the sing a long mid point number "Hell Or High Water" you realize that Whitmore is really about getting through whatever trials may be out there with the uplifting call out of encouragement to his widespread "friends and neighbors" that just says - do what you can. This track is followed by the soulful "There's Hope For You" which shows the right path for living even though his time is up. Animals In The Dark is an honest record that is for the everyday person getting through their day regardless of their walk of life and Whitmore makes his statement clear - You can get to tomorrow! This is a statement that makes William Elliott Whitmore more relevant than his current indie following and more wise than his 30 years of age. Animals In The Dark has a timeless appeal that should play well for generations to come and gets better every time it spins right now!

Key Tracks: "Hell Or High Water", "Who Stole The Soul", "Old Devils"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Iron & Wine
Bob Dylan

Official William Elliott Whitmore Website
William Elliott Whitmore MySpace
William Elliott Whitmore Info [Allmusic]
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Thursday: Common Existence

Thursday
Common Existence
Epitaph Records [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
After taking Thursday's fifth album Common Existence for a spin I went back to the post-hardcore pioneers breakout record Full Collapse [2001] to get a baseline. What I realized is that this is a band that is trying to find their initial spunk. Common Existence succeeds on several tracks to recapture that early glory fire plus with Flaming Lips/MGMT producer Dave Fridmann at the helm, Thursday achieve a bigger layered sound that pushes them into a little newer direction, which could be a energizer for future success.

Key Track: "Resuscitation Of A Dead Man"

Band With Similar Fire: Thrice

Official Thursday Website
Thursday MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony