Bonnie "Prince" Billy: Beware

Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Beware
Drag City Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Another staple in Oldham's catalog that has a true country flavor!

Album Review:
Bonnie "Prince" Billy aka Will Oldham has always walked an Americana line on his albums and Beware puts this genre front and center. The tracks on Beware offer a more direct bluegrass/country vibe then previous albums with the consistent use of twangy guitars, strumming banjos and humming violin. Now there are plenty of other instruments that supplement the overall sound here like the flutes on "I Am Goodbye" or the marimba in "You Can't Hurt Me Now" but the use of pedal steel and slide guitars maintains the overall flavor on Beware, which gives the album its "music for a ride into the mountains" tag. Oldham sounds completely loose singing here and not nearly as serious as some of his previous efforts, which puts the listener at ease and enhances the experience for this record. On Beware, Billy calls upon some of his staple female friends in Jennifer Hutt and Emmett Kelly to lend a hand vocally to the backgrounds like he has done on previous records, which helps give his songs extra depth, harmony, and feeling. Beware does a nice job of showcasing Bonnie "Prince" Billy's talent as he dives deep into a more traditional sound and as it should not surprise you - is really good!

Key Tracks: "I Am Goodbye", "Beware Your Only Friend", "You Don't Love Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
William Elliott Whitmore
Sun Kil Moon
Neil Young

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy: The Letting Go [Fire Note Review 10/31/06]

Official Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Website
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy MySpace
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Info [Allmusic]
Drag City Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Pansy Division: That's So Gay

Pansy Division
That's So Gay
Alternative Tentacles [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
During the early 90's pop punk explosion the Pansy Division were made famous by association with Lookout Records! and benefited from the genres exposure that included opening for Green Day. The group also was pretty good at the punk rock thing and it just so happened that they were very openly gay. That's So Gay finds the band back to their old humorous ways on their eighth studio album overall and their first new record in six years. The record does not disappoint in the fact that the songs are catchy, funny, and carry on the bands homoerotic athletic traditions plus as a special treat it includes vocals from Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) on "Average Men," which calls out us straight guys favorites being "NASCAR, Bad Boys, Bud Lite, Hooters". Pansy Division is not for everyone due to the common themed subject matter but for fans it will be especially nice to see the band back in perfect full and outright gay form!

Key Track: "Average Men"

Band With Similar Fire: The Mr. T Experience

Official Pansy Division Website
Pansy Division MySpace
Pansy Division Info [Allmusic]
Alternative Tentacles

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Maria Taylor: LadyLuck

Maria Taylor
LadyLuck
Nettwerk Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Maria Taylor is probably best known as half of the earthy pop group Azure Ray with Orenda Fink and releasing her previous solo work on Bright Eyes label Saddle Creek. LadyLuck is Taylor's third solo outing and first for Nettwerk Records that finds the singer/songwriter growing and expanding her sound into a more acoustic based format. Taylor's voice is superb and LadyLuck has a nice balance of upbeat tracks like the peppy "Time Lapse Lifeline" to the pure ballads of "My Favorite...Love" to the catchy foot tapping closer and first single "Cartoons And Forever Plans" that features Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) on vocals. LadyLuck backs up Maria's singer/songwriter status with this collection of ten songs, that are enjoyable, memorable and will make you want to hear more!

Key Track: "Time Lapse Lifeline"

Band With Similar Fire: Dar Williams

Maria Taylor MySpace
Maria Taylor Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Peter Bjorn And John: Living Thing

Peter Bjorn And John
Living Thing
Star Time International [2009]









Fire Note Says: This band is out to challenge your ear - and your ear is going to like it!

Album Review:
It would have been easy for the Swedish trio Peter Bjorn And John to follow up their critically acclaimed and commercial approved album Writer's Block [2006] with a step forward into the catchy world of pop. Instead - on their follow up Living Thing (we won't count the instrumental album Seaside Rock released last year) the group tones down the guitars, boosts the synths, and separates out the vocals. This direction will be more of a challenge to any newbie to PB&J but for fans that have been with the group, they already know that their beloved band always likes to push the artistic envelope. From the profane chorus line in rocker "Lay It Down" to the children jangly singing on first single "Nothing To Worry About" and even a modern Paul Simon sounding title track, PB&J leave no musical stone unturned. The effect of all these fresh avenues is album magic because after several spins you start to get it. The songs that seemed 50 degrees colder than on Writer's start feeling warm to the ear and the simple undertones to many of the tracks get in your head. This is the winning formula that Peter Bjorn & John bring to the table regardless of what style they are tackling. Living Thing may take a bit to get into and probably won't put Peter Bjorn And John in the mainstream but it should solidify them as an indie elite - and what could be wrong with that!

Key Tracks: "Nothing To Worry About", "It Don't Move Me", "Lay It Down"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Depeche Mode
Vampire Weekend
New Order

Peter Bjorn And John: Writer's Block [Fire Note Review 2/21/07]

Official Peter Bjorn And John Website
Peter Bjorn And John MySpace
Peter Bjorn And John Info [Allmusic]
Star Time International

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Flatlanders: Hills And Valleys

The Flatlanders
Hills And Valleys
New West Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Honestly, the Flatlanders probably don't care nor need review space based on their already "classic" status with their many faithful followers but we are giving it to them anyway. The trio of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock have only released four albums in 30 years so any new output is always going to be worth a mention. You might question their current relevance but on the first track "Homeland Refugee" the group dives right into the American home loss crisis. Not all the songs are so heavy but what is great about the group is that their individual success is put aside on a Flatlanders album and they sound like they have released 20 albums together with their strong co-writing skills and tight album cohesion. All of this translates into a solid output and Hills And Valleys is no different.

Key Track: "Homeland Refugee"

Band With Similar Fire: Steve Earle

Official Flatlanders Website
The Flatlanders MySpace
The Flatlanders Info [Allmusic]
New West Records

Hills And Valleys - The Flatla...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Von Ehrics: Loaded

The Von Ehrics
Loaded
Crustacean Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
The Von Ehrics have been around since 2000 and Loaded is the groups third record. The Texas group plays a style of Southern rock, punk and country that has elements of Old 97's, Supersuckers and Social D all mixed into one. Loaded sounds completely focused but also is made for the stage and I can't imagine The Von Ehrics not tearing it up. Loaded is a fast 35 minutes and is as rough as it is raw, which just fuels repeat listens and makes it a record to put on, turn up and ensure that you will let some steam out after a hard day on the job!

Key Track: "Just Leave Me Out"

Band With Similar Fire: Supersuckers

Official Von Ehrics Website
The Von Ehrics MySpace
Crustacean Records

-Reece Michael

Great Lake Swimmers: Lost Channels

Great Lake Swimmers
Lost Channels
Nettwerk Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: A band that is ready to break out!

Album Review:
I imagine we can blame it on Canada for the reason the Great Lake Swimmers are not more well known on the indie circuit. Lost Channels is the groups fourth album and it is another solid recording if not their best to date. It all starts with lead singer Tony Dekker because he has one of those voices that is instantly likable and it just sort of floats from track to track. This is no more evident then on lead single "Pulling On A Line" that is able to convey warmth while being ultra serious as Dekker sings the catchy chorus “I’m just pulling on a line, but sometimes it pulls on me.” The rest of Lost Channels falls into this same pattern and the songs fit the bands general description as being well rounded folk rock. What gives the Great Lake Swimmers their swirling sound is Dekker's love for recording outside a studio and Lost Channels is no different as it was captured in a castle, a historic arts centre and an old church. This free feel comes through the songs and adds an extra looseness which really fits the Great Lake Swimmers. Lost Channels has the strength to really break the band out into the mainstream with its heartfelt and yet surreal approach while finally allowing the Great Lake Swimmers to hang out with the elite in their genre.

Key Tracks: "Pulling On A Line", "Still", "The Chorus In The Underground"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Band Of Horses
Guster
Early R.E.M.

Official Great Lake Swimmers Website
Great Lake Swimmers MySpace
Great Lake Swimmers Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Sometymes Why: Your Heart Is A Glorious Machine

Sometymes Why
Your Heart Is A Glorious Machine
Signature Sounds [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
The female vocal trio Sometymes Why is sort of a new folk movement supergroup as all three members are in other well known contemporary groups. Your Heart Is A Glorious Machine is the groups sophomore effort and contains stellar vocal harmonies combined with its very organic and earthly song structures. The band is very indie sounding versus traditional bluegrass that even includes an excellent cover of Concrete Blonde's "Joey". If you are looking for something completely different and off the normal radar seek Sometymes Why out and I am sure it will be 35 minutes you will enjoy!

Key Track: "Joey"

Band With Similar Fire: Jenny Lewis

Official Sometymes Why Website
Sometymes Why MySpace
Sometymes Why Info [Allmusic]
Signature Sounds

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Radiohead: Collector's Edition Reissues

Radiohead
Pablo Honey, The Bends, OK Computer
Collector's Edition Reissues
Captiol Records [2009]




Fire Drill Review:
I remember getting a copy of The Bends from a friend when it originally released and it was simply tagged as the new one from the band that did "Creep". I sort of laugh now as I reflect that it has been 14 years since that conversation and where Radiohead are today. You will need to get over the fact that these new 2 CD versions were released by Capitol without say from the band but all three discs gather up a multitude of b side and live cut goodies, which should get any fan excited and sort of forgive the label's rudeness. I am sure that many fans have these extras spread throughout their collection and possibly at questionable quality, so not only is it nice to see these excellent albums have excellent quality extensions but for diehards there is even another level that includes DVDs with video material. If you have never been into Radiohead, I recommend you start right here at the beginning because their music will overtake you and these three records will bridge you straight into their current state of music art!

Radiohead: The Best Of [Fire Note Review 6/26/08]
Radiohead: In Rainbows [Fire Note Review 10/22/07]

Official Radiohead Website
Radiohead MySpace
Radiohead Info [Allmusic]
Capitol Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: Tell 'Em What Your Name Is!

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Tell 'Em What Your Name Is!
Lost Highway Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: A timeless piece of work from the feverish Black Joe Lewis!

Album Review:
About 12 seconds into the opening track "Gunpowder", you just know that you are going to dig Black Joe Lewis and his Honeybears as the horns blaze and Lewis' vocals bust out of your speaker. You might be somewhat surprised that this eight-piece, garage soul group hails from Austin, TX, but their debut Tell 'Em What Your Name Is! sure brings the heat. The record has full on Austin roots, as it was produced by drummer Jim Eno from Austin's beloved Spoon and was mostly recorded in the city live in studio. Black Joe Lewis is super energized throughout the record and he has the sound of classic artists like James Brown and Otis Redding but still possesses a very modern indie edge. This could go nowhere without the help of his accomplished backing band The Honeybears because they crank up the guitars and brass for the full 30 minutes supplying rhythms that don't let your feet stop tapping. Tell 'Em What Your Name Is! is a debut that hides nothing and shows the listener exactly who Black Joe Lewis is and what he is all about - that is rocking you out old school and sounding completely unique from anything on the scene right now!

Key Tracks: "Sugarfoot", "Big Booty Woman", "Please Pt. 2"

Bands With Similar Fire:
R.L. Burnside
Jon Spencer
James Brown

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears EP [Fire Note Review 1/28/09]

Official Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Website
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears MySpace
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Info [Allmusic]
Lost Highway Records

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

O+S: O+S

O+S
O+S
Saddle Creek Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Many times longtime friendships yield solid results, which O+S is a perfect test of this theory. Orenda Fink (Azure Ray) and Scalpelist (aka Cedric Lemoyne of Remy Zero) have been friends for at least 16 years and their self-titled debut is a modern loop based project that is supported by the lush vocal power of Fink. The tracks are all very rich in texture, which seem to almost lift and propel Orenda's voice to an earthly level that is hard to replicate. The result is an album that sounds rich and vibrant with even the cheapest set of headphones!

Key Track: "New Life"

Band With Similar Fire: Cocteau Twins

We Do What We Want To (mp3)
Permanent Scar (mp3)

Official O+S Website
O+S MySpace
O+S Info [Allmusic]
Saddle Creek Records

O+S - O+S

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

Little Brazil: Son

Little Brazil
Son
Anodyne Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Omaha, Nebraska's Little Brazil features singer/songwriter/guitarist Landon Hedges (The Good Life) and Son is the bands third long player. Son is an album that deals with some pretty deep subject material such as divorce, adultery, custody battles, parental alienation, abandonment, suicide, and the search of self-affirmation told from a child’s perspective. It is said that Son is half fiction but after taking it for several spins you will either connect or not with the subject matter. This is good and bad for an album that seeps the emo tag and musically is solid but in the long run may fall short with fans that won't be able to hear the message.

Key Track: "What's The Problem"

Band With Similar Fire: Further Seems Forever

Official Little Brazil Website
Little Brazil MySpace
Little Brazil Info [Allmusic]
Anodyne Records

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

The Decemberists: The Hazards Of Love

The Decemberists
The Hazards Of Love
Capitol Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Hopefully you can snag the balcony seat for this rock opera!

Album Review:
You were crazy if you thought that The Decemberists next album would be anything less than an epic 17 songs and 60 minutes long. You were crazy if thought that band leader Colin Meloy would release an album of just songs without taking the opportunity to tell a story. You were also crazy to think that the bands fifth long player The Hazards Of Love would suck. The Decemberists are truly an artistic group and even though a "big" album like this will gather both negative and positive reviews, I will tell you that it is completely entertaining and full of ideas that will take the listener multiple spins to comprehend. The Hazards Of Love also hosts an array of talent besides the band, which includes guest vocalists Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) and Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond) plus bits and pieces from Robyn Hitchcock, Rebecca Gates (The Spinanes) and epic album himself Jim James (My Morning Jacket). The women guests especially stand out as they go back in forth with Meloy on several cuts and hold up their "acts" in the musical. The Decemberists hold back nothing on The Hazards Of Love and have quick spontaneous musical changes throughout that will always keep you guessing like the children singing in "The Hazards Of Love 3" or the 70's guitar assault in "The Queen's Rebuke/The Crossing". As a whole fans should know that this record is really classic Decemberists with its grandiose story line, its folk-metal mixture and it's intriguing soundscapes. I also guarantee that these songs will play spectacularly live with what I am sure will be a "show" - just make sure you go out and catch it!

Key Tracks: "The Wanting Comes In Waves/Repaid", "The Hazards Of Love 1", "Annan Water"

Bands With Similar Fire:
My Morning Jacket
PJ Harvey
Deep Purple

The Decemberists: Always The Bridesmaid - A Singles Series [Fire Note Review 11/6/08]
Colin Meloy: Colin Meloy Sings Live! [Fire Note Review 5/19/08]
The Decemberists: The Crane Wife [Fire Note Review 10/2/06]

Official The Decemberists Website
The Decemberists MySpace
The Decemberists Info [Allmusic]
Captiol Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Cymbals Eat Guitars: Why There Are Mountains

Cymbals Eat Guitars
Why There Are Mountains
Self-Released [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
I love it when I pick up a new band which has self-released its record and it totally blows me away. That is exactly what happened after taking New York's Cymbals Eat Guitars new record Why There Are Mountains for a spin. It doesn't matter if they offer you a 6, 7 or a 4 minute song, the band ebbs and flows with explosive catchy indie rock following in the footsteps of a Modest Mouse or Built To Spill. Those are big shows to fill but Cymbals Eat Guitars make it seem easy as Why There Are Mountains gets increasingly better every time you take a listen. It has quiet moments, loud moments and everywhere in between but the constant is the quality song structures and musicianship lead by the commanding vocals of Joseph Ferocious. Why There Are Mountains is album that goes into your playlist and may not be deleted for a long time!

Key Track: "Cold Spring"

Band With Similar Fire: Modest Mouse

Cymbals Eat Guitars MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Soft Pack: The Muslims

The Soft Pack
The Muslims
Self-Released [2009]








 Fire Drill Review: San Diego's The Soft Pack (formally The Muslims) have been on the buzz list for awhile especially with the recent release of their debut record The Muslims. The album is ten songs of lo-fi shuffling California indie rock that will remind you of several early Replacement records and The Strokes if they turned up the fuzz.

The record is only 30 minutes, which is perfect because the group takes care of business and never wears out their welcome. The Soft Pack will be a band to watch because based on this album good things might come their way!

Key Track: "Nightlife"

Band With Similar Fire: The Replacements

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Obits: I Blame You

Obits
I Blame You
Sub Pop Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This a raw rock attack that will simply make you turn the volume knob up!

Album Review:
It is real easy to get hyped up about Brooklyn's Obits with Rick Froberg (Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, Pitchfork) leading the charge. Considering his resume, the bar already starts high for Obits and the expectations of fans goes beyond that. The key part to understand about the groups debut I Blame You is that Obits are not so much into innovation, like on Froberg's previous projects, but simply into bringing the rock. Their style is a real mix of different genres and decades as they have a mixed punk, classic, grunge and garage vibe all bundled up and ready to explode on rockers like "Pine On" and "Talking To The Dog". What is appealing about I Blame You is that Obits sound like they are ready to play all night at a hot sweaty bar instead of a stadium and that drinking to their music isn't a choice it is a must. I Blame You is not going to influence other kids to start making music and probably won't even be in our top 50 this year but it is still a memorable outing that should get some notice with its straightforward appeal. It also is a good enough debut that I am already going to start building the hype for their sophomore record because I believe that is where all the parts will line up and Obits will be another influential high point in Froberg's career!

Key Tracks: "Pine On", "Two-Headed Coin", "Talking To The Dog"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Sonics
Mclusky
Mudhoney

Obits: One Cross Apiece 7" [Fire Note Review 2/17/09]

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

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fever Ray: Fever Ray

Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Mute/Rabid Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Fever Ray is Karin Dreijer and she is most notably known from the critically acclaimed group The Knife that she performs with her brother. The group had a huge critical success with their 2006 record Silent Shout and although Fever Ray is stylistically different it brings many of the same endearing qualities of her previous work. Fever Ray actually moves at a much slower pace than The Knife but has an underbelly of rumble, which makes the record ebb and flow for 48 minutes of listening pleasure. It is a album that gets better with each spin and simply never dulls with all of the layered vocals and the array of background instruments.

Key Track: "Seven"

Band With Similar Fire: Björk

Official Fever Ray Website
Fever Ray MySpace
Fever Ray Info [Allmusic]
Mute Records

Fever Ray - Fever Ray

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Condo Fucks: Fuckbook

Condo Fucks
Fuckbook
Matador Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
If I told you this was really Yo La Tengo you would probably tell me to get lost but the Condo Fucks really are Yo La Tengo hiding behind a moniker for this cover album Fuckbook. The group tears through covers of The Small Faces, Richard Hell, Beach Boys, Electric Eels, Troggs, Flaming Groovies and Slade in the roughest and raw way they know how. The vocals are muffled, the acoustics suck and the drumming sounds like it is in a hallway but the energy is turned up to 11 and it makes for a fun and rocking record. Fuckbook may be a cover record but it is 30 minutes of kick ass lo-fi rock that you will totally enjoy and still scratch your head at the end of the record trying to disprove that it really is Yo La Tengo - sound like fun? - Hell yeah it is!

Key Track: "Dog Meat"

Band With Similar Fire: Times New Viking

Condo Fucks Info [Allmusic]
Matador Records

Fuckbook - Condo Fucks

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dan Deacon: Bromst

Dan Deacon
Bromst
Carpark Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: This is an album that you will discover something new on every spin!

Album Review:
People that were part of the praises for Dan Deacon's breakthrough record Spiderman Of The Rings [2007] will be pleased to know that Bromst is just as experimental and at times crazed as Spiderman, but really is the emergence of a more focused and mature artist that is finding his way to that ultimate album. Unlike the completely electronic Spiderman, Bromst is a mixture of acoustic instruments, mechanical instruments, samples and electronics. The record has a much more "human" vibe to it with the inclusion of live drums, winds, brass, player piano, and a little marimba. It's layered vocal harmonies bring you into the songs, while the rich swirling sounds make you want more and search for new dimensions within every track. Bromst is definitely an attempt by Deacon to capture his intense live shows energy, sound and spirit. This is even highlighted by a massive tour that will follow the albums release this week that will feature a full 14 piece live ensemble. Bromst gives you everything that Deacon's earlier releases didn't and its vibrant aurora gives benefiting rewards every time you just let it play!

Key Tracks: "Snookered", "Get Older", "Woof Woof"

Bands With Similar Fire:
M83
Animal Collective
Cex

Get Older (mp3)

Official Dan Deacon Website
Dan Deacon MySpace
Dan Deacon Info [Allmusic]
Carpark Records

Bromst - Dan Deacon

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Nickel Eye: The Time Of The Assassins

Nickel Eye
The Time Of The Assassins
Rykodisc [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Since the Strokes creative hiatus we have seen the band members branch out into some side projects with Albert Hammond Jr. doing his solo thing, Fabrizio Moretti in Little Joy, and now Strokes bassist Nikolai Fraiture has released Nickel Eye. It is a collection of mid tempo numbers that never quite break out of their shell but also are not that bad. The Time Of The Assassins features the guys from UK's South as the backing band plus has several catchy tracks in first single "Brandy Of The Damned", which has a very 311 vibe to it while "Back From Exile" has a Strokes attitude that works. At the end of the day nobody might remember Nickel Eye when the new Strokes album comes out or compared to some of the other stronger band side projects but given more focus and time, I wouldn't put Fraiture out to pasture yet!

Key Track: "Back From Exile"

Band With Similar Fire: John Frusciante

Nickle Eye MySpace
Nickle Eye Info [Allmusic]
Rykodisc

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sarah Borges And The Broken Singles: The Stars Are Out

Sarah Borges And The Broken Singles
The Stars Are Out
Sugar Hill Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
The Stars Are Out is Boston's Sarah Borges third long player and probably the most adventurous stylistically. While her previous records have been more Americana flavored, The Stars Are Out pushes into a more pop rock orientated sound. From first single and Joan Jett like rocker "Do It For Free" to the snarling attitude in "I'll Show You How", Borges sounds completely confident in her new sound and entertains the listener throughout the records quick 35 mintues. The Stars Are Out has five covers (out of ten tracks), which gives you some insight where Borges heart lies with Smokey Robinson's "Being With You", The Lemonheads "Ride With Me" and The Magnetic Fields "No One Will Ever Love You" all done tastefully and giving them a new feel. I could see The Stars Are Out easily being the album to break Sarah Borges and her solid backing band The Broken Singles into the mainstream with just the right song on a TV show - we will just need to wait and see!

Key Track: "Do It For Free"

Band With Similar Fire: Kasey Chambers

Official Sarah Borges Website
Sarah Borges MySpace
Sarah Borges Info [Allmusic]
Sugar Hill Records

The Stars Are Out - Sarah Borg...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Out Of The Office Today

We are out of the office today - The Fire Note will be back with reviews on Monday!

The Takeover UK: Running With The Wasters

The Takeover UK
Running With The Wasters
Rykodisc [2009]








Fire Note Says: Pittsburgh band follows their impressive EP with solid debut!

Album Review:
The Takeover UK hail from Pittsburgh, but their music sounds like it comes from across the seas as their moniker suggests. The quartet puts out a quality debut full length in Running With The Wasters that is filled with catchy hooks and British invasion rocking numbers that barely lets you take a break. This enthusiasm shines through on standout call and response tracks "Ah La La", "Don't Wait Up", and "Running With The Wasters" that each are instantly memorable. The band also pulls out the sensitive stuff on ballads "Sleep It All Away" and "Evelyn" which change up the pace and make for good transitions while having a very retro feel. Having a sound that gathers elements of Brit-pop, early punk and good ol' American rock gives The Takeover UK a vibe that is not necessarily unique but a sound that is familiar in every good way you can imagine. If you have ever been a fan of straightforward British invasion inspired power pop then The Takeover UK should be a new band that you seek out immediately because they offer 13 tracks here which should quickly find their way into your current playlist!

Key Tracks: "Ah La La", "Running With The Wasters", "Evelyn"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arctic Monkeys
Supergrass
The Kooks

The Takeover UK: It's All Happening [EP] [Fire Note Review 6/23/08]

Official Takeover UK Website
The Takeover UK Myspace
The Takeover UK Info [Allmusic]
Rykodisc

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Ace Enders & A Million Different People: When I Hit The Ground

Ace Enders & A Million Different People
When I Hit The Ground
Drive-Thru/Vagrant Records [2009]






Fire Drill Review:
Ace Enders is best known as the lead singer for emo darlings The Early November. That group never lived up to the total expectations but Enders carries the torch forward on his sophomore solo record When I Hit The Ground. What I liked about this record was that it would have been easy for Enders to put out 14 tracks of mid tempo heart wrenching ballads but instead When I Hit The Ground takes his emo vocals and mixes in a more 90's alternative rock that hits much heavier in places than you would expect. It also helps that his new backing band A Million Different People can rock it out like on the 5 minute pounder "Where Do We Go From Here" and the quick paced "Take The Money And Run". Ace Enders has released a record that breaks the mold of his past and truly puts him out there as a new artist to keep an eye on because the emo kids are going to like it but indie fans just might embrace it!

Key Track: "Where Do We Go From Here"

Band With Similar Fire: Jimmy Eat World

The Early November: The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path [Fire Note Review 7/16/06]

Official Ace Enders Website
Ace Enders MySpace
Ace Enders Info [Allmusic]
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Submarines: Honeysuckle Remixes

The Submarines
Honeysuckle Remixes
Nettwerk Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
The Honeysuckle Remixes contains nine remix tracks (5 different songs) off The Submarines record Honeysuckle Weeks [2008] from the likes of bands Ra Ra Riot, Styrofoam, and AmpLive. It is interesting what some of these groups do with the Submarines somewhat simple originals as they each get injected with a little electronica and dance. Blake Hazard's voice is made for the beats and even more impressive is the more rocking version of the iPhone tune "You Me & The Bourgeoisie" by Alaska In Winter. Ultimately, this record won't hook the casual listener into the band but fans should really dig it!

Key Track: "You Me & The Bourgeoisie (Alaska In Winter Remix)"

Band With Similar Fire: Ladytron

The Submarines: Honeysuckle Weeks [Fire Note Review 10/15/08]

Official Submarines Website
The Submarines MySpace
The Submarines Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta