Brian Olive: Brian Olive

Brian Olive
Brian Olive
Alive Natural Sound Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Take a trip with singer/songwriter Brian Olive!

Album Review:
Cincinnati's Brian Olive probably will not be a familiar name to you but he was the founding guitarist and singer for the Greenhornes then moved on to the Soledad Brothers before breaking out solo. On his self-titled debut record, Olive puts together a slightly fuzzed up psychedelic release that spans different eras of rock to actually create a very modern and likable record. The album has a laid back vibe, which just lets tracks roll, such as the strumming peaceful flow of "Echoing Light" and the fun trip he provides on one of the records catchiest numbers "There Is Love". Brian Olive not only plays guitar but also includes woodwinds and piano, while gathering friends Jared McKinney and Craig Fox of the Greenhornes, Mike Weinel, formerly of the Heartless Bastards, and Dan Allaire who played with the Brian Jonestown Massacre to round out the band. This is a talented group that lets Olive do his thing. They provide enough groovy beats and rhythms to create a psych-party spirit that combines with Brian's swooping vocals, which keeps you fully entertained for the albums running 33 minutes and wanting more!

Key Tracks: "There Is Love", "The Day Is Coming", "Jubilee Line"

Bands With Similar Fire:
T Rex
Grant Lee Buffalo
Tom Petty

Brian Olive MySpace
Brian Olive Info [Allmusic]
Alive Natural Sound Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Melissa McClelland: Victoria Day

Melissa McClelland
Victoria Day
Six Shooter Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Melissa McClelland hails from the Canadian north and has a jazzy blues Americana sound that is as unique as it is catchy. Victoria Day is McClelland's third record and easily one of her best. Melissa sounds completely energized as she sings of damaged love and party times, while having a classic jazzy swagger to her style. McClelland clearly stands on her own throughout the record but also gets some solid help from Ron Sexsmith on the perfect duet "Seasoned Lovers" while husband Luke Doucet produced Victoria Day, plays a handful of instruments on it and sings backing vocals. All of the parts connect for McClelland on Victoria Day and if you are looking for a new artist to just put on and enjoy - Melissa could be that artist!

Key Track: "Seasoned Lovers"

Band With Similar Fire: Crooked Still

Official Melissa McClelland Website
Melissa McClelland MySpace
Melissa McClelland Info [Allmusic]
Six Shooter Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Deerhunter: Rainwater Cassette Exchange [EP]

Deerhunter
Rainwater Cassette Exchange [EP]
Kranky Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
After last years excellent double album, Deerhunter returns with a concise 15 minute EP of stellar tracks that showcases a band hitting creative peaks. The tracks are fuzzed out guitar numbers with just the right mix of background noise, feedback and perfected bouncy melodies. It are these components of Deerhunter's talents that made Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. better after every spin and why the Rainwater Cassette Exchange [EP] stands up to the same quality test. This is a band that is prime to still release their best material to date - we will be waiting!

Key Track: "Disappearing Ink"

Band With Similar Fire: Crystal Stilts

Deerhunter: Microcastle / Weird Era Cont. [Fire Note Review 11/10/08]

Official Deerhunter Website
Deerhunter MySpace
Deerhunter Info [Allmusic]
Kranky Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Deer Tick: Born On Flag Day

Deer Tick
Born On Flag Day
Partisan Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Deer Tick becomes full band for solid country tinged sophomore outing.

Album Review:
John J. McCauley III launched onto the scene with his solid Deer Tick debut War Elephant in 2007. Where War Elephant was more of a one man show, sophomore record Born On Flag Day has a supporting cast and could easily be considered the actual band debut. Still lead by McCauley's nasally vocal the songs here sound more developed, thought out, and systematic compared to the debut. Born On Flag Day shows that it is more of a transition record as many of the tracks still have a very loner one guy feel to them like on the ballad "Song For A Man", while "Straight Into A Storm" shows off the bands revved up spirit as it is more of a barn burner. Deer Tick's country tinged rock maintains itself as the backbone of their music but on "Friday XIII", McCauley shares the vocals and duets with Liz Isenberg that gives Born On Flag Day a retro vibe, much like when June Carter used to show up on Cash records. Overall Deer Tick will always be John J. McCauley III's vehicle but Born On Flag Day could be the forcast of opportunities to come, if he really lets the band thing work itself out and he fully engages it for album number three.

Key Tracks: "Houston, TX", "Friday XIII", "Easy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
John Prine
Clem Snide
The Gourds

Official Deer Tick Website
Deer Tick MySpace
Deer Tick Info [Allmusic]
Partisan Records

Born on Flag Day - Deer Tick

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Amy Speace: The Killer In Me

Amy Speace
The Killer In Me
Wildflower Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
New York's Amy Speace blends a classic style of Americana with straight up roots rock to deliver up a commanding presence on her fourth album The Killer In Me. She has a slight roughness to her voice that offers the listener lyrically intriguing stories and a soulful delivery, which all leads to a solid selection of memorable songs. On the title track she gets a hand from Ian Hunter (Mott The Hopple) that not only is catchy but you can hear the heartache in her voice, which highlights everything that is right about Amy Speace's music. The Killer In Me is not going to give the listener anything that has not been released before but Amy Speace has a veteran sound complemented by her backing band The Tearjerks and a confident attitude that lifts her record above many female singer/songwriters out there doing the same thing!

Key Track: "The Killer In Me"

Band With Similar Fire: Lucinda Williams

Official Amy Speace Website
Amy Speace MySpace
Wildflower Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Def Leppard: Pyromania [Deluxe Edition]

Def Leppard
Pyromania [Deluxe Edition]
Mercury Records [1983; re:2009]
(2 CD Set)








Fire Drill Review:
Hysteria [1987] was the record that made Def Leppard certified kings of pop-metal while Pyromania was the album that set the template for the entire 80's hard rock movement. Compard to other albums at the time, Pyromania's songs were more focused, the melodies were catchier and the drums never sounded so polished. This was thanks to help of producer Robert Mutt Lange and with MTV playing their videos Def Leppard became a giant success. The deluxe edition not only captures the record in a nicely remastered form but also adds a second disc, which features an unreleased show in LA from 1983. The show is interesting because you can hear the band as energetic as ever cranking out "Rock Brigade", "Bringin' On The Heartbreak" and a CCR cover of "Travelin' Band". This is well worth it for the upgrade because I know there are plenty of closet Leppard fans out there - which admittedly includes me!

Key Track: "Foolin"

Band With Similar Fire: Aerosmith

Official Def Leppard Website
Def Leppard MySpace
Def Leppard Info [Allmusic]
Universal Music Group

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Mars Volta: Octahedron

The Mars Volta
Octahedron
Warner Bros. Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Sit back and soak it in.

Album Review:
I don't know if a slow down is what fans were expecting with the release of a new Mars Volta album Octahedron but guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala's have released a record that shows off their ability to retain their king of prog-rock status while bringing it down a notch to reflect a different slice for the Volta. The key to this change is that they also paired down the track lengths a bit as only one song tops the eight minute mark. The group did all of this without cutting out pieces that followers flock to such as Omar's skilled guitar solos and Cedric's soaring vocals with sometimes out there lyrics. Octahedron will not have immediate appeal because of its decelerated attitude but these songs really simmer and have a greater impact each time you hear them. Like any Mars Volta record, Octahedron needs to be spun several times in order for it all to sink in, which leads the listener to discover different pieces each time. This record is well thought out and focused even though it probably could have used one more outright rocking track. The slower pace allows both of the guys to showcase talents that many of us might not have been aware of and that's always a good thing! It really comes down to just putting Octahedron on and relax!

Key Tracks: "Since We've Been Wrong", "Coatopaxi", "Teflon"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Eye The Ear
Crystal Antlers
The Dear Hunter

Official Mars Volta Website
The Mars Volta MySpace
The Mars Volta Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records

Octahedron - The Mars Volta

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Wave Machines: Wave If You're Really There

Wave Machines
Wave If You're Really There
Neapolitan Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Liverpool's Wave Machines have an almost perfectly blended synth-pop sound combined with an undertone of beats and bounce. The band switches in and out of these gears like on single "I Go I Go I Go" that has a propulsive hand clap timing to it, while "Keep The Lights On" contains an Elton John type falsetto and closer "Dead Houses" is a very subdued and simple closer that just fades out gracefully. Wave Machines have released a promising debut that should continue to build their UK steam and possibly earn a broader release for Wave If You're Really There in order for everyone to take a listen!

Key Track: "Punk Spirit"

Band With Similar Fire: Bloc Party

Wave Machines MySpace

Wave If You're Really There - ...

-Reviewed By Aidan Rox

R.E.M.: Reckoning [Deluxe Edition]

R.E.M.
Reckoning [Deluxe Edition]
IRS/Universal Music Group [1984; re:2009]
(2 CD Set)








Fire Drill Review:
Reckoning was the total avoidance of the sophomore slump for R.E.M. in 1984. The remastering sounds great and Reckoning truly has aged gracefully but like Murmur the second disc to this package captures a concert from this era. It is an unreleased concert recorded during the band's Little America tour at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom on July 7, 1984 which covers Reckoning's songs, but also includes versions of "Driver 8" and "Hyena" which don't show up till album number three and four. This concert also sounds a bit tighter compared to the one on Murmur, which shows the bands performance growth in a short amount of time. This for sure is an album to either pick up if you don't have it or even if you do because the redo is well worth it for your collection.

Key Track: "Driver 8"

R.E.M.: Murmur [Deluxe Edition] [Fire Note Review 12/1/08]
R.E.M.: Accelerate [Fire Note Review 3/31/08]

Official R.E.M. Website
R.E.M. MySpace
R.E.M. Info [Allmusic]
Universal Music Group

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Regina Spektor: Far

Regina Spektor
Far
Sire Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This will please her fans.

Album Review:
Regina Spektor is an artist that is primed for the big time on her third album Far. She had plenty of producer talent with four top notch guys that included her last record producer David Kahne, Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M., Snow Patrol), Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem) and ELO's Jeff Lynne. Spektor also brings her solid vocals and normal quirkiness, which make her unique to set the perfect storm up here. The small problem is that Far never builds to a fever or necessarily bottoms out - it just exists. The production is slick, which I believe hurts Spektor a bit because her vocals should stand out more while lyrically some tracks just miss the mark and make her quirky vocal play - too quirky. The upside of Far is that Regina Spektor still has her voice and she can nail a ballad like "Eet" and yet can be laid back playful on songs like "Two Birds". I think the lesson here is that less is always more and too many producers can help you swing for the fences but one focus can help you hit the home run.

Key Tracks: "Laughing With", "Eet", "Two Birds"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fiona Apple
Sarah McLachlan
Tori Amos

Official Regina Spektor Website
Regina Spektor MySpace
Regina Spektor Info [Allmusic]
Sire Records

Far - Regina Spektor

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Various Artists: SPIN Presents Purplish Rain

Various Artists
SPIN Presents Purplish Rain
SPIN [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Several other classic albums have received the song for song artist tribute like the Beatles Rubber Soul, Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska and now on its 25th anniversary you can add Prince's Purple Rain to the list. SPIN Magazine just released this song for song compilation that has an eclectic mix of groups with some of the most notable being The Riverboat Gamblers tackling "Let's Go Crazy", Sharon Jones on "Take Me With U", and Of Montreal covering "Computer Blue". The Twilight Singers offer up one of the smoothest tracks with "When Doves Cry" that also features Apollonia herself. The song is totally deconstructed in a way only Greg Dulli could. Considering this compilation is free with purchase of the Purple Rain edition SPIN magazine, there are not many reasons not to enjoy the listen.

Key Track: "When Doves Cry" - The Twilight Singers

SPIN Magazine Purple Rain Info

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Miike Snow: Miike Snow

Miike Snow
Miike Snow
Downtown Music [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Not that you would get confused but to make sure Miike Snow is not a singer/songwriter. The trio is actually an electro-indie group comprised of Fires Of Rome member Andy Wyatt and normal day job producers Bloodshat & Avant (responsible for Britney's "Toxic"). What you get instantly with this group is a polished sound and catchy hooks. The key for Miike Snow is to not venture too far into the gloss, which for most of their self-titled release they succeed. When they are on, like lead single "Animal" they are top notch - other times they sound a bit too much like producers on "Plastic Jungle". The key is that Miike Snow the artist outweighs Miike Snow the producers and presents a likable listen for a debut record.

Key Track: "Animal"

Band With Similar Fire: MGMT

Miike Snow MySpace
Miike Snow Info [Allmusic]
Downtown Music

Miike Snow - Miike Snow

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Patterson Hood: Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs)

Patterson Hood
Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs)
Ruth St. Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Drive-By Trucker goes solo with a very rewarding effort!

Album Review:
On last years excellent Drive-By Truckers record, Brighter Than Creation's Dark [2008] the lead vocals and songwriting duties were split three ways leaving plenty of material for Patterson Hood to release for this sophomore record Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs). The interesting thing is that many of the songs were created well before those sessions. It really tells you what kind of arsenal Hood has stored up because regardless of creation date, Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs) feels seamless and anything but a mish-mash of songs. From remembering the death of Kurt Cobain in "Heavy And Hanging" to reflecting on his past personnel and band struggles in "Pollyanna", being a dad Post 9/11 on "Pride Of The Yankees" and looking into the future on "Grandaddy", Hood goes through multiple emotions and time periods giving the listener a perfect snapshot of his life. It is also respectable that Hood doesn't go completely solo here but brings in a talented bunch to help him out with Will Johnson and Scott Danbom (from Centro-matic) his dad David Hood, David Barbe (Sugar, The Quick Hooks), Drive-By Truckers and Don Chambers. Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs) sets a good example of what a "band" leaders solo record should accomplish, because the record is completely personal, it retains his bands style and is totally centered around his songwriting and voice. If you are a Truckers fan then this record is a must - if you aren't sure then this is a perfect introduction to Patterson Hood and his work!

Key Tracks: "Pollyanna", "I Understand Now", "Foolish Young Bastard"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Steve Earle
Leeroy Stagger
Jay Farrar

Drive-By Truckers: Brighter Than Creation's Dark [Fire Note Review 2/11/08]

Official Patterson Hood Website
Patterson Hood MySpace
Patterson Hood Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Lemonheads: Varshons

The Lemonheads
Varshons
The End Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
It is not really surprising that The Lemonheads have released a covers record because the band has had some solid b side cover songs in their career as well as their hit Mrs. Robinson. What is surprising is the mostly eclectic song choices that will challenge even hardcore music enthusiasts to know them all. From Wire and Gram Parsons to a country fried remake of murder ballad "Layin Up With Linda" from G.G. Allin each song is treated fairly by Dando. There are also some guest vocals from Kate Moss and Liv Tyler included, which seems a bit odd but hey - it's a covers record - and a covers record that is pretty enjoyable!

Key Track: "I Just Can't Take It Anymore (Gram Parsons)"

Band With Similar Fire: Cat Power

The Lemonheads: The Lemonheads [Fire Note Review 10/16/06]

Official Lemonheads Website
The Lemonheads MySpace
The Lemonheads Info [Allmusic]
The End Records

Varshons - The Lemonheads

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Hollands: Faces [EP]

Hollands
Faces [EP]
Self-Released [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
This duo from New York City is well under the radar but Jannina Barefield plays the violin while John-Paul Norpoth handles just about everything else including lead vocals. The group covers a lot of bases on just five tracks, which swoops them in and out of different genres with a solid focus on creating a bigger sound then just two people. Faces mostly stays in the rock category but has its folk moments and succeeds as an intro to the band. The tracks definitely accomplish their goal because I would like to hear what Hollands could do on another 20 minutes!

Key Track: "Over And Out"

Band With Similar Fire: Kings Of Leon

Official Hollands Website
Hollands MySpace

Faces EP - Hollands

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dinosaur Jr.: Farm

Dinosaur Jr.
Farm
Jagjaguwar Records [2009]








 
Fire Note Says: Reunited Dinosaur Jr. shows that their last album was no fluke!

Album Review:
I am not sure that anyone could have predicted the absolutely solid output by the original members of Dinosaur Jr. but after 2007 stellar Beyond, the group says don't call it a comeback with Farm! The record is bigger, catchier and longer compared to Beyond, although I must admit only a little bit catchier! Where Beyond clocked in around 49 minutes, Farm hits the 60 minute plateau with three tracks over the 6 minute mark. Are you thinking jam band? Not quite, but Dinosaur Jr. show off how a song can extend and have meaning all the way through with the excellent ballad like "Plans" and "Said The People", which is some of the most emotional work the band has released. It is this balance that propels Farm up with the distorted guitar rock tracks like opener "Pieces", which could be on any of the bands earlier records to the more free flowing songs that never dull including the two superb tracks supplied by Lou Barlow. It is clear that this original trio is fully connecting and their veteran status has made them stronger than ever. Dinosaur Jr. is a band that will always have a discography that others will refer back on, which just keeps getting deeper with every current release including Farm!

Key Tracks: "Plans", "Your Weather", "I Want You To Know"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Superchunk
Sonic Youth
Meat Puppets

Dinosaur Jr.: Beyond [Fire Note Review 5/4/07]

Official Dinosaur Jr. Website
Dinosaur Jr. MySpace
Dinosaur Jr. Info [Allmusic]
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Precious Fathers: Alluvial Fan

Precious Fathers
Alluvial Fan
White Whale Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Precious Fathers sophomore record starts off like a giant wave you see in the distance and as it comes closer and closer the wave just gets bigger and bigger until...it swallows you up. The song is correctly titled "Swells" and it is a gulping 8 minutes long that mesmerizes you with its smoothness, so much that you don't care about length. That is the way Vancouver's instrumental Precious Fathers plays out as Tim Loewen (Destroyer) and Jaret Penner duel their guitars off each other with such ease that Alluvial Fan is a dense but relaxing experience that will simply leave you pleased upon its conclusion!

Key Track: "Pock Lips"

Band With Similar Fire: Tortoise

Official Precious Fathers Website
Precious Fathers MySpace
White Whale Records

Alluvial Fan - Precious Father...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Secret Pop Band: Pardon The Solar Interruption

Secret Pop Band
Pardon The Solar Interruption
Don't Talk Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Washington’s DC’s Secret Pop Band play a very indie style of power pop that has just enough grit to emphasize the power while blending in the pop. This mix gives the bands debut Pardon The Solar Interruption a live vibe as the group displays an energetic Superchunk like pace that showers you with memorable hooks. The Secret Pop Band is not going to change your life but in the spirit of Cheap Trick, The Figgs and Superdrag the group proudly carries the torch and will send you into a catchy rock pop bliss that sticks with you on each successive spin!

Key Track: "Sunday's Hard Rock Falls"

Band With Similar Fire: Walt Mink

Official Secret Pop Band Website
Secret Pop Band MySpace

Pardon the Solar Interruption ...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Spinnerette: Spinnerette

Spinnerette
Spinnerette
Anthem Ent. Group [2009]









Fire Note Says: Brody Dalle returns to the scene with a new band and a new sound!

Album Review:
Four years ago marked the end of The Distillers following one of their most commercially successful records with Coral Fang [2003]. It seemed like a total loss but now their stand out lead singer Brody Dalle is back with her new project Spinnerette's self-titled debut long player. Of course in the music business 2 years is a long time so 6 years between albums is almost an eternity and time now finds Dalle in a completely new place as she is married to Queens Of The Stone Age front-man Josh Homme, has a three year old girl named Camille, and has really been out of the spotlight until the groups EP released late last year. At first listen, Spinnerette will surprise Distiller fans because it is much more of a "rock" group then punk and most of Dalle's snarls have been replaced with a singing voice you might not known was there. Once you get by the initial shock on the new direction - Spinnerette settles in with you. The tracks aim high and modernize an 80's pop sound with big guitars, memorable melodies and Dalle's standout lead vocals. This combination works for the most part, plus with Distiller guitarist Tony Bevilacqua also being on board their is plenty of punch when needed. I will warn you that sometimes Spinnerette can be a bit too slick for its own good, but it quickly self corrects with its hooks that grab you and Dalle, which won't let you go!

Key Tracks: "Baptized By Fire", "Ghetto Love", "All Babes Are Wolves"

Spinnerette: Ghetto Love [EP] [Fire Note Review: 1/7/09]

Bands With Similar Fire:
Hole
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Joan Jett

Official Spinnerette Website
Spinnerette MySpace
Spinnerette Info [Allmusic]
Anthem Entertainment Group

Spinnerette - Spinnerette

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Busdriver: Jhelli Beam

Busdriver
Jhelli Beam
ANTI- Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
I admittedly do not listen to much rap/hip-hop music on a consistent basis but Busdriver has a definite appeal to a once in awhile fan like myself with its quick whipsmart pace and its integrated melodies. What makes Busdriver notable is that they probably are one of the tightest technically sound artists in the genre that really dives deep into the vocal depths of the dictionary. This is a skill that keeps your ear tuned in to every word on Jhelli Beam and the pure speed will force you to go back for more. If you are looking for a record outside the norm that may challenge what you thought your personal likes were then Busdriver is for you because they are a group that could turn you on to a whole new musical world!

Key Track: "Handfuls Of Sky"

Band With Simialr Fire: Dizzee Rascal

Official Busdriver Website
Busdriver MySpace
Busdriver Info [Allmusic]
ANTI- Records

Jhelli Beam - Busdriver

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Pete Yorn: Back & Fourth

Pete Yorn
Back & Fourth
Columbia Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: It is time to meet Pete Yorn - again!

Album Review:
After a three year pause, alt-crooner Pete Yorn returns next week with the release of his fourth record Back & Fourth. It finds him in a totally new phase in his career as this record was recorded in Omaha, NE, with producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley) and has help from other musicians instead of playing most of the instruments himself like on his previous releases. Pete recruited drummer Joey Waronker (Beck), guitarist Jonny Polonsky, pianist and arranger Nate Wolcott (Bright Eyes, The Faint, Rilo Kiley), bassist Joe Karnes (John Cale) and backing vocalist Orenda Fink (Azure Ray) to round out his talented support. If that is not enough hype, Yorn even had Rick Rubin as an executive producer. The key is - did it all work? Most signs point to yes, as Back & Fourth easily is one of his most personal records to date since Yorn's main task was lyrics this go around, while his likable gruff vocal drawl is in full force during all ten tracks. He also showcases more of his acoustic talents throughout this record while still offering enough moody mid tempo tunes to keep his fanbase going. Pete Yorn has always been strong at sticking a chorus in your head and on Back & Fourth it is no different, as he succeeds right away on track one and first single "Don't Wanna Cry". It is the most simple song but as it builds you know the words and instantly can connect. It are these type of hooks and intriguing stories that make Yorn the guy which just opened for Coldplay and the guy that is set to release an album with Scarlett Johansson later this year. It is this smooth swagger that makes Pete Yorn worth every minute you give him and allows you to enjoy his breezy and catchy delivery on Back & Fourth.

Key Tracks: "Don't Wanna Cry", "Social Development Dance", "Country"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Rhett Miller
Conor Oberst
Grant Lee Phillips

Pete Yorn: Nightcrawler [Fire Note Review 8/28/06]

Official Pete Yorn Website
Pete Yorn MySpace
Pete Yorn Info [Allmusic]
Columbia Records

Back & Fourth - Pete Yorn

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

MC Rut: 25 Years [EP]

MC Rut
25 Years [EP]
Bright Antenna Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Sacramento's rock duo Middle Class Rut (MC for short) tears it up on their 6 track EP release 25 Years now out on Bright Antenna Reocords. Lead singer Zack Lopez has a combined Perry Farrell call out and Richard Patrick (Filter) scream while Sean Stockham pounds the drums to an alt-rocking attitude to create the overall music. It is a strong showing for 2 guys that sound like a full band and offer up something unique that not many other current bands can compare to.

Key Track: "25 Years"

Band With Similar Fire: Jane's Addiction

Official MC Rut Website
MC Rut MySpace
Bright Antenna Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

War Tapes: The Continental Divide

War Tapes
The Continental Divide
Sarathan Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
LA's War Tapes are another band that play a brooding and dark rock much like a Depeche Mode, Interpol or Airborne Toxic Event. The group puts forth a solid effort throughout the record and has an interlaced female vocal with Neil Popkin's deep and somber delivery which gives War Tapes a little different sound. The Continental Divide is not a bad record but War Tapes never seem to break out of their mold completely. This still leads to some good singles but after the record's 50 minute running time you might be a bit fatigued.

Key Track: "Dreaming Of You"

Band With Similar Fire: The Airborne Toxic Event

Official War Tapes Website
War Tapes MySpace
War Tapes Info [Allmusic]
Sarathan Records
Purchase Album @ Amazon

The Continental Divide - War T...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Jeff Buckley: Grace Around The World

Jeff Buckley
Grace Around The World
Columbia/Legacy Records [2009]
(CD/DVD Set)








Fire Note Says: One more for your collection!

Album Review:
I have always absolutely adored Jeff Buckley and still wonder to this day about how his career would have turned out had he just not taken the swim which took his life 12 years ago. With this release, I was surprised to find out there were still archives of his music to be heard and truly question what could be left. Since his death there have been Deluxe Editions, Live Albums, DVDs, Books, and a hits record released, so in order to give his fans almost everything, Grace Around The World covers his appearances on local broadcasts around the globe. Some of these document his performances on the BBC Late Show, MTV Japan, MTV Europe and a song at the Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans. The accompanying DVD has the same tracklisting with several more additions plus the music video for "Hallelujah" and behind the scenes footage by VH1. Basically this release is more for the collectors who need everything because you would not want someone to necessarily discover Jeff Buckley from this release, although his strong stage presence comes off here, even in these more "tour of duty" showcases. The DVD porition is worth it for Buckley's many fans and it could be some of his last recordings to see daylight - so why not complete your collection.

Key Tracks: "Hallelujah (MTV Japan)", "Lover, You Should've Come Over (JBTV Chicago)", "Eternal Life (MTV's Most Wanted London)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Leonard Cohen
Elliott Smith
Elvis Perkins

Official Jeff Buckley Website
Jeff Buckley MySpace
Jeff Buckley Info [Allmusic]
Columbia/Legacy Records

Grace Around The World - Jeff ...

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

One For The Team: Build A Garden [EP]

One For The Team
Build A Garden [EP]
Afternoon Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Good solid indie pop is what you get on One For The Team's new EP Build A Garden. The Minneapolis group has a guy/gal vocal with fairly simple arrangements, but sounds much bigger on record with their vocal harmonies and swirling instruments. This EP contains four new songs, and four new re-recordings from tracks on last years full length Build It Up, so you get a great sense of where One For The Team has been and where they are going!

Key Track: "Best Supporting Actress"

Band With Similar Fire: Beulah

One For The Team MySpace
One For The Team Info [Allmusic]
Afternoon Records

Build A Garden - One for the T...

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby