Set Your Goals: This Will Be The Death Of Us

Set Your Goals
This Will Be The Death Of Us
Epitaph Records [2009]

Fire Note Says: Band gets sophomore record right!

Album Review:
Anymore, the world of pop-punk walks the line of being too polished, too cutesy, too fake and plain too cookie cutter. Luckily for us, Bay Area band and Warp Tour veterans Set Your Goals have released their sophomore record This Will Be The Death Of Us to remind all of us why we liked the genre in the first place and that it can still be done right! The band has went through several changes since their Mutiny! [2006] debut that includes new guitarists and shifting some of their more prominent hardcore moments into the background. That doesn't mean they have disappeared because on "Gaia Bleeds (Make Way For Man)" they are full throttle but on most of the tracks, strong guitar riffs and soaring pop-punk melodies from the duel vocal attack of Jordan Brown and Matt Wilson ring out with muscle. This is very evident on the lead single and title track, as well as on "The Few That Remain", which has an unforgettable guitar line and help from Paramore's Hayley Williams on vocals. This Will Be The Death Of Us is sharp in the right places, punk in the right places, pop in the right places, hardcore in the right places and simply puts the correct pieces all together to make one catchy and memorable album that most certainly will play great live!

Key Tracks: "This Will Be The Death Of Us", "The Few That Remain", "Look Closer"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blink-182
New Found Glory
Saves The Day

Set Your Goals MySpace
Set Your Goals Info [Allmusic]
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: Up From Below

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Up From Below
Vagrant Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Formed and led by Alex Ebert (Ima Robot), this 11 piece collective have released their debut record Up From Below, that goes in several different directions but aims to re-create the spirit of the 60's and 70's with their big sprawling psychedelia and folkish anthems. The open sway of the tracks here sound exactly how you can imagine, coming from a band that tours in an old Greyhound bus with their name scribbled on the side and has a bearded lead singer that most of the time is shirtless! All of this connects for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, which overall provides an entertaining listen.

Key Track: "Home"

Band With Similar Fire: Arcade Fire

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros MySpace
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Info [Allmusic]
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Our Lady Peace: Burn Burn

Our Lady Peace
Burn Burn
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Burn Burn is Our Lady Peace's seventh record and follows many of the trends that have got the band this far. How Burn Burn differs compared to the groups catalog is that they are now free from any major label scrutiny. This translates to a more energized Our Lady Peace then we have heard in years and has them taking a few more risks when it comes to song structures, like the acoustic moment that hits in the last half of "Monkey Brains". Overall the band still has the same "rock" sound but Burn Burn shows they still have gas left in the tank.

Key Track: "Monkey Brains"

Bands With Similar Fire: Live

Official Our Lady Peace Website
Our Lady Peace MySpace
Our Lady Peace Info [Allmusic]

Burn Burn - Our Lady Peace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Megafaun: Gather, Form & Fly

Megafaun
Gather, Form & Fly
Hometapes Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Eclectically solid!

Album Review:
Megafaun's sophomore record Gather, Form & Fly is just as eclectic sounding as their debut but where it differs is its success. That difference is cohesiveness. Without this element, songs structured by Megafaun would be lost at sea and never aide the listener. On Gather, Form & Fly the band did an excellent job of letting each track roll into the next, all while never making the transition difficult. With that explained, what you will find is that Megafaun offer bluesy guitar rock in "Solid Ground", a strolling country duet with Christy Smith, complete with banjo, on "The Longest Day" and memorable melodies on the catchy indie pop that is "The Fade". All of these tracks represent a different style, including several instrumentals, which instead of being a distraction, show a band that has many talents.

Key Tracks: "Solid Ground", "The Fade", "Worried Mind"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Kingsbury Manx
The Sea And The Cake
The Avett Brothers

Official Megafaun Website
Megafaun MySpace
Hometapes Records

Gather, Form & Fly - Megafaun

-Reivewed by Robyn Gatsby

Generationals: Con Law

Generationals
Con Law
Park The Van Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Generationals is the new collaboration of Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer (formerly of Eames Era), which blend keyboards, guitars and beats to achieve their indie sound. The duo from New Orleans have just released their debut Con Law, which is a completely lo-fi recording that is full of pop melodies. The overall opinion is that the Generationals are still finding their niche, but Con Law sounds like a gifted band having fun and creates more then enough sing along highlights over the course of this concise 33 minute record to keep you coming back!

Key Track: "Angry Charlie"

Band With Similar Fire: MGMT

Official Generationals Website
Generationals MySpace
Generationals Info [Allmusic]
Park The Van Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Wye Oak: The Knot

Wye Oak
The Knot
Merge Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Wye Oak's debut was widely critically praised, so the bar was very high for album number two - The Knot. The record does not live up to the debut but finishes just behind it. The duo of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack are in their early twenties and still working on their ultimate direction. On The Knot, this tweak in direction includes less male/female combo vocals and an increased conscious effort at song structure, which translates into the over 7 minute "Mary Is Mary". I must admit a band like Wye Oak does not need to be epic and both members singing is what made If Children [2008] flow. Clearly not a stumble on The Knot and more like a trip, because there are enough catchy tracks to take fans a long way before discounting this talented band.

Key Track: "For Prayer"

Band With Similar Fire: St. Vincent

Official Wye Oak Website
Wye Oak MySpace
Wye Oak Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Builders And The Butchers: Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well

The Builders And The Butchers
Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well
Gigantic Music [2009]









Fire Note Says: Get ready to visit The Builders And The Butchers hell fire world!

Album Review:
Not sure if you are a church going person or not but Portland's The Builders And The Butchers have put together a record that tells the story about how light can be found in the darkest places. This is communicated to the listener by the bands neo-folk sound and tales of God, the Devil, wind, rain and hell fire. Lead singer Ryan Sollee is the power that drives the groups sophomore record Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well and he has a very Colin Meloy type delivery, which fit perfectly with producer Chris Funk from the Decemberists. It is a record that always feels on the edge with its somewhat unpolished sound and its crazy carnival album cover. Definitely don't get the impression that The Builders And The Butchers are actually welcomed to Sunday school with proclamations on the romping "In The Branches" that state over and over "You're going down down where the fire is born" or the surviving tall tale in "Vampire Lake" about bloodsucking and resurrecting bodies. Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well is a solid record and lyrically goes places you probably have not thought about visiting but musically elevates The Builders And The Butchers to the top tier of the ever more popular indie folk scene. This is definitely one Sunday lesson that you won't want to miss!

Key Tracks: "Down In This Hole", "Vampire Lake", "In The Branches"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Old Crow Medicine Show
The Decemberists
Murder By Death

Official Builders And The Butchers Website
The Builders And The Butchers MySpace
The Builders And The Butchers Info [Allmusic]
Gigantic Music

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

St Helens: Heavy Profession

St Helens
Heavy Profession
Dot Dash Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Jarrod Quarrel and the sultry Hannah Brooks set the tone for Australia's St Helens and their low key bluesy debut Heavy Profession. The band seems completely laid back but in total control as Quarrel and Brooks interweave their vocals and sporadic guitar moments pop up and then disappear. At several points the record comes to a complete crawl but contains and creates a swagger that keeps your ear on every word. Heavy Profession is a record that takes several spins to get into but once you are there it rewards your time. St Helens have released an album that can fit any mood, any day and any playlist, so all you have to do is let them in!

Key Track: "Coffin Scratch"

Band With Similar Fire: Sonic Youth

St Helens MySpace
Dot Dash Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Owl City: Ocean Eyes

Owl City
Ocean Eyes
Universal Music Group [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Adam Young is the guy behind Owl City who was noticed after posting music on his MySpace page. Good for him but not necessarily good for us. This record is glossed up and simple with very little depth. Sure, several songs are somewhat catchy, but overall they still leave you comparing Owl City to another group that is better. I do believe that Adam Young is talented and I am sure Owl City will find its way onto several TV shows, so here is hoping he can cultivate his own niche for the next record.

Key Track: "Hello Seattle"

Band With Similar Fire: The Postal Service

Official Owl City Website
Owl City MySpace
Owl City Info [Allmusic]
Universal Music Group

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Trashcan Sinatras: In The Music

Trashcan Sinatras
In The Music
Lo-Five Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Soft indie pop masters return with In The Music!

Album Review:
In The Music marks the first album in five years from the Scottish dream pop band Trashcan Sinatras. The band returns with this solid collection of flowing and whimsical tunes that show you why they have been at the top of this genre for almost 20 years. The Sinatras have not lost their knack for creating tight melodies and wearing their emotions on their sleeves. In The Music
finds the band singing about the various aspects of love from beginning to end. The subject matter fits their style, although none of the ten tracks necessarily top their early career singles that put them on the college radio map, but the records overall quality showcases their now veteran status. In The Music gets better after every spin because the melodies start to stick with you and the Trashcan Sinatras just sound completely at ease. The band even features Carly Simon on "Should I Pray", which at first seems a bit odd but then I really couldn't think of a better person to sell their theme and compliment the bands overall approach - so just go with it and welcome the Trashcan Sinatras back!

Key Tracks: "I Hung My Harp Upon The Willows", "Oranges & Apples", "I Wish You'd Met Her"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Ocean Blue
Aztec Camera
The House Of Love

Official Trashcan Sinatras Website
Trashcan Sinatras MySpace
Trashcan Sinatras Info [Allmusic]
Lo-Five Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Howling Bells: Radio Wars

Howling Bells
Radio Wars
Nettwerk Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
London's Howling Bells are ready to take the music scene by storm on their sophomore release Radio Wars. The band is feeling hot after opening for big hitters Coldplay, The Killers and Snow Patrol while Radio Wars feels more grandiose in every way compared to the groups debut. Right down to their colorful album cover of close ups the Howling Bells record oozes with confidence and lead singer Juanita Stein is the main focus as her vocals are sharp, catchy and inviting. The overall result is a record that is pleasing to the ears but does not do enough to surpass their debut. This is neither a bad or good thing as the Howling Bells show great potential and should be a band to keep an eye on!

Key Track: "Treasure Hunt"

Band With Similar Fire: Great Northern

Howling Bells MySpace
Howling Bells Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Fiery Furnaces: I'm Going Away

The Fiery Furnaces
I'm Going Away
Thrill Jockey Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: No angle - just solid indie pop!

Album Review:
I'm Going Away is secretly the record many fans have wanted to see The Fiery Furnaces release for awhile now. It is not that their last several releases were not entertaining, but many times the records blurred the lines between art and oddity. On the groups eighth record, the Friedberger siblings put their best indie pop foot forward and set aside many of the eclectic song tricks that weaved in and out of their more recent releases. Much of this comes from Eleanor taking the lead vocal role by hold, as well as the lead song writer. She has a dedicated but relaxed vocal on every track that simply sways through melodies and remains completely memorable. It is this smokey coolness that lifts "Even In The Rain" up with its sunny chorus and the angry almost spoken delivery in "Staring At The Steeple". What really makes I'm Going Away stand out in their catalog is its top quality song caliber, such as "Lost At Sea" where Eleanor has written about real emotions and their effect versus some of the atypical topics the group has covered in the past. It not only ranks up high as one of their best songs, but features a bouncy piano, which gives it a timeless appeal. You may not ever be sure what you will get on a Fiery Furnaces record, but on I'm Going Away, you get one of the most straight forward and enjoyable records since their debut!

Key Tracks: "Cut The Cake", "Drive To Dallas", "Lost At Sea"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Grand Duchy
Patti Smith
The Bird And The Bee

Official Fiery Furnaces Website
The Fiery Furnaces MySpace
The Fiery Furnaces Info [Allmusic]
Thrill Jockey Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Riverdales: Invasion USA

Riverdales
Invasion USA
Asian Man Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
You may or may not know that the Riverdales rose from the ashes of influential punk band Screeching Weasel and had their first record produced by Billie Joe (Green Day) in 1995. Their sound has always been in the spirit of the Ramones and on their first long player in six years, the Riverdales start up where they left off and riff out 14 songs in 28 minutes. Invasion USA is short, sweet and better then a lot of new power pop punk groups out there. So if you are looking for a lesson, go ahead and pick this one up!

Key Track: "Squirm"

Band With Similar Fire: Ramones

Official Riverdales Website
Riverdales MySpace
Riverdales Info [Allmusic]
Asian Man Records

Invasion USA - The Riverdales

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Discovery: LP

Discovery
LP
XL Recordings [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Discovery is the side project of keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend) and Wes Miles (Ra Ra Riot) with the addition of some guest vocals from Ezra Koening (Vampire Weekend) and Angel Deradoorian (Dirty Projectors). LP comes off much like a side project because it never quite feels cohesive but definitely has parts that sound great. It is a synthesizer drivin' record that has some solid melodies and moments of potential. It is also still a side project, where clearly both guys are having fun - there is nothing wrong with that and with more focus we could easily be talking about Discovery in the future with a lot more positive adoration!

Key Track: "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend (w/ Angel Deradoorian)"

Band With Similar Fire: The Postal Service

Official Discovery Website
Discovery MySpace
Discovery Info [Allmusic]
XL Recordings

LP - Discovery

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Magnolia Electric Co.: Josephine

Magnolia Electric Co.
Josephine
Secretly Canadian Records [2009]

Fire Note Says: Heartfelt record delivers on several levels.

Album Review:
Magnolia Electric Co.'s latest record Josephine represents the ultimate tribute the band could pay to the life and spirit of fallen bassist Evan Farrell who passed away in a house fire December 2007. Josephine is the record Evan hoped for and band leader Jason Molina carefully crafted and tweaked the groups sound to achieve this fairly low key country tinged indie rock album. Josephine is one of the most straight-forward records Molina has made with simple standard arrangements and instrumentation that basically consists of piano, guitars, drums, and lapsteel. This time around, Magnolia Electric Co. rely heavily on their lyrical substance and band unity that together forms the strength of the album. It is a record that tugs at your emotions when its slower overall pace pulls you into Molina's world and lets you feel the distress the band feels. On the mourning track "Shenandoah" it is hard not to experience the pain, just like in "Little Sad Eyes" and "Heartbreak At Ten Paces" as they collectively build walls around you. Luckily the entire album is not as somber but has a brighter outlook and upbeat vibe as lead off track "O! Grace" contains a breezy sway to it, while the excellent closer "An Arrow In The Gale" releases you with its warmth and points the entire group towards a positive space, even if it lasts just over a minute. Josephine is a record that Molina needed to make, along with his bandmates, to move past losing a friend, while together creating something that will remember him forever.

Key Tracks: "O! Grace", "Shenandoah", "An Arrow In The Gale"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sun Kil Moon
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Son Volt

Official Magnolia Electric Co. Website
Magnolia Electric Co. MySpace
Magnolia Electric Co. Info [Allmusic]
Secretly Canadian Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Trevor Giuliani: Subcontrario (In Stereo)

Trevor Giuliani
Subcontrario (In Stereo)
Dovecote Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
I say this all the time but we need another singer/songwriter like we need another reader correcting our grammar. With that said, Trevor Giuliani definitely caught our ear as his pleasant vocals, his interesting stories, and his solid musicianship hoist Subcontrario (In Stereo) to the next level. "'Wasting Your Town" is the first single, and it encapsulates Giuliani's sound with its sprinkling of piano, fun hand claps and whimsical chorus. This likable quality continues throughout Subcontrario (In Stereo) and although Trevor's tracks wear different masks stylistically, his stand out vocals are the gel which holds his record in place. Basically if Trevor Giuliani was placed in the right media he could easily break out to a mass audience because lack of talent is not an issue - just exposure!

Key Track: "Wasting Your Town"

Band With Similar Fire: Pete Yorn

Trevor Giuliani MySpace
Dovecote Records

Subcontrario (In Stereo) - Tre...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Deastro: Moondagger

Deastro
Moondagger
Ghostly Int. [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Admittedly, I have always been a bit standoffish when it comes to what I call "laptop" bands. This described Randolph Chabot's Deastro debut of mostly home recordings called Keepers [2008], but on Moondagger he recruited a live band and recorded in a real studio. The change in sound is instant as each track now snaps when his songs hit the chorus and truly pop out of your speakers with the array of instruments. Sure the group is still electronic and uses synthesizer effects for most of the record but now with Chabot able to focus on song structure, it really enhances the experience and makes Moondagger a solid pop record - with real guitar, bass and drums!

Key Track: "Greens, Grays, And Nordics"

Bands With Similar Fire: MGMT

Deastro MySpace
Deastro Info [Allmusic]
Ghostly International

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Talbot Tagora: Lessons In The Woods Or A City

Talbot Tagora
Lessons In The Woods Or A City
Hardly Art Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Artistic innovation on Talbot Tagora debut!

Album Review:
When you listen to the new long player from Seattle's Talbot Tagora you start to imagine and shape what "alternative music" really is. Anymore that term spans from the most mainstream artists to the local guy on the street corner but Talbot Tagora play a style of noise ridden art punk that is simply created by guitar, bass, and drums. It is the abstract way the group attacks song structures, which makes them standout, as each track sort of blends into the next making Lessons In The Woods Or A City feel like a whole piece versus tracks or parts. Much of this comes from the simple effect of repeat, as Talbot Tagora has perfected piecing their music together with repetitive guitar licks, muffled male/female vocals and pounding reverb drums. This drives the Sonic Youth comparisons and keeps the listener intrigued around each corner because deep below all the circling noise there lies some decent pop hooks that will make you stay and ask for more.

Key Tracks: "Mouth Rainboy", "Hairspray", "Perception Stick"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sonic Youth
Abe Vigoda
Sholi

Talbot Tagora MySpace
Hardly Art Records

Lessons In The Woods Or A City...

-Reviewed by Sloane Emore

Superchunk: Crossed Wires 7"

Superchunk
Crossed Wires 7"
Merge Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
We are always up for a new single from Superchunk and the Crossed Wires 7" finds the band once again showing their veteran knack for a hook. This follows the entertaining Leaves In The Gutter [EP] released earlier this year and combined with this release represents more new output from the band in almost seven years. Both the A side and B side will rock you out with a fever that feels like early 90's Chunk. This is a good thing and if you are a collector of limited vinyl releases, Crossed Wires is currently available in a limited edition of 1,000 copies on clear vinyl. So get em while they're hot!

Key Track: "Binders (Fast Vers.)"

Band With Similar Fire: Ted Leo

Superchunk: Leaves In The Gutter [EP] [Fire Note Review 5/4/09]
Superchunk: Clambakes Vol 4 Sur La Bouche - Live in Montreal 1993 [Fire Note Review 2/2/09]

Official Superchunk Website
Superchunk MySpace
Superchunk Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Sloane Emore

The Carolinas: Songbook 1: Moonlight Or The Ghost

The Carolinas
Songbook 1: Moonlight Or The Ghost
Branch Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
The Carolinas debut, Songbook 1: Moonlight Or The Ghost is a laid back alternative country record that is not afraid to shake it up and play some straight forward rock. The album has a nice balance of memorable ballads like "Manhattan" while also being able to change pace 90 degrees with roots rockers "She's Analogue" and "Let The Sun Go Down". It is this balance and Lee Baker's lead vocals that help Songbook 1: Moonlight Or The Ghost succeed for what it is. It is not an album that is going to turn the radio on fire nor earn tons of critical praise but it is an honest record built on four guys friendships and strong songwriting, which should take The Carolinas a long way!

Key Track: "She’s Analogue"

Band With Similar Fire: Ryan Adams

Official Carolinas Website
The Carolinas MySpace
Branch Records

Songbook 1: Moonlight or the G...

-Reviewed by Sloane Emore

Portugal. The Man: The Satanic Satanist

Portugal. The Man
The Satanic Satanist
Equal Vision Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This is one catchy ride and easily the best album to date from Portugal. The Man!

Album Review:
It is always nice to be there when a band hits its stride as Portugal. The Man have on their fourth record The Satanic Satanist. The record is a memorable and catchy piece of work that grooves and flows while it has perfect timing, solid transitions and interesting subject matter. From the first hooky lead-off track "People Say", Portugal make a strong comment on the human cost of war with the lyrics “What a lovely day yeah we won the war, May have lost a million men but we got a million more”. This song leaves the politics there as much of the album focuses on lead singer John Gourley's Alaskan upbringing about loneliness, the sun and the Iditarod. What makes The Satanic Satanist succeed is that it blends different styles to give Portugal. The Man their own niche. "Lovers In Love" uses old style Motown grooves, while other tracks like the smooth "The Sun" take on a very sprawling Verve vibe and yet on "Do You" the band breaks out big and driving guitar and bass lines. The album also finds the group working more with loops and samples than they have since their 2006 debut, which completely fills in any gaps. The parting line on this record is that Portugal. The Man have released their best record to date and after taking it for one spin The Satanic Satanist will be sure to hook you too with every sing-a-long melody in its timely 35 minutes and arty packaging by Austin Sellers (see here)!

Key Tracks: "Work All Day", "The Sun", "Do You"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Stone Roses
Ween
My Morning Jacket

Official Portugal. The Man Website
Portugal. The Man MySpace
Portugal. The Man Info [Allmusic]
Equal Vision Records

The Satanic Satanist - Portuga...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

UUVVWWZ: UUVVWWZ

UUVVWWZ
UUVVWWZ
Saddle Creek Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Not only do Lincoln, Nebraska's UUVVWWZ have one of the more interesting band names but also one of the more interesting sounds on the indie scene right now. Female lead Teal Gardner has the vocal strength of a Karen O, while standing independently above the angular and often moving song structures. You can rock out to the fairly short and in your face 3 minute "Shark Suit" while in turn, the group can string different textures together and form the almost 8 minute "Neolaño". The key is that regardless of length this debut never drags and Gardner's soaring vocals keep you honed into every track - beat by beat - guitar by guitar!

Key Track: "Shark Suit"

Band With Similar Fire: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Official UUVVWWZ Website
UUVVWWZ MySpace
UUVVWWZ Info [Allmusic]
Saddle Creek Records

UUVVWWZ - UUVVWWZ

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Beastie Boys: Ill Communication [Deluxe Edition]

Beastie Boys
Ill Communication [Deluxe Edition]
Capitol Records [1994; re: 2009]
(2CD Set)








Fire Drill Review:
Where Paul's Boutique is probably the Beastie's highest critically praised album, Ill Communication ranks right up there and showcased a return to their fun spirit and some of their punk roots plus contains one of my favorite singles in "Sabotage". The album hit at the right time in 1994, MTV adored it, Spike Jonze put together one of his best videos and alternative nation was in full swing. Ill Communication was hard to pin down into one genre because it mixed old school rap, lo-fi funk, punk, jazz instrumentals, and world type rhythms giving it a wide audience and really defining what makes it a now Beastie Boy classic. The deluxe edition not only remasters the album but comes with a bonus disc of B-sides and remixes; that are well worth the price of admission although you know or have some of the tracks if you own the Root Down EP [1995].

Key Track: "The Maestro (Live)"

Band With Similar Fire: Beck

Beastie Boys: Paul's Boutique [20th Anniversary Edition] [Fire Note Review 2/12/09]

Official Beastie Boys Website
Beastie Boys MySpace
Beastie Boys Info [Allmusic]
Capitol Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Anti-Flag: The People Or The Gun

Anti-Flag
The People Or The Gun
SideOneDummy Records [2009]







Fire Note Says: Straight forward political punk rock!

Album Review:
Sometimes you are never sure what will happen to a band when they return back from some time with the major labels as Anti-Flag had several years and two albums with RCA Records but now make a return to the indies with SideOneDummy. For Anti-Flag the transition means nothing but coming back on album number seven feistier, catchier and politically charged as ever. You can almost sense from the first guitar strum that Anti-Flag were never comfortable in the majors and other than having the experience, an independent label is where they belong. The People Or The Gun is a solid charging forward punk rock album that targets some expected subjects including big corporations, government and religion. This record highlights the band's experience at all levels as it blends the hardcore punk that made them great as a new band, catchy hooks that made them appealing to the major labels and most importantly their showmanship which appeals to their legions of fans. The People Or The Gun of course does not offer any earth shattering new sounds but there is something to be said for a competently tight record - Anti-Flag offer you that record!

Key Tracks: "The Economy Is Suffering...Let It Die", "We Are The One", "When All The Lights Go Out"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Rancid
The Clash
NOFX

Official Anti-Flag Website
Anti-Flag MySpace
Anti-Flag Info [Allmusic]
SideOneDummy Records

The People Or The Gun - Anti-F...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Hotel Eden: A Way Back Home [EP]

Hotel Eden
A Way Back Home [EP]
Solar Set Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
A Way Back Home is the promising debut EP from Columbus, Ohio's Hotel Eden which is really one man show Kelly Warner. The EP has several different styles that are driven from Warner's DJ days as he is not afraid to play with sound like in the groovy "The Take Home" or on the piano driven tracks he has a more orchestrated Ben Folds sound with layered harmonies. "Here" is one of the most upbeat tracks on the EP and Hotel Eden take on a very Beck vibe with fuzzed out bass line and muffled spacey vocals. It is this wizardry that makes Hotel Eden intriguing and A Way Back Home a very enjoyable listen. It definitely sets the stage to look forward to the full length!

Key Track: "Tell Me Where You've Been"

Band With Similar Fire: Ben Folds

Official Hotel Eden Website
Hotel Eden MySpace

A Way Back Home - Hotel Eden

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony