Datarock: Red

Datarock
Red
Nettwerk Music Group [2009]








Fire Note Says: Datarock can still elctro-rock you up!

Album Review:
Red is the sophomore album from Norway's electro-rockers Datarock, which brings another blended mix of tracks that try to rekindle the spirit of their debut, while offering up something new. What stands out in Datarock's music is their 80's intrigue, as they vocally sound like and make reference to the Talking Heads, plus dedicate an entire song to Molly Ringwald titled "Molly". This retro feeling holds the progressiveness back a bit on Red, which is too bad because Datarock have what it takes to be catchy, relevant and memorable. On tracks like the bouncy Franz Ferdinandish "The Pretender" to the spoken versus in "Fear Of Death" plus the live concert noise in the album opener "The Blog", Datarock supply enough solid moments on Red to retain their fanbase and give this record just enough spunk to keep you coming back.

Key Tracks: "Fear Of Death", "Give It Up", "The Pretender"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Talking Heads
Devo
Bloc Party

Datarock: Datarock Datarock [Fire Note Review 6/29/07]

Official Datarock Website
Datarock MySpace
Datarock Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Music Group

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Liam Finn + Eliza Jane: Champagne In Seashells [EP]

Liam Finn + Eliza Jane
Champagne In Seashells [EP]
Yep Roc Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Liam Finn's new EP continues the songwriting strength found on his debut I'll Be Lightning [2008]. The record shares billing with touring band member Eliza Jane Barnes but she plays more of a supporting role as Finn's voice drives just about every track. Liam has the same smooth vocal delivery as his famous father and uncle, while Champagne In Seashells lets him dabble in a bit more distortion and electronic undertones. Overall, this EP simply highlights the bright talent of Liam Finn and raises the expectations for his next full length!

Key Track: "Honest Face"

Band With Similar Fire: Paul McCartney

Liam Finn: I'll Be Lightning [Fire Note Review 3/17/08]

Official Liam Finn Website
Liam Finn MySpace
Liam Finn Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

Champagne In Seashells EP - Li...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Vandaveer: Divide & Conquer

Vandaveer
Divide & Conquer
Supply & Demand Music [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Mark Charles Heidinger is the man and voice behind Vandaveer's somewhat straightforward folk output. Vandaveer definitely offers a different side of Heidinger, as he is also the frontman for the indie rock band Apparitions and plays bass sometimes for These United States. The tracks on Divide & Conquer are styles away from his other work and with the supporting harmonies from Rose Guerin the record oozes emotion down to the very last guitar strum. This creates an atmosphere that highlights Heidinger's songwriting ability and makes repeat plays of Divide & Conquer more rewarding each time.

Key Track: "A Mighty Leviathan Of Old"

Band With Similar Fire: Bob Dylan

Official Vandaveer Website
Vandaveer MySpace
Vandaveer Info [Allmusic]
Supply & Demand Music

Divide & Conquer - Vandaveer

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

David Bazan: Curse Your Branches

David Bazan
Curse Your Branches
Barsuk Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Pedro The Lion is gone but David Bazan is alive and well!

Album Review:
There is Christian music and then there are Christians who play music. David Bazan falls into the later category as his music has always been entrenched in religious themes. This was definitely the case in his adored band Pedro The Lion, surfaced in his more electronic group Headphones and now takes a more mature tone throughout his full length debut under his own name. Now before you possibly get freaked out, don't worry because Bazan has a way of telling stories without preaching. This talent goes a long way because Bazan's voice has never sounded better and this bunch of 10 songs are probably some of his strongest. The balance on Curse Your Branches is that along with faith, Bazan deals with alcoholism and all the evils that go along with it. This may paint an even bigger picture of a completely downer of a record but Bazan's delivery is so strong and on point that the ballads are compelling and the upbeat tracks bounce with a perfect breeze that at times make you forget about the subject matter. Curse Your Branches does not immediately pull you in like some of his earlier Pedro records but give it a few spins and you start to realize that David Bazan is an artist that we will be covering well into the future!

Key Tracks: "Hard To Be", "When We Fell", "Bless This Mess"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Iron & Wine
Matt Pond PA
Sufjan Stevens

Official David Bazan Website
David Bazan MySpace
David Bazan Info [Allmusic]
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Yes Pleases: From Whence It Came

The Yes Pleases
From Whence It Came
Elitist Low Brow Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
Seattle's The Yes Pleases play a enjoyable style of lo-fi indie pop that covers and touches several different genres. From the almost danceable opening track "Designer" compared to the grungy ballad "Vortex", The Yes Pleases almost sound like two different bands. The band really shines on their more straight forward indie rock songs like "Weekend Of Winning", which packs a punch during its upbeat two minute running time, that has a great replay value. For a band that is really under the radar From Whence It Came is a solid debut that shows promise and could eventually grab the The Yes Pleases some more exposure!

Key Track: "Weekend Of Winning"

Band With Similar Fire: Sebadoh

Official Yes Pleases Website
The Yes Pleases MySpace

From Whence It Came - The Yes ...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Apples In Stereo: #1 Hits Explosion

The Apples In Stereo
#1 Hits Explosion
Yep Roc Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Fun, Sunny and Poppy - This is Apples In Stereo!

Album Review:
I remember when you couldn't turn anywhere on the indie scene and not run into an Elephant 6 band. The Apples In Stereo were of course one of the ground zero groups that created this tag with leader Richard Schneider and his unique style of blended sunny pop with fuzzed out instrumentation. #1 Hits Explosion is a funny title because I am sure 20 out of 20 people on the street couldn't name you an Apples song, although they might know "Energy", if played for them, because it was featured in a Pepsi ad. This simple fact should not discourage the common music fan from investing in this collection because it supplies great coverage of the groups six records and the songs will instantly stick in your head. It showcases that in spite of the bands progression from the more lo-fi to hi-fi, it was always about the catchy hooks. That was the constant magic created by The Apples In Stereo because no matter how hard you tried you would still be humming these tracks well after their conclusion. The bottom line is that #1 Hits Explosion is a solid statement for The Apples In Stereo and definitely won't leave your shuffle playlist for some time!

Key Tracks: "The Bird That You Can't See", "Seems So", "Tidal Wave [Radio Remix]"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Beach Boys
Beulah
The New Pornographers

The Apples In Stereo: New Magnetic Wonder [Fire Note Review 2/6/07]

Official Apples In Stereo Website
The Apples In Stereo Myspace
The Apples In Stereo Info [Allmusic]
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Dolores O'Riordan: No Baggage

Dolores O'Riordan
No Baggage
ZOE Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Quick education - Dolores O'Riordan is the lead singer from The Cranberries. No Baggage is her second solo record and she has tons of hit singles and album sales in her past. This record feels more mature and more like a solo record compared to her Cranberries work because the tracks are totally drivin from her personality, attitude and vocals. No Baggage only suffers a bit from a pacing aspect but is still a nice listen, especially if you have always been a fan of O'Riordan, because her voice never sounded better!

Key Track: "Be Careful"

Band With Similar Fire: Sarah McLachlan

Official Dolores O'Riordan Website
Dolores O'Riordan MySpace
Dolores O'Riordan Info [Allmusic]
ZOE Records

No Baggage - Dolores O'Riordan

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The Bottle Rockets: Lean Forward

The Bottle Rockets
Lean Forward
Bloodshot Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This band brings "real" to music!

Album Review:
The Bottle Rockets have been a staple on the Americana scene since 1992 and Lean Forward marks the bands seventh record of all new material. It finds them fully refreshed after taking some time off from their typical grueling tour schedule and sounds as vibrant as their debut. What has always been key to The Bottle Rockets tracks is that they have a real quality to them. The tales they weave are always completely believable as if your best friend was singing the tunes and you were playing guitar. The Bottle Rockets lyrically and stylistically cover the bases on Lean Forward, like the message they deliver on "Hard Times", which talks about being tough even though everything around them is crumbling, while the all out rocker "Way It Used To Be" shows that they still have their solid bar band roots, which has always been a direct undertone to their music. The group can also tug at your emotions with tracks like "Kid Next Door" that tells the story of a decent guy who went to war and never came back but still have fun on the upbeat "Get On The Bus". Overall fans should flock to Lean Forward because The Bottle Rockets sound as good as ever and once again show why the group is in the top tier of Americana music!

Key Tracks: "Hard Times", "The Long Way", "Way It Used To Be"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Drive-By Truckers
Son Volt
Bobby Bare Jr.

Official Bottle Rockets Website
The Bottle Rockets MySpace
The Bottle Rockets Info [Allmusic]
Bloodshot Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Pissed Jeans: King Of Jeans

Pissed Jeans
King Of Jeans
Sub Pop Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
I can't say that I often listen to harder edged bands like Pissed Jeans but there is something special about this Pennsylvania group which pulls me in. King Of Jeans finds them packing in the same high volume venom into these 12 tracks and carries over the momentum they built on Hope For Men [2007]. They worked with producer Alex Newport (Fudge Tunnel, At The Drive-In, Sepultura, Locust) so you can't get any better hardcore cred as the record is tight from beginning to end. Pissed Jeans will not appeal to everyone but the record might surprise you how catchy these two minute in your face numbers can be, pushing your musical tastes and opening the door to an entire new genre.

Key Track: "She Is Science Fiction"

Band With Similar Fire: Murder City Devils

Pissed Jeans: Hope For Men [Fire Note Review 6/13/07]

Official Pissed Jeans Website
Pissed Jeans MySpace
Pissed Jeans Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

King of Jeans - Pissed Jeans

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Cult: Love [Expanded Edition]

The Cult
Love [Expanded Edition]
Beggars Banquet Records [1985; re:2009]
(2CD Set)








Fire Drill Review:
Many may ponder if Love needed an expanded edition but here alone the album has went platinum and across the world almost double. That being said, it may not have the most familiar singles to this side of sea but this version uses the 24-bit master of the original album and contains a bonus disc of all the tracks that appeared on the band's singles from this release period. The sound is crystal clear and nobody can can crank out a tune like Ian Astbury's distinct vocal, so if you are looking to update your Cult catalog or interested in hearing what the fuss is all about, then the expanded edition of Love is a fine place to start.

Key Track: "Sunrise"

Band With Similar Fire: Queens Of The Stone Age

Official Cult Website
The Cult MySpace
The Cult Info [Allmusic]
Beggars Banquet Records

Love (Expanded Edition) - The ...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Mew: No More Stories...

Mew
No More Stories...
Columbia Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Big title + Big sounds = Big enjoyment!

Album Review:
OK - so the full title of this record is No More Stories, are told today, I'm sorry, they washed away, No more stories the world is grey, I'm Tired, Let's wash away. Clearly a bit over the top, but once the fifth record from Denmark's acclaimed Mew starts rolling you soon forget about the title completely. No More Stories... is a solid orchestrated piece of art that has a full supply of dream pop and atmospheric instrumentation, which blends together into one large cohesive collection. The record relies heavily on its spiraling melodies and lead vocalist Jonas Bjerre's floating delivery on song after song, that never seems to tire. The band also includes a children's choir on several tracks, which highlights the grandiose overall vibe of No More Stories..., that once again works for the band and not against it. This is not an album that necessarily will be all over the radio but its pure density should appeal to Mew's already large fanbase, while critics should also fall in line because it is a record that needs to be heard more than once, as it offers up something new on each spin. No More Stories... is the type of record that may not immediately appeal to everyone but given repeat spins it gracefully over time will cross into one of your favorites of the year!

Key Tracks: "Introducing Palace Players", "Silas The Magic Car", "Vaccine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Mercury Rev
Sigur Rós
The Flaming Lips

Official Mew Website
Mew MySpace
Mew Info [Allmusic]
Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Blitzen Trapper: Black River Killer [EP]

Blitzen Trapper
Black River Killer [EP]
Sub Pop Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Blitzen Trapper have been selling these tracks on their recent tour but now Sub Pop offers them a proper release on the Black River Killer EP. This EP is really the perfect companion release to their excellent album Furr [2008] and it showcases the more folksy side of Blitzen Trapper, as it delivers one catchy track after another. The Black River Killer EP basically is a reward for fans and it puts an exclamation point beside the bands name as a group running at a creative peak, while building excitement for their next album!

Key Track: "Big Black Bird"

Band With Similar Fire: Wilco

Blitzen Trapper: Furr [Fire Note Review 9/19/08]

Official Blitzen Trapper Website
Blitzen Trapper MySpace
Blitzen Trapper Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Cave Singers: Welcome Joy

The Cave Singers
Welcome Joy
Matador Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Indie folk can go a long way with simple vocals, simple instruments and simple song structures. On The Cave Singers sophomore record Welcome Joy, they get this formula right. Pete Quirk;s distinguishable vocal and delivery brings you into each track line by line, that forms an allegiance with its listeners and wins you over by the records end. There is nothing on Welcome Joy that feels new but instead feels retro to the days when music was simplistic yet gracefully powerful. Although Welcome Joy is an enjoyable listen, I don't think it totally captures The Cave Singers potential as a group but does lay the groundwork for what could be something special in the near future!

Key Track: "Leap"

Band With Similar Fire: Fleetwood Mac

Official Cave Singers Website
The Cave Singers MySpace
The Cave Singers Info [Allmusic]
Matador Records

Welcome Joy - The Cave Singers

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Engineers: Three Fact Fader

Engineers
Three Fact Fader
Kscope Music [2009]








Fire Note Says: Worth the wait!

Album Review:
It has been four years since the Engineers released their self-titled debut but now armed with a final product that surpasses their earlier work - the UK band is ready for the next level. Mostly due to record label restructuring, Three Fact Fader's early stages sat in limbo until a push from the public got the lads back together to finally finish it off. Sonically the record highlights the Engineers talent for a subtle shoegaze undertone, while still providing solid layered harmonies that invite you into their music. The groups debut showed promise but lacked an overall cohesion that has been greatly improved on Three Fact Fader, which was helped by enlisting Ken Thomas (Sigur Rós, M83, Maps) to produce along side the band. So far there is not a US release date but most likely based on the strength of Three Fact Fader, it should land State side soon enough. The Engineers definitely have released their strongest material to date and have evolved their sound to include progressive rhythms and intense percussion, which combined with their pop song structures make Three Fact Fader a sophomore record worth waiting for and a must to check out!

Key Tracks: "Clean Coloured Water", "International Dirge", "Crawl From The Wreckage"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Super Furry Animals
Elbow
Grandaddy

Official Engineers Website
Engineers MySpace
Kscope Music

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Pine Hill Haints: To Win Or To Lose

The Pine Hill Haints
To Win Or To Lose
K Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
The Pine Hill Haints play washboards, tubs and accordions to help fuel their own brand of rockabilly fun and on their new album To Win Or To Lose, the group gets it totally right. From the rocking and memorable sing along track "Never Cry" to the more unique calypso like "Bordello Blackwidow", The Pine Hill Haints show off new risks and paths here, while retaining their core sound. To Win Or To Lose once again puts The Pine Hill Haints on top of their own bluegrass/punk/rock/Celtic genre and highlights that no one style describes their sixteen rambunctious tracks. If you enjoy music, definitely make sure to check them out for yourself, group them however you would like and most certainly - just sit back and enjoy the tunes. Also you might want to pray that the next edition of Rockband includes a washtub!

Key Track: "Never Cry"

Bands With Similar Fire: The Legendary Shack Shakers

The Pine Hill Haints MySpace
The Pine Hill Haints Info [Allmusic]
K Records

To Win or To Lose - The Pine H...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Paul And The Patients: To The Lions [EP]

Paul And The Patients
To The Lions [EP]
American Myth Recordings [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Paul And The Patients is a Brooklyn five piece that is currently flying under the radar on their enjoyable To The Lions EP. Its five songs are somewhat lo-fi, have commanding lead vocals from Paul Holmes and comes with all the grit New York can offer in a very Strokes type of way. This EP does exactly what you what from a short sampler and should slowly build some hype for a full length record, which might easily put Paul And The Patients on the indie map.

Key Track: "The Other Side"

Band With Similar Fire: Number One Cup

Paul And The Patients MySpace
American Myth Recordings

To The Lions - Paul And The Pa...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Casualties: We Are All We Have

The Casualties
We Are All We Have
SideOneDummy Records [2009]







Fire Note Says: Punk will never die!

Album Review:
As long as bands like The Casualties exist, then the spirit of punk will never disappear. On the bands seventh record We Are All We Have, their hardcore attack lead by the gruff vocals of Jorge Herrera is running full throttle. There are plenty of anthematic sing a long choruses and enough delivered force at times to blow through your speakers. The reliable constant for The Casualties is that they come off tighter then ever on record and when they crank up their guitars and bust out fierce lyrics - they mean it. One thing that stands out as a more new venture for The Casualties on We Are All We Have, is the dabbling on several tracks with reggae rhythms, that mixes up their sound a bit, but works into the record nicely by splitting up some of its hardcore moments. Ultimately, The Casualties are hardcore punk. Nothing more - nothing less. The extras are nice, but fans love the no frills punk found with the band and it can be located here within every fiery track. Pounders like "Clockwork" and "Carry On The Flag" are just short examples of in your face hammering, that showcases The Casualties veteran status and why you shouldn't look any farther then We Are All We Have to fill your punk rock needs!

Key Tracks: "We Are All We Have Tonight", "Rise And Fall", "Looking Thru Bloodshot Eyes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sex Pistols
Rancid
The Exploited

The Casualties MySpace
The Casualties Info [Allmusic]
SideOneDummy Records

We Are All We Have - The Casua...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

As Tall As Lions: You Can't Take It With You

As Tall As Lions
You Can't Take It With You
Triple Crown Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Apparently pulling this album together was not easy because the band almost broke up and ended up having three producers, but after taking their third LP for a spin you would never realize it. You Can't Take It With You is easily one of As Tall As Lions best work and it is a solid listen from beginning to end. This comes from the bands layered vocals and the softer vocal delivery of Daniel Nigro, which sells each track and gives As Tall As Lions a very UK sound even though they call Long Island home. As an up and coming band, You Can't Take It With You has many highlighted moments and could lead to a much bigger success as the group works it's way into the mainstream.

Key Track: "Sixes & Sevens"

Band With Similar Fire: Elbow

Official As Tall As Lions Website
As Tall As Lions MySpace
As Tall As Lions Info [Allmusic]
Triple Crown Records

You Can't Take It With You - A...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

MUTEMATH: Armistice

MUTEMATH
Armistice
Warner Bros. Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Not exactly what we expected.

Album Review:
After the success of Typical [2007], there was much hype built up for this release and unfortunately it comes off very uneven and tries too hard to be cool. Mutemath venture more into an experimental side here with blips and beats surrounding their repetitive alternative rock throughout the entire record but fail to recreate the bands live energy. What drives Armistice is its undertone for dance rock. Each track has a bounce to it that is made for mainstream radio, which may be great for the band but won't directly appeal to their fanbase. What is a positive noticeable difference is that the songwriting seems tighter and the production is slick. This compliments the direction Mutemath has went on Armistice, although I am not immediately enthralled by the final product their are glimmers of the band I was expecting to hear. At the end the day, this record could grow on me a bit with repeat listens and honestly maybe this is the record Mutemath needed to make now as their potential for that "great" album still exists!

Key Tracks: "The Nerve", "Spotlight", "Goodbye"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Coldplay
Maroon 5
Radiohead

Official MUTEMATH Website
MUTEMATH MySpace
MUTEMATH Info [Allmusic]
Warner Bros. Records

Armistice - MUTEMATH

-Reviewed by Sloane Emore

Joe Pernice: It Feels So Good When I Stop

Joe Pernice
It Feels So Good When I Stop
Ashmont Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
I am not sure if you have ever checked out a Novel Soundtrack before but that is exactly what Joe Pernice's new album It Feels So Good When I Stop is, as it complements his newly released book by the same name. The songs are all mentioned in the book, which consist of more obscure covers, that for many it will be the first time they hear these tracks ranging from Tood Rundgren to Sebadoh and including tracks from Tom T. Hall and Del Shannon. The bottom line on this record is that you do not need to check out the book to enjoy the album because whether you are listening to the Scud Mountain Boys, Chappaquiddick Skyline, or The Pernice Brothers, Joe Pernice's vocals have always been the attraction - same goes for here!

Key Track: "Soul And Fire"

Band With Similar Fire: Josh Rouse

Official Joe Pernice Website
Joe Pernice MySpace
Joe Pernice Info [Allmusic]
Ashmont Records

It Feels So Good When I Stop (...

-Reviewed by Sloane Emore

Brendan Benson: My Old, Familiar Friend

Brendan Benson
My Old, Familiar Friend
ATO Records [2009]









 Fire Note Says: This is the power pop Benson we know!

Album Review:
It may surprise some that My Old, Familiar Friend is Brendan Benson's fourth album. Of course those individuals probably only know Benson from being the co-pilot in the Jack White vehicle The Raconteurs but his roots are totally from the realm of power pop singer/songwriters. Now clearly Benson is not going to shy away from his new found fame and he delivers the goods on My Old, Familiar Friend. Lead off track "A Whole Lot Better" sums up his talents in one song as it has a energetic catchy hook, likable soft sung vocals and a vibe that is super friendly. The entire record has this easy flow to it from the 70's inspired ballad "Gonowhere" to the straight forward guitar rock on "Poised And Ready", Brendan Benson seems to enjoy himself on every pop coated track. At the conclusion of My Old, Familiar Friend, longtime fans may feel that the record is not as tight as his earlier recordings but as the title describes, Brendan may have rocked out with The Raconteurs but this is still the Benson you have always known!

Key Tracks: "A Whole Lot Better", "Poised And Ready", "Don't Want To Talk"

Bands With Similar Fire:
A.C. Newman
Cheap Trick
Paul McCartney

Brendan Benson MySpace
Brendan Benson Info [Allmusic]
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Lovely Feathers: Fantasy Of The Lot

The Lovely Feathers
Fantasy Of The Lot
Sparks Music [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Technically, Fantasy Of The Lot is The Lovely Feathers third LP and it finds them very seasoned and confident, with a more developed and focused sound. Although catchy, Hind Hind Legs [2006] fell short in some aspects and failed to propel the Montreal group to the sort of praise the band probably deserved. Fantasy Of The Lot remedies some of their earlier issues as it is lyrically stronger and has a much more consistent flow. Along with technical improvements, The Lovely Feathers still offer their strongest quality in their sophisticated pop sensibility, which is what shines through track after track, making Fantasy Of The Lot an enjoyable listen from beginning to end.

Key Track: "Lowiza"

Band With Similar Fire: Arcade Fire

Official Lovely Feathers Website
The Lovely Feathers MySpace
The Lovely Feathers Info [Allmusic]
Sparks Music

Fantasy Of The Lot - The Lovel...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Third Eye Blind: Ursa Major

Third Eye Blind
Ursa Major
Mega Collider Records [2009]

Fire Drill Review:

People who could never stand Third Eye Blind still won't and fans of the band will enjoy the groups fourth record and their first album in six years. Ursa Major does a nice job of not trying too hard. The band sounds good, the songs are catchy, and the record has enough pop edge to it without sounding glossed over. Third Eye Blind is an example of a band that will never surpass their debut and Ursa Major plays like they already know that - which is alright with us and seems alright with them - so fans can just enjoy what it is!

Key Track: "Bonfire"

Band With Similar Fire: Our Lady Peace

Official Third Eye Blind Website
Third Eye Blind MySpace
Third Eye Blind Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Purrs: Amused, Confused & More Bad News

The Purrs
Amused, Confused & More Bad News
Self-Released [2009]









Fire Note Says: No excuse rock n' roll!

Album Review:
The Purrs play the type of music most indie heads love to wrap their ears around but keep secretly to themselves because they don't want their favorite band to have too much exposure. On the groups fourth record Amused, Confused & More Bad News, the Seattle group offers up another solid collection of feverish UK type psych-rock that is full of hooks, swooping guitar lines and slight reverb, that all combine to create one of their most focused and concise albums to date. On previous records, the band would use several songs to explore and wander past the six minute mark on more than one track. Here on Amused, Confused & More Bad News, The Purrs only pass the five minute mark on two tracks, which leads to a record that relies more on its tight song structures then shoegaze moments. The Purrs are able to still pull off the same gazer effect here, only within a more listening friendly manner, which gives Amused, Confused & More Bad News a great replay value. What makes The Purrs worth checking out is their mid-tempo sinister groove on tracks like "Sister" that take a page from Jesus & Mary Chain, while the catchy "Fear Of Flying" gets you instantly foot tapping and singing along and especially on songs like the slow grinding ballad "Century Of Rain", The Purrs showcase their softer side while still sounding completely gritty - don't look for an influence there - that is all Purrs!

Key Tracks: "Sister", "Fear Of Flying", "Century Of Rain"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Oasis
The Dandy Warhols
Lab Partners

The Purrs: The Chemistry That Keeps Us Together [Fire Note Review 11/9/07]
The Purrs: The Purrs [Fire Note Review 9/15/06]

Official Purrs Website
The Purrs MySpace
The Purrs Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Division Day: Visitation

Division Day
Visitation
Dangerbird Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Visitation is really Division Day 2.0, as the band felt that their debut Beartrap Island [2007] tried to appease everyone and went in too many directions for mixed results. For their sophomore record they decided on a direction and let it roll, which is immediately recognized as each track here flows right into the next with complete cohesion. What stands out is that the band adds many sound scape elements along with pulsating beats to Visitation, which blends perfectly with their layered harmonies. Division Day have reinvented themselves as a band and Visitation is proof that sometimes you should give yourself a second chance, because this is an album that grows on you and a band that still might have even more grandiose things to come!

Key Track: "Chalk Lines"

Band With Similar Fire: Doves

Official Division Day Website
Division Day MySpace
Division Day Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

Visitation - Division Day

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony