Volcano Choir: Unmap

Volcano Choir
Unmap
Jagjaguwar Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Volcano Choir's debut is an interesting and surprising ride!

Album Review:
If you just picked up Volcano Choir on a whim you would be surprised that it is helmed by Justin Vernon, who stormed onto the indie seen last year with his spectacular indie folk unit Bon Iver. This is because Volcano Choir is a much more abstract and free floating type of band, that still uses Vernon's vocals to guide each songs path but never really has any boundaries and feels experimental all the way through. The second thing that might surprise you about Volcano Choir is that this combo of Vernon and the guys in Collections of Colonies of Bees, have been creating material since 2005. So Volcano Choir is not simply something Justin wanted to try but has been at his core since the beginning. Knowing this explains more about his own Bon Iver release but also explains how an album that seems like dabbling can actually be so cohesive and intriguing from beginning to end. Especially when songs don't feel like songs. The earthy vibe and jazzy feel of Unmap never cease and the music completely complements Vernon's swooping vocals that hit direct at times and echo in the background on others. This leaves Volcano Choir up to interpretation and if you give them several spins it starts to sink in. What is more exciting about this band is that it shows off more of what a real talent Justin Vernon has and what he does next, even with Bon Iver, will be met with that more anticipation!

Key Tracks: "Sleepymouth", "Island, IS", "Still"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sigur Rós
Tortoise
Spiritualized

Volcano Choir MySpace
Volcano Choir Info [Allmusic]
Jagjaguwar Records

Unmap - Volcano Choir

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Big Pink: A Brief History Of Love

The Big Pink
A Brief History Of Love
4AD Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
London's The Big Pink rekindle the spirits of earlier guitar shoegaze bands, while combining the style with a modern electronic beat background. This makes for a very fresh album that crosses into a multitude of genres but at heart there are three key ingredients that lends to its success: guitar, melody and concise song structures. All of these moments make A Brief History Of Love pulse through each track and it is very evident that The Big Pink worked each song on the album from all the angles. This means that each composition is lyrically and musically sound, which makes for a solid debut and what should be more positive exposure for The Big Pink as this year continues!

Key Track: "Dominos"

Band With Similar Fire: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Official Big Pink Website
The Big Pink MySpace
The Big Pink Info [Allmusic]
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Islands: Vapours

Islands
Vapours
ANTI- Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Islands third LP rivals the strength of their debut!

Album Review:
Vapours is the third album from the post-Unicorns duo of Jamie Thompson and Nick Diamonds. The interesting thing about Vapours is that it represents only their second record together as Thompson sat last years overblown Arm's Way [2008] out, but now has come back into the fold for the proper follow up to their stellar debut Return To The Sea [2006]. The good news is that Thompson also brought back the upbeat indie pop of their debut and a more refined instrumentation consisting mostly of drums, synthesizers and guitar. This more simplistic undertone only shines a bright a light on Vapours other strong suits, which include Islands lighthearted lyrical snappiness and bouncy melodies, that stay with you all day. Vapours is a record that Islands just sound comfortable making and their enthusiasm comes out track after track, making it an album that should get some continued play as the year goes on!

Key Tracks: "Disarming The Car Bomb", "Tender Torture",

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Apples In Stereo
Fountains Of Wayne
The Flaming Lips

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

Vapours - Islands

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Girls: Album

Girls
Album
True Panther Sounds [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
The debut album from San Francisco's Girls is one glorious lo-fi fuzzy direct sunny indie pop hot mess. That translates into - it's good! The record has a lead singer in Christopher Owens that can sound as smooth as Morrissey, sharp as Steve Malkmus, and as vocally powerful as an Elvis Costello. The record has meaning, as many of the songs were written after a tough break up and a cohesiveness front to back, which might be the combo of a perfect storm as it was recorded with most of the band members taking a multitude of substances. The end result is Album by Girls, which I guarantee that once you spin it, you won't put it down. It easily will be one of our favorites at years end!

Key Track: "Hellhole Ratrace"

Band With Similar Fire: No Age

Girls MySpace
Girls Info [Allmusic]
True Panther

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson: Break Up

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
Break Up
Rhino Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Taking inspiration from Serge Gainsbourg's collaborations with Brigitte Bardot, Yorn and Johansson recorded these nine songs for their duo debut Break Up. You might be weary of this combo but the record is actually entertaining and Johansson supplies quality vocals. With that said, she does not quite have the necessary chops to hit every song out of the park but paired with Yorn it works out OK. What really helps Break Up, is the duo's genuine like of each other that comes through on record and especially makes the single "Relator" memorable and perfect for all types of media, where the album itself might be soon forgotten.

Key Track: "Relator"

Band With Similar Fire: She & Him

Pete Yorn: Back & Fourth [Fire Note Review 6/19/09]
Pete Yorn: Nightcrawler [Fire Note Review 8/28/06]

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

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions: Through The Devil Softly

Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions
Through The Devil Softly
Nettwerk Music Group [2009]







Fire Note Says: Her voice hasn't changed one bit!

Album Review:
I don't think there is much argument to saying Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) has absolutely one of the most infectious and distinguishable voices out there. Unfortunately, she has been mostly absent after Mazzy Star ended and her solo debut Bavarian Fruit Bread in 2001. So here we are eight years later and Hope Sandoval returns with Through The Devil Softly, which sounds exactly how you might think - finely detailed, intricate arrangements and Sandoval's haunting vocals. This will appeal to longtime followers of Hope's work but will probably stop there because it is a crawl to the albums 51 minute finish line. This is not to say it is a bad crawl because each track has its own interesting swagger and Sandoval has never sounded better, but the pacing was an overall issue because it makes Through The Devil Softly an album to take in pieces, rather then in one sitting. It is nice to be talking about Hope Sandoval again and listing to this record was a solid reminder of why Mazzy Star's sophomore record So Tonight That I Might See [1993] is so highly revered. Although Through The Devil Softly lacks staying power, it is worth checking out and hopefully generates some more material from Sandoval sooner than later.

Key Tracks: "Blanchard", "Trouble", "For The Rest Of Your Life"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kritin Hersh
The Sundays
Cowboy Junkies

Official Hope Sandoval Website
Hope Sandoval MySpace
Hope Sandoval Info [Allmusic]
Nettwerk Music Group

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Moneen: The World I Want To Leave Behind

Moneen
The World I Want To Leave Behind
Vagrant Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
Moneen are a seasoned emo tagged band from Canada that have just released their fourth record The World I Want To Leave Behind. It is a competent batch of tracks that shows off the bands songwriting and passion for music and was produced by Grammy award-winning David Bottrill (Tool, Silverchair, Placebo, Muse). It is an album that swings for the fences and tries hard to balance Moneen's indie rock cred, while filtering into the mainstream with big sprawling hooks and memorable choruses. It works on several tracks - is too pop friendly on others, but still is a descent listen and even more so for current fans.

Key Track: "Believe"

Band With Similar Fire: Jimmy Eat World

Official Moneen Website
Moneen MySpace
Moneen Info [Allmusic]
Vagrant Records

The World I Want To Leave Behi...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Higher Than The Stars [EP]

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Higher Than The Stars [EP]
Slumberland Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart are slowly creeping up our great debut list of 2009 and this new EP release reminds us of why. What makes this release stellar is that you get four new tracks offered here and one killer remix of the title track from Saint Etienne, so these tracks are not merely b-sides or throwaways but make up another worthy release. The title track easily ranks up there with the groups best singles and the overall sound is a more direct style of indie pop, which showcases that The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart are not just a one trick pony and could be in for a bright future!

Key Track: "Higher Than The Stars"

Band With Similar Fire: The Field Mice

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart [Fire Note Review 2/4/09]

Official The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart Website
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart MySpace
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart Info [Allmusic]
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Avett Brothers: I And Love And You

The Avett Brothers
I And Love And You
American/Columbia Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: It may be different but it is more infectious with every spin!

Album Review:
Right from the the first note of the opening title track, you will notice a change in The Avett Brothers approach on their major label debut I And Love And You. The record is much more piano driven, polished and subdued then their earlier efforts, which at first will be a harder sell for longtime fans and a quick blame will be put on famed producer Rick Rubin, major label Columbia Records and The Avett Brothers for selling out. The key is not to jump to quick conclusions on this record. It turns out The Avett Brothers are pretty good at scaling back and after you give I And Love And You multiple spins, you start to get it. The lead single and title track "I And Love And You" is one of their most accomplished pieces to date, that could take the band to an entire new audience. There are also still rowdy folk moments like in the foot stomper "My Heart Like A Kick Drum" and the simple back porch sounds of "January Wedding" will instantly connect with fans. I And Love And You also brings some new tricks, such as the quiet piano ballad "Perfect Space" that has an explosive Ben Folds type rock out in the middle before returning back to its low key beginnings and much more focus is placed on the groups solo vocals and harmonies. I have been listening all week to this record and admit my initial rating was much lower but track by track, The Avett Brothers won me over and although they keep their normal folk energy more behind the scenes, I And Love And You is a solid record that will play great live and most certainly should have mass appeal!

Key Tracks: "I And Love And You", "Kick Drum Heart", "Laundry Room"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Clem Snide
The Band
Wilco

The Avett Brothers: The Second Gleam [EP] [Fire Note Review 10/3/08]
The Avett Brothers: Emotionalism [Fire Note Review 12/17/07]
The Avett Brothers: Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions [Fire Note Review 11/24/06]

Official Avett Brothers Website
The Avett Brothers MySpace
The Avett Brothers Info [Allmusic]
American/Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Yim Yames: Tribute To [EP]

Yim Yames
Tribute To [EP]
ATO Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Yim Yames is really Jim James from My Morning Jacket and the Tribute To EP is a dedication and record, covering the late Beatle George Harrison. Stating off, I am pretty sure that James could sing versions of the encyclopedia and it would be somewhat cool. That is my feeling towards Tribute To. James makes a smart move and stays away from Harrision's really popular solo tracks and offers great interpretations on his selected songs. What this record does show, along with James work in Monsters Of Folk, is what kind of material Yim Yames would release if he ever goes solo with original material. Could be worth a wait.

Key Track: "Long, Long, Long"

Band With Similar Fire: Neil Young

Official Yim Yames Website
Yim Yames MySpace
Yim Yames Info [Allmusic]
ATO Records

Tribute To - Yim Yames

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Hi-Nobles: Shake

The Hi-Nobles
Shake
Zaentz Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
This is probably one of the most bizarre meshings of previous bands but The Hi-Nobles are made up of Bay Area musicians from '70s punks The Avengers and the metal group Mordred to release Shake's 60's inspired garage & soul rock n roll. The record brings 100% energy and dips into bluesy undertones, which keeps the album grounded and from overreaching into a straightforward garage sound. The Hi-Nobles don't have any new cards up their sleeves when it comes to this style but the group totally makes up for it with song substance, energy and keeping your foot tapping throughout the entire record.

Key Track: "Soul Sister"

Band With Similar Fire: The Dirtbombs

The Hi-Nobles MySpace
Zaentz Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy

Various Artists
Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy
Shout! Factory [2009]







Fire Note Says: A compilation that you might not want to pass up!

Album Review:
Indie icon Mark Mulcahy (Miracle Legion, Polaris) lost his wife unexpectedly last year and proceeds from the sale of this tribute album will help Mulcahy raise his young daughters and continue his music career. The common listener probably has no idea of Mulcahy's previous bands or solo work but I guarantee you will know the contributing artists, that have reached out to support their friend. The album features 21 exclusive recordings of Mulcahy songs, which kicks off with Thom Yorke and also includes The National, Michael Stipe, Dinosaur Jr., Frank Black, Vic Chesnutt, Unbelievable Truth, Frank Turner, Ben Kweller, Josh Rouse, The Autumn Defense, Hayden, Juliana Hatfield, Mercury Rev and Elvis Perkins - to just name a few! Not many compilations can brag about the talented lineup here. This record is not only a great introduction to Mulcahy's work but an outstanding nod to human compassion and reaching out displayed in grand fashion. Along with this record release there will be a special digital only release, that has another 20 tracks which features A.C. Newman, Buffalo Tom, Laura Veirs and Joe Purdy. Not that the music itself could be enough but to coincide with the release, there will be two concert events, one in London and one in New York. Ciao My Shining Star is an easy cause to get behind and has a spectacular lineup that gives you no reason to not join in!

Key Tracks: "All For The Best" - Thom Yorke, "Everything's Coming Undone" - Michael Stipe, "The Quiet One" - Frank Turner

Official Mark Mulcahy Website
Mark Mulcahy MySpace
Shout! Factory

Ciao My Shining Star - Various...

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Julie Peel: Near The Sun

Julie Peel
Near The Sun
American Laundromat Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Julie Peel has a great voice, great songs and a stellar new debut album with Near The Sun. Her acoustic indie approach never wears old and you can easily put her up there with some of her influences like Aimee Mann, Beth Orton and Joni Mitchell. Near The Sun has a complete independent spirit throughout, which Julie recorded, mixed, and produced on her own, as well as playing most of the instruments. Julie Peel is an artist that is a true find in a sea of singer/songwriters and Near The Sun will please you from beginning to end!

Key Track: "Sister"

Band With Similar Fire: Cat Power

Official Julie Peel Website
Julie Peel MySpace
American Laundromat Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The States: We Are The Erasers [EP]

The States
We Are The Erasers [EP]
Genious Collective Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
NYC's The States have just released their third recording with We Are The Erasers EP, which contains five tracks of modern rock that is both catchy and smoothly delivered. The States have a certain cool ease to them that comes off confident, regardless of song style, like on the sprawling ballad "The Fight" or the Muse meets the Strokes mid temp rocker "Erasers". The EP was produced by Chris Grainger (Wilco, Switchfoot) and The States have earned several accolades by winning the John Lennon Songwriting Contest (Grand Prize Winners) and the International Songwriting Contest (Winners). Their music has also been featured on MTV and ESPN's "Baseball Tonight", plus Q104.3's recently included The States on their Top 10 New York bands list, so now is your chance to catch em before they go big!

Key Track: "Erasers"

Band With Similar Fire: Muse

Official States Website
The States MySpace
Genious Collective Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Pearl Jam: Backspacer

Pearl Jam
Backspacer
Monkeywrench Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Relaxed Pearl Jam make solid and fun record!

Album Review:
Sometimes when you are dealing with a career band like Pearl Jam and compare new material to their rock radio staples of the past, it gets extremely hard to embrace a record like Backspacer. Most of this anxiety comes from different places but I encourage you to put those great memories in a box and just let Backspacer's 35 minutes roll. The record is probably one of the most laid back records the band has ever released and the usual crazy intense Eddie Vedder actually sounds like he is having a good time. That is why Backspacer succeeds. Not because the record takes the band to a new level. Not because these are the best songs Pearl Jam have ever written. Not because "The Fixer" will replace "Jeremy" on people's all time favorite list. Backspacer succeeds because Pearl Jam have collected eleven songs on their own new Monkeywrench label, that are completely free of criticism, expectations, and simply put - fun to listen too. If you are expecting PJ to change your life here - seek a different record. If you are looking for one of your longtime favorites to entertain you - look no further because Backspacer will fill the void!

Key Tracks: "Get Some", "The Fixer", "The End"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Green Day
The Who
Foo Fighters

Pearl Jam: Ten [Legacy Edition] [Fire Note Review 4/6/09]
Pearl Jam: Pearl Jam [Fire Note Review 5/2/06]

Official Pearl Jam Website
Pearl Jam MySpace
Pearl Jam Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Le Loup: Family

Le Loup
Family
Hardly Art Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
You might get scared off if you read some of Le Loup's bio that describes their sophomore record Family as finding the middle ground between tribal rock, freak folk, and sonic experimentation but a more fitting and non-threatening description is that they play good ol' organic chamber pop. Family is a complete expansion of members and instruments from the bands more keyboard driven debut and includes many simple instruments like bells, hand drums, tambourines and plenty of handclaps. Each song feels alive, as the group brings the tracks in and out vocally with camp fire harmonies and surrounds them by full natural sounds. All the way down to the paisley album cover, Le Loup has released a record that is to be absorbed over time and requires more than one sitting to take it all in. It is this free and expansive vibe that makes Family better than their debut and Le Loup a band to not pass up from checking out!

Key Track: "Beach Town"

Band With Similar Fire: Fleet Foxes

Official Le Loup Website
Le Loup MySpace
Le Loup Info [Allmusic]
Hardly Art Records

Family - Le Loup

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Thrice: Beggars

Thrice
Beggars
Vagrant Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
Beggars will surprise longtime Thrice fans when they put the album in their player. This is due to Beggars being a fully realized modern rock record that ditches the bands hardcore side and embraces lead singer Dustin Kensure's more subtle solo material. Although it is a style shift, the end result is descent, as the songs on Beggars are catchy, thought provoking and show off the bands now veteran status. The missing component that I thought brings Beggars down a bit, is the lack of energy, as several tracks feel routine without any volume. This makes the band sound somewhat complacent instead of steering into a new artistic direction. Overall, fans can make the shift and Beggars is still a good listen, but just make sure you park your expectations at the door.

Key Track: "The Weight"

Band With Similar Fire: Brand New

Official Thrice Website
Thrice MySpace
Thrice Info [Allmusic]
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Muse: The Resistance

Muse
The Resistance
Warner Bros. Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Big may not be better but it is still worthy of multiple listens!

Album Review:
The Resistance is the Muse's fifth album and by far is their most grandiose. The album comes off huge in every aspect, from multiple songs that edge over the five minute mark to the big colorful album cover and all the way down to the closing three song epic of "Exogenisis: Symphony Part 1,2 & 3". For this I think Muse lose a few steps here in the singles department compared to their ultra-catchy pumping tracks found on Black Holes And Revelations [2006] because alone the tracks have no context. With that said, together the tracks complement each other and do make The Resistance one large statement. This rock opera vibe will play nicely into Muse's strong suite, which is the live show because I can already envision some of these pieces interweaving perfectly with their past catalog. The Resistance should also still sit well with the legion of fans Muse has earned over the last several years and it is strong enough to keep me coming back for more. It also has the potential to really grow on the listener, which I will admit could change my opinion a bit by years end, so even though it might not grab a new audience immediately, Muse have taken a firm stand on what direction they would like to go and The Resistance could just be a solid stepping stone to get there!

Key Tracks: "The Uprising", "Resistance", "Exogenesis: Symphony Part 2 (Cross-Pollination)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Queen
Radiohead
Depeche Mode

Muse: HAARP [Fire Note Review 4/4/08]
Muse: Black Holes And Revelations [Fire Note Review 7/11/06]

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

The Resistance - Muse

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Grand Archives: Keep In Mind Frankenstein

Grand Archives
Keep In Mind Frankenstein
Sub Pop Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Keep In Mind Frankenstein is the quick follow up album to last years self-titled debut that follows the same formula of mostly acoustic and harmony filled tracks. You can tell after one spin, that Grand Archives is full of talented and competent musicians, which come off here as totally relaxed. This can be a plus and minus from a record point of view, because Keep In Mind Frankenstein will totally satisfy you if you liked their debut with several standout tracks but it also won't challenge you with anything new that may not bring any new fans into the fold.

Key Track: “Dig That Crazy Grave”

Band With Similar Fire: Beachwood Sparks

Official Grand Archives Website
Grand Archives MySpace
Grand Archives Info [Allmusic]
Sub Pop Records

Keep In Mind Frankenstein - Gr...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Monsters Of Folk: Monsters Of Folk

Monsters Of Folk
Monsters Of Folk
Shangri-La Music [2009]








Fire Note Says: The rebirth of the "Supergroup"

Album Review:
It seems in our current age of music the "supergroup" just doesn't happen anymore. Well Monsters Of Folk changes that completely, as it really joins together four monsters of indie, that includes Jim James (My Morning Jacket), M. Ward (She & Him), well known producer/guitarist Mike Mogis and Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes). Not necessary household names to everyone but when this lineup was announced it had many of us marking its release next week on the calendar. I must admit that after one listen, I was not sold on this record, but I think that I placed the bar way too high because the more I listened the more I liked it. The record is definitely more then "lets get together and make some tunes" because all 15 songs are well written, executed with precision and memorable. Trust me when I say that when this group harmonizes you take notice, as the three vocalists different styles complement each other on every track. With James distinguishable falsetto, Oberst more gravely voice and Ward's deeper bluesy chops, Monsters Of Folk have every angle covered as you get a very Beatles sound on "Say Please", more of foot tapping road beats in "Whole Lotta Losin" and the sitting on the porch vibe in "Goodway". That is the good energy that Monsters Of Folk generate because regardless of musical style, the track can be electric, acoustic, slow or fast and the talent in this group delivers. This gives Monsters Of Fok great replay value and more then just a onetime "supergroup", I think this is a band that will give us some more solid material down the road!

Key Tracks: "Say Please", "The Sandman, The Brakeman And Me", "Ahead Of The Curve"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Traveling Wilburys
Fleet Foxes
The Beatles

Official Monsters Of Folk Website
Monsters Of Folk MySpace
Monsters Of Folk Info [Allmusic]
Shangri-La Music

Monsters Of Folk - Monsters of...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Hallelujah The Hills: Colonial Drones

Hallelujah The Hills
Colonial Drones
Misra Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
On their sophomore full length Colonial Drones, Boston's Hallelujah The Hills sound more focused and creative then ever. Building on the indie song structures of their debut, Hallelujah The Hills show off lyrical wit in every track here that is both humorous and right on point. They offer several different approaches throughout the record that will remind you in parts of Pavement, while strolling songs like "Classic Tapes", featuring Cassie Berman of Silver Jews, is reminiscent of early R.E.M.. You really can't go wrong with this approach if you can pull it off and Hallelujah The Hills does just that. Colonial Drones is a record that has no stand out single but as a collection of consecutive tracks, they work together to form a record that has plenty of hooks, is playfully fun, college smart and simply indie good!

Key Track: "You Better Hope You (Die Before Me)"

Band With Similar Fire: Pavement

Hallelujah The Hills: Collective Psychosis Begone [Fire Note Review 9/14/07]

Official Hallelujah The Hills Website
Hallelujah The Hills MySpace
Hallelujah The Hills Info [Allmusic]
Misra Records

Colonial Drones - Hallelujah T...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Polvo: In Prism

Polvo
In Prism
Merge Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Twelve years is a longtime between records but In Prism is just that from noise rockers Polvo. The band was a staple for this genre in the early nineties and released four solid records in a six year time span. Fast forward to 2009 and the group has reunited and sound as if they never left. The band once again accomplishes demanding your attention throughout In Prism, which has a six minute song average, by supplying just the right balance of free form rock and catchy lyrics. Polvo are able to combine heavy riffs, drone off moments and surprise melodies, in order to make In Prism more then just a comeback album, but a lesson to younger bands how to be at the top of your genre!

Key Track: "Beggar's Bowl"

Band With Similar Fire: Slint

Polvo MySpace
Polvo Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

In Prism - Polvo

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sea Wolf: White Water, White Bloom

Sea Wolf
White Water, White Bloom
Dangerbird Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Sea Wolf is officially a band!

Album Review:
The first thing you will notice about Sea Wolf's sophomore record White Water, White Bloom is its expansive and explosive sound. This direction is the result of recording from the beginning with a full band, even though all ten tracks were once again penned by leader/creator Alex Church. White Water, White Bloom truly reflects the synergy that Church formed with his touring band because every track found on the record has a louder vibe. The other noticeable difference on White Water is that Church seems much more confident in front of the mic as his vocals are pushed forward and centered, where on Sea Wolf's debut Leaves In The River [2007] they were a bit more toned down and swirled within the tracks. This progression both helps the record by giving Sea Wolf a true identify but also hinders it bit by losing some of the song connection with Church. Overall White Water, White Bloom is not better then the groups debut but it is a very close second because it still has memorable moments, Church's likable vocals and songs that stick with you. The bigger badder Sea Wolf easily should attract more fans on this album and if they blend the new and old for album number three - it might be a classic!

Key Tracks: "Wicked Blood", "O Maria!", "Dew In The Grass"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Monsters Of Folk
The Shins
Rogue Wave

Sea Wolf: Leaves In The River [Fire Note Review 9/24/07]
Sea Wolf: Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low EP [Fire Note Review 5/7/07]

Official Sea Wolf Website
Sea Wolf MySpace
Sea Wolf Info [Allmusic]
Dangerbird Records

White Water, White Bloom - Sea...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Weatherbox: The Cosmic Drama

Weatherbox
The Cosmic Drama
Doghouse Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
The new Weatherbox record The Cosmic Drama took us by total surprise. First it came to us in a really cool marble blue vinyl only, which automatically made you listen closer and then its solid combination of lo-fi, punk and indie rock output made it one of our favorite records released so far this year! The element of surprise is what pushes The Cosmic Drama to the forefront, as the vocals come and go, fade in and out, while the hooks come and go, fade in and out and lastly the punk rock moments come and go, fade in and out. As a listener, it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire record and you wait with great anticipation for the next layered melody, quiet lo-fi vocal or a moment of soaring all out attack of a band ready to take the stage by storm. It is a record that feels so loosely put together and laid back that it turns out to be completely cohesive. The only real imperfection I could find with The Cosmic Drama is the need to convert our vinyl to mp3 - life really sucks sometimes!

Key Track: "YouTube the Clouds (Anything That Flies)"

Band With Similar Fire: The Wrens

Official Weatherbox Website
Weatherbox MySpace
Doghouse Records

The Cosmic Drama - Weatherbox

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Big Star: #1 Record/Radio City [Remaster]

Big Star
#1 Record/Radio City [Remaster]
Stax/Ardent Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
So if you are going to take the energy to remaster and reissue a record why would you put it in the same package. Big Star is a band that so many indie enthusiasts have heard about but probably don't know enough about. These two albums should always be included in any musical history lesson - their substance here is definitely not being attacked because music wise it is a five flamer! How hard would it have been to bring back the original artwork, add some new liner notes and separate these classics out? The tracks sound great and each record includes a bonus track but ultimately this reissue just feels lazy. The good news is that from a mp3 point of view, it was easy enough to separate the albums myself and listen to them the way they were intended - Big Star rocks - this reissue not so much!

#1 Record/Radio City - Big Sta...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox