The Almost: Monster Monster

The Almost
Monster Monster
Tooth & Nail Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Catchy emo rock!

Album Review:
The Almost was mostly considered Underoath member Aaron Gillespie's side project on their debut but with the release of their sophomore record Monster Monster, Gillespie is aiming much higher. The record was developed over two years of touring but unlike playing all of the instruments on the debut, Gillespie only handled the vocals and drums, which makes Monster Monster already feel more cohesive. The Almost have the formula right for success, as Gillespie's slightly nasal emo delivery is memorable and each track is a well thought out three minute hook filled ride. This works well on the radio friendly rockers like the title track and the more acoustic songs such as "Hand Grenade", which is a nice change of pace that goes a long way. The Almost definitely have a good chance of reaching the radio masses with Monster Monster because the overall catchiness exists in over half of the tracks and the band sounds musically tight. At the end of the day, older fans of the emo power pop may dismiss The Almost for being a bit too formula driven but given a fair chance, Monster Monster is pleasing to the ear and sounds just as good the second time around making it a decent sophomore effort.

Key Tracks: "Hands", "Summer Summer", "Get Through"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Foo Fighters
Brand New
Copeland

Official Almost Website
The Almost MySpace
The Almost Info [Allmusic]
Tooth & Nail Records

Monster Monster - The Almost

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour: Fruit

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
Fruit
Small Giants Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Scandinavian group The Asteroids Galaxy Tour make their full length debut with Fruit, which extends their style of soul, dance and pop found on their EP late last year. They are a group at first listen that grabs your attention because charismatic lead vocalist Mette Lindberg has a swagger to her vocals that is very inviting like Nina Persson (The Cardigans) and really drives each tracks pace. The end result is that several of the tracks here are very catchy and could easily pop up on your favorite TV show but as an album, Fruit struggles to hold up to too many repeat listens because there is no one "it" track that exceeds the rest.

Key Track: "The Golden Age"

Band With Similar Fire: Deee-Lite

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour: Around The Bend [EP] [Fire Note Review 11/13/08]

Official Asteroids Galaxy Tour Website
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour MySpace
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour Info [Allmusic]

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Caroline Herring: Golden Apples Of The Sun

Caroline Herring
Golden Apples Of The Sun
Signature Sounds [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Caroline Herring plays a simple type of folk music that captures your interest with her striking vocals and intimate song arrangements. On her fourth album, Golden Apples Of The Sun she not only dazzles you with her solid originals but performs perfectly on her interpretation of Joni Mitchell's "Cactus Tree", bluegrass staple "Long Black Veil", and the blues classic "See See Rider". What may be the most surprisingly take here is Herring's version of the Cyndi Lauper hit "True Colors", because without the chorus, you would not recognize the stripped down and reworked acoustic track that is completely memorable. There is a reason that National Public Radio named her last release Lantana [2008] one of the top ten best folk albums of the year, because Herring's talent is large and should be heard. Even though Golden Apples Of The Sun is more of a tribute to other artists, it is clear that Herring has much more to offer and with a little luck this release can gain a wider audience and give her the exposure she deserves.

Key Track: "The Dozens"

Band With Similar Fire: Joan Baez

Official Caroline Herring Website
Caroline Herring MySpace
Caroline Herring Info [Allmusic]
Signature Sounds

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

Wolfmother: Cosmic Egg

Wolfmother
Cosmic Egg
Interscope Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Party like its 1970!

Album Review:
One thing Wolfmother have going for them is that I can only name a handful of bands that currently have their 70's hard rock n roll sound. The other thing Wolfmother have going for them is that they do it pretty well. Cosmic Egg is the groups sophomore follow up to their self-titled 2006 debut and it follows right along the same riff heavy line but does show some maturation in their song structure. Some of this may be the simple fact that most of the band is new with the exception of lead singer Andrew Stockdale, which I am sure helped shape the accomplished sound. How it does differ slightly from Wolfmother [2006], is that the songs have more supporting keyboards and tracks that wander into extended instrumental rock solos but really these nuances only minimally alter the overall sound. The downside of "more of the same" does surface, as you move deeper into the record, because at times the music feels slightly retreaded and falls into the category of forgettable. The sharp concise tracks on their debut is what really made the record move and with no scorcher like "Woman" here, some of the cohesion is a bit lost. Generally speaking, this really does not change too much with the group itself and if you liked their debut - you will enjoy Cosmic Egg. There are plenty of heavy riffs to keep any hard rocker going and a real lack of any other band cranking out this style, so take Cosmic Egg for what its worth -argue with your friends about whether it is good or not - dismiss or agree with critics opinions, but whatever you do - play Wolfmother loud!

Key Tracks: "New Moon Rising", "Pilgrim", "10,000 Feet"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Black Sabbath
Kyuss
Deep Purple

Wolfmother: Wolfmother [Fire Note Review 5/8/06]

Official Wolfmother Website
Wolfmother MySpace
Wolfmother Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

Cosmic Egg - Wolfmother

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Pugwash: Giddy

Pugwash
Giddy
Ape House Records [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Giddy is a solid compilation of tracks from the Irish band Pugwash, which debut power-pop album released in 1999. Pugwash, aka songwriter Thomas Walsh and friends, has been an instant favorite of Irish and British music critics but has not had much success here. This album was compiled by Andy Partridge (XTC) and Walsh as 11 tracks here have been re-mastered from the original multi-tracks and span the bands career. It also includes two additional new songs from their forthcoming record Eleven Modern Antiquities scheduled for release in January 2010. Pugwash have a very likable sound that fits in the style category of the Beatles, Squeeze, Crowded House and The Zombies. Giddy is the perfect introduction and showcases that Pugwash is worth the time and should be checked out if you have never heard them before.

Key Track: "Anyone Who Asks"

Band With Similar Fire: XTC

Official Pugwash Website
Pugwash MySpace
Pugwash Info [Allmusic]
Ape House Records

Giddy - Pugwash

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson: Summer Of Fear

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
Summer Of Fear
Saddle Creek Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Give it time and Robinson will win you over.

Album Review:
From first glance, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson appears to be a soft sung singer/songwriter that presents a laid back folk style, which will remind you of a Dylan or Petty. What takes place over the next 60 minutes is something that will change your first impression as Summer Of Fear builds within its song structures and smolders into a solid sophomore record that offers an excellent replay value. It doesn't matter if it is on the eleven minute "More Than A Mess" or the little over three minute "Hard Row", Robinson has something to say and says it with meaning. It are these type of tracks and moments that are the undertone for Summer Of Fear but his knack for musically and vocally expanding a simple song in its later half is its backbone. This sonic experience comes unexpected and makes his tracks catchy and memorable. The album has been a work of time and many of the songs found here were actually in development before his debut received a proper release last year. Another notable piece to Summer Of Fear is that Robinson has some good creative friends, as over time he had input and help from TV On The Radio's Kyp Malone and Grizzly Bear members Christopher Bear and Chris Taylor, which explains many of the atmospheric pieces within tracks. The record is long at just over 6o minutes, so pacing at times has Summer Of Fear feeling like it needs a kick but taken in smaller doses the record is very pleasing with its hidden pop hooks and angular quick changes. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson may not be the best singer/songwriter you have heard but his honest approach and swooping song conclusions on Summer Of Fear are worth every minute you give him.

Key Tracks: "The 100th Of March", "Death By Dust", "Always An Anchor"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bob Dylan
Ben Harper
Doug Martsch

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson MySpace
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson Info [Allmusic]
Saddle Creek Records

Summer of Fear - Miles Benjami...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Gifted Children: My Museum Pieces

The Gifted Children
My Museum Pieces
Tinhorn Planet Music [2009]









Fire Drills Review:
Buffalo's Gifted Children don't let much creative grass grow under their feet as they have put out around 20 releases over the last two years. What they bring to the table are just a prolific amount of material that has many different little styles but overall is a complete indie experience. On My Museum Pieces the group has over 15 people contributing to the 11 new songs but as a group The Gifted Children offer one of their most cohesive efforts to date. Each song seems to fit right into the next as the ending noise of "Offshore News" flows into the delicate and catchy 1 minute long "A Weathervane Alliance", which is just one perfect example. This is followed by the hum along "You Smashing Young Prince", that highlights the more straightforward effort on this record. It is all these parts that show that a band does not need 5 minutes to make a great pop song. The Gifted Children did it before with more lo-fi efforts and they do it again as My Museum Pieces offers a more surround and full sound that not only showcases a further side of the group but makes this another solid release in an already extensive catalog!

Key Track: "A Weathervane Alliance"

Band With Similar Fire: Broken Social Scene

The Gifted Children: Always Stay Sweet [Fire Note Review 10/10/08]
The Gifted Children: Whitespace Differences [Fire Note Review 4/11/08]

Official Gifted Children Website
The Gifted Children MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

A.A. Bondy: When The Devil's Loose

A.A. Bondy
When The Devil's Loose
Fat Possum Records [2009]

Fire Note Says: Excellent sophomore release from ex-Verbena lead singer!

Album Review:
One thing you most certainly will agree on upon hearing A.A. Bondy's sophomore record When The Devil's Loose, is that he has one of the smoothest deliveries out there right now. His songs glide and move with a somewhat haunting voice and spanning melodies that bring you into each of his ten tracks. Bondy's debut American Hearts [2007] was more of a one man stripped down show, so the first big noticeable difference here is his recruitment of bassist Macey Taylor and drummer Paul Buchignani. Clearly his solo work is a change in musical styles from his Verbena days, but including more musicians on this round was the right choice, as it gives every song on When The Devil's Loose a true depth that helps it succeed. The overall sound is still refined, as Bondy's music moves in and out of blues, country, indie and folk rhythms that sometimes can feel perfectly lonely and at others offer warmth. A.A. Bondy's rich songwriting, endearing harmonies and smooth transitions easily makes When The Devil's Loose his strongest release to date and puts him up there as a top notch singer/songwriter that currently deserves your attention!

Key Tracks: "A Slow Parade", "The Mercy Wheel", "To The Morning"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ray LaMontage
Elvis Perkins
Fionn Regan

A.A. Bondy MySpace
A.A. Bondy Info [Allmusic]
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down: Know Better Learn Faster

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
Know Better Learn Faster
Kill Rock Stars [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down represent what is fun about listening to music. They bring a very vibrant party like atmosphere on Know Better Learn Faster, which is somewhat of a contrast to the excellent but yet personal We Brave Bee Stings And All which released early last year. Working again with producer Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Bill Frisell, Spoon) there are more complex arrangements, more vocal play, horns, banjo and keyboards that like the album cover - feels and sounds like a party. Thao still concentrates the songs on emotional substance but Know Better Learn Faster feels more collaborative and ultimately plays out and lives up to the expectations set forth by last years solid release!

Key Track: "Body"

Band With Similar Fire: Cat Power

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down: We Brave Bee Stings And All [Fire Note Review 1/10/08]

Official Thao Website
Thao MySpace
Kill Rock Stars

Know Better Learn Faster - Tha...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Very Best: Warm Heart Of Africa

The Very Best
Warm Heart Of Africa
Green Owl Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: This release will surprise you!

Album Review:
Infectious, unpretentious and charming are just a few positive descriptors that I can come up with after just one listen to the debut from the European production duo Radioclit and Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya, better known as The Very Best. Warm Heart Of Africa is a "nail it on the head" type of title, as the group hits you with its high octane African sounds, dance beats, and well thought out catchy pop anthems. At first glance, this is a record that you could easily dismiss with its cartoon cover and mostly non-English song titles but after only a few uplifting bars into the lead track "Yalira", its harmonies instantly grab your attention and make your feet start to tap before you even get into the feverish lyrical back n forth, that gets the song moving. This is essentially what The Very Best is all about - high energy. If I don't have you sold yet then the title track led vocally by Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend will seal the deal. It is a feel good tune that can even make the dullest person smile as it rivals some of the most catchy tracks from VW. This doesn't even get you into the later part of the record that features M.I.A. on "Rain Dance" that almost is the anti typical Very Best track, which focuses on her vocals over the drum line, while containing no sunny melodies. This contrast in style is what makes Warm Heart Of Africa such a solid record because even though The Very Best have a highlight on Afro-pop, they really combine many different genres to get their overall sound and have released a record that is as exciting as it is timeless!

Key Tracks: "Chalo", "Warm Heart Of Africa", "Julia"

Bands With Simlar Fire:
M.I.A.
Vampire Weekend
Cof Cof

The Very Best MySpace
The Very Best Info [Allmusic]
Green Owl Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears: Mad Valentines [EP]

Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears
Mad Valentines [EP]
Old Flame Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears new EP Mad Valentines is a mad mix of Queen theatrics, Ted Leo guitar, ELO's harmonies, Ben Folds piano madness and Brendan Benson's likable alt-pop vocals. It is this giant mash up of styles that gives this record pep and Scary's vocals that give it cred. The record could easily slip into a too campy category but its witty transitions work to keep the listener engaged and Bryan's fun delivery keeps you coming back for more!

Key Track: "Andromeda’s Eyes”

Band With Similar Fire: Brendan Benson

Bryan Scary MySpace
Bryan Scary Info [Allmusic]
Old Flame Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Strung Out: Agents Of The Underground

Strung Out
Agents Of The Underground
Fat Wreck Chords [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
It is easy to say that punk has went back underground and Fat Wreck Chords staple act Strung Out have just released a record like it is 1996 again. Let's be honest - there is only so much you can do with the standard punk genre, so it is a must that you do it well to last. Strung Out has had that formula and shows it off again on the bands newest record Agents Of The Underground, which also celebrates their 20th anniversary. What makes this record such a strong return is that the group left out their more recent dabbling in "nü metal" to focus in on the melodic guitar punk that put them on the map in the first place. This decision won't make Strung Out a household name but does make Agents Of The Underground one of their better albums in recent years and should gain the attention of Warp Tour punkers that still have their copy of Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues [1996] in regular rotation!

Key Track: "Heart Attack"

Band With Similar Fire: Descendents

Official Strung Out Website
Strung Out MySpace
Strung Out Info [Allmusic]
Fat Wreck Chords

Agents Of The Underground - St...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Swell Season: Strict Joy

The Swell Season
Strict Joy
ANTI- Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: The story continues...

Album Review:
The Swell Season are the Oscar-winning duo of Frames frontman Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova that jumped into stardom in the movie ONCE [2007]. The soundtrack did very well and went gold, which of course contained the Oscar winning song "Falling Slowly". Strict Joy is the much anticipated follow up and offers twelve new songs, that gives a glimpse of their real life romance, tension and eventual separation. The record does all of this while still giving room for Hansard's acoustic guitar, Irglova's piano, and their superb complimenting harmonies, but also supports a much expanded sound as they brought in Frames members Colm Mac Iomaire (violin), Joe Doyle (bass), Rob Bochnik (guitar), plus guitarist Javier Mas (Leonard Cohen), pianist Thomas Bartlett (Doveman), percussionist Chad Taylor (Chicago Underground Duo), horn players Steven Bernstein and Clark Gayton from Levon Helm's band, and others.

 This array of talented musicians gives Strict Joy an extreme depth that works in the duo's favor, while producer Peter Katis (The National, Interpol) makes sure they maintain the raw emotion that made ONCE so powerful. Strict Joy is the perfect follow up and companion to ONCE as it continues to tell the story all the way to the final track "Back Broke", which finalizes the relationship with their eventual break up. This conclusion for The Swell Season, makes the record take on a meaning that is real, intense and ultimately excellent!

Key Tracks: "Low Rising", "Back Broke", "In These Arms"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
She & Him
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova: ONCE [OST] [Fire Note Review 6/11/07]

Official Swell Season Website
The Swell Season MySpace
The Swell Season Info [Allmusic]
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Jay Farrar | Benjamin Gibbard: One Fast Move Or I'm Gone - Kerouac's Big Sur

Jay Farrar | Benjamin Gibbard
One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur
Atlantic Records [2009]







Fire Drill Review:
I couldn't think of two more distinct voices for a pairing then Jay Farrar (Son Volt) and Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) as they gather here for One Fast Move Or I'm Gone, which is a collection of songs created for the documentary film about writer Jack Kerouac and the circumstances that inspired his 1962 novel Big Sur. The tracks are mostly paraphrasing of Kerouac's words developed by Farrar and the guys trade off lead vocal duties. Musically the style follows more of an Americana road, which of course is right up Farrar's alley but Gibbard provides the entertainment as he sounds right at home. Overall, you can probably only get so deep into the lyrical content but just hearing these two guys together is well worth the price of admission!

Key Track: "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone"

Band With Similar Fire: Son Volt

One Fast Move Or I'm Gone Musi...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Wallscenery Demos: Check This!

Wallscenery Demos
Check This!
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
In the spirit of the almighty lo-fi genre, Wallscenery Demos offers up one of the more unique releases this year on their sophomore album Check This!. James Hicken is the man behind the band and Check This! gives you 23 total tracks in 36 minutes, which includes everything from pop hooks to atmospheric sounds that are balanced by intermittent spoken word segments. It is the unrestricted vibe on Check This! that makes it so intriguing because in the same short two minute song, Hicken can not only create a shoegaze aura but quickly kick into an indie pop moment. Wallscenery Demos is a group that must be ingested over time because on first listen, you simply won't get it - give the record multiple spins and Check This! all comes together.

Key Track:"They've Fallen Down (Broken Snare Mix)"

Band With Similar Fire: Guided By Voices

Official Wallscenery Demos Website
Wallscenery Demos MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Langhorne Slim: Be Set Free

Langhorne Slim
Be Set Free
Kemado Records [2009]










Fire Note Says: Another solid addition to his resume!

Album Review:
Right from the opening track on Langhorne Slim's third record Be Set Free you get the notion that there has been a progression in both songwriting and style since last years catchy self-titled record. This realization comes across immediately, as each track seems to have a little more thought behind it, is slightly more polished then before and sung with tons of emotion. First single "I Love You, But Goodbye" is not only a great ballad but the best song Slim has released, while early album tracks "Say Yes" and "Cinderella" have a controlled rowdiness to them that evokes sing alongs and plenty of foot tapping fever. What makes Langhorne Slim stick out is his engaging bluesy folkish type vocals and the sincerity that he conveys on every track. This makes for an enjoyable listen and keeps you coming back to Be Set Free for more. The record was produced by Chris Funk (The Decemberists) and features Slim's normal backing band but also includes a great number of other talented musicians, which helps Be Set Free achieve his most vibrant and produced record to date. Sometimes this can be a bad thing, as longtime fans may miss his live bar band studio vibe but with Langhorne Slim this step up fits perfectly. The catchy but mature sound helps separate Langhorne Slim out from the pack and should earn him some much deserved positive press as Be Set Free will not disappoint.

Key Tracks: "Say Yes", "Be Set Free", "I Love You, But Goodbye"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Grant-Lee Phillips
Cory Chisel
A.A. Bondy

Langhorne Slim: Langhorne Slim [Fire Note Review 5/14/08]

Langhorne Slim MySpace
Langhorne Slim Info [Allmusic]
Kemado Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Will Hoge: The Wreckage

Will Hoge
The Wreckage
Rykodisc [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
Will Hoge makes a welcomed return on his fourth record The Wreckage, that follows his nearly fatal accident in which a truck struck his scooter during the recording sessions for the album. Many of the songs were written after the accident, which might make you think that is all about his survival experience but other than the title, his tracks are more about the joys of making solid music that revolve around Southern love, Americana and the power of rock. The focus on songwriting and a new respect for life does come through behind the music, which makes The Wreckage one of Hoge's best records and should set him up for success as the album has an overwhelming confidence and excellent replay value.

Key Track: "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"

Band With Similar Fire: Jakob Dylan

Official Will Hoge Website
Will Hoge MySpace
Will Hoge Info [Allmusic]
Rykodisc Records

The Wreckage - Will Hoge

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Tim Williams: Careful Love

Tim Williams
Careful Love
Dovecote Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Singer/songwriter adds a band and gets excellent results!

Album Review:
I am pretty sure that not many singer/songwriters can cite reconstructive heart surgery as an influence for an album but Brooklyn native Tim Williams not only used his new lease on life but a new relationship and a new admiration for the city of Los Angeles as positive motivators and material for his third record Careful Love. This true connection with the songs comes through clearly on tracks like "Oceans" where Williams declares that sometimes giving up helps you start again and on the solid closer "I Want To Die In California". Careful Love not only relies on its strong songwriting but for this album, Williams recorded with a full plugged in band that takes his simple pop songs and turns them into a flowing and upbeat foot tapping experience. This sound starts off immediately with the catchy first track and single "I Hit Another Wall" and continues on, regardless if it is on up tempo tracks like the sing a long "Oceans" or ballads such as "All In". Tim Williams has already had several tracks on this record featured on One Tree Hill and his music should appeal to a wide fan base because Careful Love feels alive and holds up to repeat listens!

Key Tracks: "I Hit Another Wall", "Oceans", "Stilts"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Death Cab For Cutie
Ryan Adams
Joseph Arthur

Official Tim Williams Website
Tim Williams MySpace
Tim Williams Info [Allmusic]
Dovecote Records

Careful Love - Tim Williams

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Russian Circles: Geneva

Russian Circles
Geneva
Suicide Squeeze Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
If someone would have ever told me that I would be into a post-rock/post-metal and all instrumental band - I would have told you to go and pound sand! That of course would have been before I listened to Chicago's Russian Circles. Geneva is the groups third record and easily it is their most mature and intriguing listen yet. What separates Geneva from their previous two albums is its practice of refinement. The trio have backed away some from the in your face metal rhythms and replaced them with tracks that have a more smouldering build up. This build up creates excitement in every track and although it is contained, the record has controlled releases of loudness, which shows the listener that the Russian Circles are in total control and Geneva is their vehicle that should drive them to the upper echelon of this genre!

Key Track: "Geneva"

Band With Similar Fire: Pelican

Russian Circles: Enter [Fire Note Review 6/22/06]

Official Russian Circles Website
Russian Circles MySpace
Russian Circles Info [Allmusic]
Suicide Squeeze Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Old Canes: Feral Harmonic

Old Canes
Feral Harmonic
Saddle Creek Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Old Canes resurfaces with stellar sophomore release!

Album Review:
If you know the name Old Canes and happened to hear their debut record Early Morning Hymns [2004], then you most certainly will be excited to check out their long overdue sophomore release Feral Harmonic. Old Canes is basically Chris Crisci of Appleseed Cast fame backed up by a group of talented indie musicians that include members from White Whale, 4th Of July, Calamity Cubes, Minus Story and of course the Appleseed Cast. The music itself is folk based, but the energy and barreling instrumentation presented here creates a much larger sonic encounter. This is aided by the fact that Feral Harmonic took three and a half years to complete, mostly in Crisci's basement studio and uses its lo-fi production to create a very live in the room listening experience. The songs themselves cover every different emotion possible but you can tell after just one listen the real focus on Feral Harmonic is the album's energy, which is derived from genres that span from indie to punk to traditional folk and back again. This vibrant reality is exactly what Old Canes is about and Feral Harmonic is a welcomed return and somewhat of a surprise record that gets better after every spin and definitely was worth the wait!

Key Tracks: "Flower Faces", "Little Bird Courage", "Trust"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neutral Milk Hotel
Bright Eyes
Southeast Engine

Old Canes MySpace
Old Canes Info [Allmusic]
Saddle Creek Records

Feral Harmonic - Old Canes

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Joel Plaskett: Three

Joel Plaskett
Three
MapleMusic [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
I will let you figure it out but there is a theme to Canada's Joel Plaskett's new release Three. With a triple album and titles like "Down, Down, Down", "Deny, Deny, Deny" and "Wait, Wait, Wait" you may be able to guess that this release revolves around the concept of rolling in threes. Now only 12 of the 27 tracks found here have three one word titles as Plaskett had many other songs that complemented his idea and helps take the release from overkill to interesting. For some, the three disc and hour and half running time will be too much, but for fans there are plenty of solid folk-pop tracks here that are both catchy and memorable. I think overall Three could have been superb if it had been paired down to One, but that would have squelched the artistic vision that was a neat idea and was worth to try once even with putting cohesiveness at risk!

Key Track: "Run, Run, Run"

Band With Similar Fire: Josh Rouse

Joel Plaskett Emergency: Ashtray Rock [Fire Note Review 11/19/08]

Official Joel Plaskett Website
Joel Plaskett MySpace
MapleMusic

One of Three - Joel Plaskett

Two of Three - Joel Plaskett

Three of Three - Joel Plaskett

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Otis Redding: The Best - See & Hear

Otis Redding
The Best: See & Hear
Shout! Factory [2009]
[CD/DVD Set]







Fire Drill Review:
Often called the "King of Soul", Otis Redding was a talent that was cut too short due to the plane crash which took his life one month before his biggest hit, "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" was released. Since then, there have been countless compilations and now The Best: See & Hear offers a unique combination of his hits and a DVD of his performances. The disc is an excellent introduction to Redding for newbies, as it features many of his biggest hits with "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay," "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)," "Respect," "Satisfaction," and "Try A Little Tenderness," all included here. What makes this collection special is the DVD of nine Redding performances, as well as performances by Booker T. & The MG's and Sam & Dave. What is nice about this set, is that you get to visualize Redding's talent, along with the superb audio and you simply have the option to get your soul education all in one sitting!

Official Otis Redding Website
Otis Redding MySpace
Otis Redding Info [Allmusic]
Shout! Factory

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Lou Barlow: Goodnight Unknown

Lou Barlow
Goodnight Unknown
Merge Records [2009]








Fire Note Says: Solid singer, songwriter and career!

Album Review:
Regardless if it is Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, Folk Implosion or his solo work, indie troubadour Lou Barlow has one of those voices that is instantly recognizable, timeless and extremely likable. This always makes his records an easy listen and on his new solo outing Goodnight Unknown the same positive characteristics can all be found. Interesting enough, it is only the second disc under his real name and now with such a storied past you might wonder what the 43 year old, married, and soon-to-be father of two has to contribute? Well on his last release EMOH [2005], Barlow recorded most of it alone and found himself handling just about every track acoustically, which fits Barlow nicely but was completely safe. Goodnight Unknown separates itself, as it has more song structure diversity and musically adds a stellar cast, with the inclusion of Lisa Germano, bassist Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing) and Dinosaur Jr.'s drummer Murph. It really seams that there are glimmers of all of Barlow's bands throughout the record, which rightfully so, is the essence that he is made up of. This is what fans want from his solo work and this is what you get from Goodnight Unknown, which is solid from beginning to end!

Key Tracks: "Sharing", "One Machine, One Long Fight", "Don't Apologize"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Iron & Wine
Robert Pollard
Elliott Smith

Official Lou Barlow Website
Lou Barlow MySpace
Lou Barlow Info [Allmusic]
Merge Records

Goodnight Unknown - Lou Barlow

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Noah And The Whale: The First Days Of Spring

Noah And The Whale
The First Days Of Spring
Cherrytree/Interscope [2009]








Fire Drill Review:
You are always warned that romance in the workplace is bad for business and that rule typically applies in a band too. For frontman Charlie Fink, the end of his relationship with band member and Mercury Prize nominee Laura Marling, has had a dramatic effect on album number two, both in sound and substance. The First Day Of Spring essentially relegates the band to all guys and not only serves as a solid break up record but also as the soundtrack to the accompanying film of same name (Trailer). What works with this record, and I assume also with the film, is the symphonic backing the record contains, which emphasizes big moments and works well overall. This cannot totally fill the loss of Marling but compliments the passionate material on the record and The First Days Of Spring clearly provides a musical transition for Noah And The Whale as they move into the next stage of their career and Fink moves on with his life!

Key Track: "My Broken Heart"

Band With Similar Fire: Mark Kozelek

Noah And The Whale: Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down [Fire Note Review 9/3/08]

Official Noah And The Whale Website
Noah And The Whale MySpace
Noah And The Whale Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

The First Days Of Spring - Noa...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Florence + The Machine: Lungs

Florence + The Machine
Lungs
Universal Republic [2009]








Fire Note Says: New release worthy of the hype!

Album Review:
Coming from the UK I did not have many expectations out of the latest hyped Brit award winner Florence and the Machine, but it really only takes one spin of their new release Lungs to figure out what all the fuss is about. It is all about the presence and power of charismatic lead crooner Florence Mary Leontine Welch. She has a dynamic range, that can effortlessly scale up and down as she commands your attention with every lyrical moment. It doesn't matter if it is the get after you venom in "Kiss With A Fist" or the soaring and large orchestrated moments in "Cosmic Love", this group aims for the stars and mostly hits on all of its thirteen tracks. What Florence and the Machine accomplish is having a dynamic style that at times emotes garage rock anthems like The White Stripes, while retaining the pureness of an Annie Lennox siren type vocals. This combination is deadly infectious, plus with the added help of three well know producers in James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco, Arctic Monkeys), Paul Epworth (Bloc Party), and Stephen Mackey (Pulp), Lungs never slows down or dulls the listener. In fact, this is one hyped record from the UK that completely holds up and Florence and the Machine are ready to take US shores by storm!

Key Tracks: "Dog Days Are Over", "Girl With One Eye", "Kiss With A Fist"

Bands With Similar Fire:
PJ Harvey
Concrete Blonde
Kate Bush

Official Florence + The Machine Website
Florence + The Machine MySpace
Florence + The Machine Info [Allmusic]
Universal Republic

Lungs - Florence & The Machine

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox