Owen Pallett: Heartland

Owen Pallett
Heartland
Domino Recording Company [2010]









Fire Note Says: Pallett puts it all together on Heartland.

Album Review:
It's about time, is a good way to describe the new album from Owen Pallett aka Final Fantasy. Heartland represents his third record but first under his own name and it once again is a complex outing of instrumentation, lyrics and arrangements. It is a record that feels bigger, better and more interesting then his previous work, as Heartland finds Pallett creating some of his most complete songs to date. His one man show shines here as his intricate orchestrated numbers blend with his storytelling. One doesn't overload the other, as his strengths all come together. In fact, one of the most impressive numbers is the first single "Lewis Takes Action" because it actually puts his solid vocals out front initially and then lets the song hit its instrument highlight near the end, which is all contained under three minutes. It is this sophistication that makes Heartland work and creates an album that you need to spin multiple times. Owen Pallett will not be for everyone, due to the complexity of his music and conceptual approach but for his fans and people willing to spend some time with Heartland, the rewards just keep coming.

Key Tracks: "The Great Elsewhere", "Lewis Takes Action", "Tryst With Mephistopheles"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Andrew Bird
Joanna Newsom
Patrick Wolf

Official Owen Pallett Website
Owen Pallett MySpace
Owen Pallett Facebook
Domino Recording Company

Heartland - Owen Pallett

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Lucy Schwartz: Help Me! Help Me! EP

Lucy Schwartz
Help Me! Help Me! EP
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Lucy Schwartz is only 20 years old but already has written original songs used in Warner's The Women [2009] and the upcoming Sony Picture, Mother And Child [2010], starring Naomi Watts. This of course is because Schwartz has one of those voices, that is instantly appealing and her acoustic piano vocal tracks simply let the listener drift. She also has a swagger to her tunes that can bounce as well, plus her flowing "Respect" cover that concludes the EP is worth the price of admission. This five song EP is a great introduction to Lucy and bodes well for a full length later this year, as she truly is an emerging talent.

Key Track: "Gravity"

Band With Similar Fire: Regina Spektor

Lucy Schwartz MySpace
Lucy Schwartz Facebook

Help Me! Help Me! - Lucy Schwa...

-Reviewed by Roxy Cowell

The Magnetic Fields: Realism

The Magnetic Fields
Realism
Nonesuch Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Once again The Magnetic Fields take you down a different avenue.

Album Review:
Anymore I don't think you quite know what you are going to get with Stephin Merritt and his vehicle The Magnetic Fields. Last time we heard from him was just two years ago on the feedback heavy and appropriately titled Distortion [2008] record that was an excited return but before that, 4 years had passed. So with that, The Magnetic Fields make a quicker return to the scene and one would think this record might be a progression or regression back to some of their more indie rock roots but instead Realism is more of a laid back folk styled record. This direction still works for Merritt, as he is an excellent storyteller plus with the addition of his mainstay female vocal Claudia Gonson, many of tracks still retain a likable quality and have a definite replay value. The interesting quagmire here is that the same thing that makes this record different, holds it back from being great because the transitions here feel stagnant. Realism just does not flow smoothly and feels forced in places for Merritt to maintain the folk outline. Overall, certain songs would make a nice addition to any Magnetic Fields compilation you may have but Realism the 13 track album may eventually get lost in the shuffle.

Key Tracks: "You Must Be Out Of Your Mind", "The Dada Polka", "Always Already Gone"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jonathan Richman
The Mountain Goats
Iron & Wine

The Magnetic Fields: Distortion [Fire Note Review 1/25/08]

Official Magnetic Fields Website
The Magnetic Fields MySpace
The Magnetic Fields Facebook
Nonesuch Records

Realism - The Magnetic Fields

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Never Shout Never: What Is Love?

Never Shout Never
What Is Love?
Loveway/Warner Bros. Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Well it has been two years since we talked about Christofer Drew and his creation Never Shout Never. What Is Love? is his anticipated debut record that we were looking for in 09' but just released this past week. The record is an example of what can happen between posting your basement songs online and actually getting a budget. What Is Love? drifts too much into the pop range, too often, for my taste to hold interest. Gone is the more emo punk that Never Shout Never showed on his early EP and with that style placed somewhere in the background, Drew has lost a certain edge. Now after all that is said, there is still one or two catchy tracks that saves What Is Love? from being a complete disappointment and combined with major label support they could still propel this album upward to the masses. Here is hoping that Never Shout Never can find that more indie groove on the follow up because I believe Chirstofer Drew does have talent.

Key Track: "Love Is Our Weapon"

Band With Similar Fire: Owl City

Never Shout Never: The Yippee [EP] [Fire Note Review 11/7/08]

Official Never Shout Never Website
Never Shout Never MySpace
Never Shout Never Facebook
Loveway Records
Warner Bros Records

What Is Love? - Never Shout Ne...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Charlotte Gainsbourg: IRM

Charlotte Gainsbourg
IRM
Because Music/Elektra Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Having Beck along for the ride is never a bad thing!

Album Review:
You easily might know Charlotte Gainsbourg as the French actress that most recently was in Antichrist [2009] with William Defoe or the singer/songwriter that had the well received debut record 5:55 [2006] but her new album IRM should definitely gain her more exposure. The record is a complete collaboration with Beck, who not only produces but co-writes, brings in his favorite helpers (father David Campbell, and drummer Joey Waronker), and of course supplies vocals. With Beck's stamp all over this thing, IRM ebbs and flows like a Beck album only driven by the female lead. This support can only go so far, as this is still Gainsbourg's record and given its subject matter you will not be confused. You see, Charlotte suffered a brain hemorrhage after a water-skiing accident in 2007 and IRM (MRI backwards) is the story of her time spent in the hospital. Now - not to worry, Gainsbourg has fully recovered but on this record there are moments of distant isolation that totally sink in with repeat listens and lets you feel her emotions. There are also several tracks of drifting French but what really makes IRM a keeper are songs like the beat heavy "Trick Pony" or the feedback riddled "Greenwich Mean Time" that stand out with their Beck influence, as the two are a perfect pair. The final take on IRM is that the Gainsbourg/Beck duo works well, most of the songs are tightly contained under the three minute mark and no song on the album sounds alike. This all equals an entertaining listen and a singing career for Charlotte Gainsbourg that should gain immediate traction!

Key Tracks: "IRM", "Heaven Can Wait", "Trick Pony"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Portishead
Aimee Mann
Beth Orton

Official Charlotte Gainsbourg Website
Charlotte Gainsbourg MySpace
Charlotte Gainsbourg Facebook
Because Music
Elektra Records

IRM - Charlotte Gainsbourg

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Dirk Darmstaedter: Dirk Sings Dylan

Dirk Darmstaedter
Dirk Sings Dylan
Tapete Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
I am not sure the world needs an album of Dylan covers but this release from German artist Dirk Darmstaedter is a solid collection of ten tracks, that not only pays great homage to Bob but is a rewarding listen. Dirk Sings Dylan was developed out of a true love for the artist as Darmstaedter grew up in New Jersey with Bob Dylan music wafting it's way up the stairs from his dads stereo. The music stuck with him and this record is a true labor of love. Dirk Sings Dylan should be taken for what it is - a cover record from an artist you have never heard about (unless you are from Germany, as this is his 13th release). What I really liked about the album is that Darmstaedter really does adore Dylan and his covers never try to hard or fall short because his sincerity is 110%. This record easily could have been a waste of time but the reality is - Dirk can sing, you know the songs are already good, and it is always great to find a new artist!

Key Track: "Mr. Tambourine Man"

Band With Similar Fire: Glen Hansard

Official Dirk Darmstaedter Website
Dirk Darmstaedter MySpace
Dirk Darmstaedter Facebook
Tapete Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Los Campesinos!: Romance Is Boring

Los Campesinos!

Romance Is Boring
Arts & Crafts Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: We really can't get enough of this record or this band!

Album Review:
After the stellar two records Los Campesinos! released in 2008, we were definitely all hyped up to check out album number three Romance Is Boring. They have a very unconventional sound for a 7 piece from Cardiff and the groups Pavement meets punk repertoire comes across clean and sharp throughout the entire album without losing an ounce of enthusiasm. What Romance Is Boring expands on from the groups earlier work, is that the record feels made for prime time with its complex layers, sing along choruses and an in your face attitude that makes you take notice and cheer the group on. Along with the dueling guy/gal vocals, Los Campesinos! round out their high energy with spontaneous strings, brass, electronics and drum machines. Romance Is Boring was produced by John Goodmanson (Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, Wu-Tang Clan) and features guest spots from the likes of Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu), Zac Pennington (Parenthetical Girls) and Jherek Bischoff (Dead Science), which of course only adds to the records appeal. Los Campesinos! already were hitting their stride but Romance Is Boring represents a band that has found their direction, sound, spirit, attitude and will do nothing but continue upward!

Key Tracks: "This Is A Flag. There Is No Wind", "There Are Listed Buildings", "We've Got Your Back (Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #2)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pavement
Bis
The Royal We

Los Campesinos!: We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed [Fire Note Review 11/21/08]

Official Los Campesinos! Website
Los Campesinos! MySpace
Los Campesinos! Facebook
Arts & Crafts Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Wonder Years: The Upsides

The Wonder Years
The Upsides
No Sleep Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
The Wonder Years style of punk pop never gets old if it is done right and on the bands sophomore album The Upsides, they put forward a solid effort. The instant thing you notice about The Wonder Years is that their music is very upbeat both musically and lyrically. They are really about leaving all the crap behind and moving forward in your everyday life. With this message of course comes 12 catchy tracks that rock along with very strong riffs, sing along choruses and enough foot tapping moments to have you come back for more. The Upsides is a record that will be in the upper echelon of punk pop releases this year and should give The Wonder Years a much deserved wider audience.

Key Track: "Logan Circle"

Band With Similar Fire: The Get Up Kids

The Wonder Years MySpace
The Wonder Years Facebook
No Sleep Records

The Upsides - The Wonder Years

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Beach House: Teen Dream

Beach House
Teen Dream
Sub Pop Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Teen Dream is a grower!

Album Review:
Teen Dream is the third album from duo Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand, aka Beach House, which represents a new beginning for the band and will be a great relief to them as it is launched to the masses. The record is a true labor of love that showcases a full 12 months of hard work and sends its listeners on an atmospheric journey that is sonically gorgeous and mentally isolating. It is a long record with its ten tracks almost hitting the fifty minute mark and initially may not impress you but with its textured instrumentation and Legrand's flowing vocals, Teen Dream will win you over. Even though Scally and Legrand are not a couple, they have an extreme chemistry that plays off each other throughout the record and feels sincere. This belief in Beach House's music is its key to success because no matter how much you drift off into this record it's solid structures keep you focused. Quite simply, Beach House use this third opportunity to not only expand their dream pop subtleties but also show off how far they have come as a band because you instantly realize that their songwriting is stronger, their playing is stronger and that their layered vocals will keep you interested in the band for some time to come well after Teen Dream concludes!

*Just to highlight how much effort went into this record, Teen Dream has a companion DVD included that features a video for each song on the album, by a different director.

Key Tracks: "Silver Soul", "Walk In The Park", "Lover Of Mine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fleet Foxes
A Sunny Day In Glasgow
Grizzly Bear

Beach House: Beach House [Fire Note Review 1/19/07]

Official Beach House Website
Beach House MySpace
Beach House Facebook
Sub Pop Records

Teen Dream - Beach House

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

MayOrWest: We, The End

MayOrWest
We, The End
Self-Released [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
New Jersey four piece MayOrWest play a very straightforward hard edged alternative rock on their debut full length We, The End that stands out with its tight song structures and soaring power choruses. The band has been tweaking their sound since its 2005 inception, as it shows here with a cohesiveness that sounds like it came from a more seasoned act. This completeness goes a long way, especially when you add in catchy call outs, that not only invites crowd participation but helps with the flow of the record. We, The End was produced by Tim Gilles (Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, Bouncing Souls) and Matt Menafro (Damsels, Serosia), which I can only believe helped its intensity, because MayOrWest aim for the mass audiences here with their feverish assault that never gets out of control and supplies enough quality rock to hit repeat!

Key Track: "Icarus"

Band With Similar Fire: Taking Back Sunday

MayOrWest MySpace
MayOrWest Facebook

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Old 97's: Wreck Your Life...And Then Some - The Complete Bloodshot Recordings

Old 97's
Wreck Your Life...And Then Some: The Complete Bloodshot Recordings
Bloodshot Records [2009] [Vinyl Only]








Fire Drill Review:
If you have been a follower of the Old 97's then you probably already have a copy Wreck Your Life but in response to Bloodshot's 15 anniversary the label has issued this special addition - first time on vinyl copy, that has been re-mastered and includes all of the 7" singles, compilations tracks and of course, Wreck Your Life (1995). If you are a vinyl collector and into these rockin' alt-country pioneers, then this is a must as only 1000 were made and it sounds great packaged in a superb double gatefold.

Old 97's: Blame It On Gravity [Fire Note Review 5/27/08]

Official Old 97's Website
Old 97's MySpace
Old 97's Facebook
Bloodshot Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Surfer Blood: Astro Coast

Surfer Blood
Astro Coast
Kanine Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Another superb record to kick off 2010!

Album Review:
Something about West Palm Beach doesn't scream indie guitar rock but that is exactly what you get on the debut from Surfer Blood. This record is an energized lesson in how it really doesn't take any tricks to make a stellar album. What it takes is solid straightforward instruments, catchy lyrics with memorable hooks and a lead singer that can take command. Surfer Blood has all of the above and somehow pull off not only combining these elements but also include some reverb, West African rhythms, a scorching mid album instrumental, short songs, long songs and even simple acoustics. What seems like everything including the kitchen sink is true but it doesn't actually sink in immediately, because Astro Coast is that good and flows seamlessly. It is a record that will make your foot tap, head sway and most certainly hum along. It is also a record that is admirable because Surfer Blood doesn't use many gimmicks or odd instruments to arrive at this solid end product. The guitar is on the front burner, the songs are interesting catchy and Astro Coast is a record that will have you going back for more Surfer Blood instantly!

Key Tracks: "Swim", "Twin Peaks", "Floating Vibes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Japandroids
Vampire Weekend
The Shins

Surfer Blood Website
Surfer Blood Facebook
Kanine Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Laura Veirs: July Flame

Laura Veirs
July Flame
Raven Marching Band Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
I always believed over the years with several releases Laura Veirs would be a household name by now but here we are on album number seven with July Flame and she is still trying to break out. Veirs has been around long enough to present listeners with different looks as she moved from a solid folk sound to a more "band" feel on her last several records. Her voice can carry either style but what July Flame accomplishes is basically mixing the two into one record. This all translates into July Flame feeling like the complete Veirs and it is easily one of her best. It is also worth mentioning that the record features My Morning Jacket's Jim James and the Decemberists' guitarist Chris Funk lending their talents, which only adds to the strength of July Flame and might be the extra ammo to push Veirs to the forefront because she is a singer/songwriter that should be heard and enjoyed by a larger audience.

Key Track: "Summer Is The Champion"

Band With Similar Fire: Sara Culler

Official Laura Veirs Website
Laura Veirs MySpace
Laura Veirs Facebook
Raven Marching Band Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Retribution Gospel Choir: 2

Retribution Gospel Choir
2
Sub Pop Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Don't let the band name or cover fool you - this is a rock album!

Album Review:
Creatively titled sophomore album from Retribution Gospel Choir, featuring Alan Sparhawk of indie band Low fame, comes out of the gate right away with the electric rocker "Hide It Away" and never backs down during its entire 33 minute running time. It is still a surprise to hear this style from Sparhawk if you are familiar with Low's more slowcore approach but clearly RGC is his outlet. Throughout 2 the band cranks out the fuzzed guitar combined with Sparkhawk's soaring vocals. The real "stoner rock" tribute ignites on the 43 second instrumental "'68 Comeback" but catches on fire later in the album with the eight minute sprawling "Electric Guitar" that contains pieces of what made classic rock great. Overall, 2 is a solid listen as it never overstays its welcome and mixes in enough forward progression with its retro groove that makes Retribution Gospel Choir one side project to always check out!

Key Tracks: "Hide It Away", "Electric Guitar", "White Wolf"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Karate
Neil Young w/ Crazy Horse
The Fucking Champs

Official Retribution Gospel Choir Website
Retribution Gospel Choir MySpace
Retribution Gospel Choir Facebook
Sub Pop Records

2 - Retribution Gospel Choir

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Jason Boesel: Hustler's Son

Jason Boesel
Hustler's Son
Team Love Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
You definitely don't know the name but you know the resume of drummer/singer/songwriter and now guitarist Jason Boesel. For the last 15 years, he has played the skins for Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes, The Elected, and Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band. The style of Hustler's Son keeps in the Americana genre with several nods to the swaying mid-'70s California rock as Boesel's likable vocals drive each track and keep you in tune with his stories. Musically the album is top notch, as Boesel has talented friends with Mystic Valley Band member Nik Freitas, Blake Mills (Band of Horses), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Orenda Fink (O + S, Azure Ray), David Rawlings (Gillian Welch, Old Crow Medicine Show), Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), and fellow Rilo Kiley member Blake Sennett all playing their parts, while the album was produced by Jonathan Wilson (Elvis Costello, Jenny Lewis). The only thing really holding Hustler's Son back from being great is its lack of memorable hooks, which I believe would increase its repeat listening potential. What Jason Boesel does show here is that he has the chops to be out front and the songwriting skills that will only propel his sophomore effort to the forefront of the scene!

Key Track: "Hand Of God"

Band With Similar Fire: Mark Kozelek

Jason Boesel MySpace
Jason Boesel Facebook
Team Love Records

Hustler's Son - Jason Boesel

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Spoon: Transference

Spoon
Transference
Merge Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Even by dialing back Spoon push the envelope!

Album Review:
Sometimes simple is good and when you are on your seventh full length like Spoon, reverting back to your strengths is never a bad thing. Transference was self-produced by the band and peels back their more recent layers down to guitar, bass, drums, uncomplicated keys and Britt Daniel's voice. With Spoon you don't need much more than that and like all the Spoon records before it, Transference needs multiple listens for it to take hold of your brain. Even though all of this seems easy, Spoon still challenges you sonically with abruptly ending more than one track at mid beat. Some fans will think maybe they have a defective download but these hard cuts make the record unique. They force you to rewind, play and rewind again, only to discover that this is the way it is supposed to be. That may actually annoy a few but this jagged indie rock is exactly why I enjoy Spoon. This album may or may not make our top 50 this year but longtime Spoon fans will soak it up and that is because it is what it is. Spoon don't try and be something they are not. There is no stand out radio single, no catchy hooks and no big guitars but what you get is a perfectly quirky high quality indie record that not many other acts can even come close to!

Key Tracks: "Written In Reverse", "Trouble Comes Running", "Out Go The Lights"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Talking Heads
Hockey
Pavement

Spoon: Got Nuffin (Single) [Fire Note Review 7/16/09]
Spoon: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga [Fire Note Review 7/10/07]

Official Spoon Website
Spoon MySpace
Spoon Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Woggles: Tempo Tantrum

The Woggles
Tempo Tantrum
Wicked Cool Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
More and more you need to go underground to find some solid surf guitar rock but longtime followers of the genre, The Woggles, make it easy with their new compilation. Tempo Tantrum zeros in on the Woggles' instrumental talents, featuring a dozen (mostly) vocal-free numbers from singles, compilation albums, and their closet, all recorded between 1995 and 2006. The Woggles bring a razor edged guitar to these tracks, which is very noticeable and regardless of the era make each track really pop. This is a record that you can just put on because the music is timeless but the attitude is fresh!

Key Track: "Valleri"

Band With Similar Fire: The Mulchmen

Official Woggles Website
The Woggles MySpace
The Woggles Facebook
Wicked Cool Records

Tempo Tantrum - The Woggles

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Barton Carroll: Together You And I

Barton Carroll
Together You And I
Skybucket Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Seek this singer/songwriter out!

Album Review:
There are always albums that define an artist. That one record in their collection where everything seems to work and it offers up an enjoyable listen from beginning to end. Barton Carroll's fourth album Together You And I is that record. From the excellent storytelling to the duets with fellow Seattle dweller Anna Lisa Notter plus the cover of "Something Good" from The Sound Of Music, Carroll shines at each memorable moment. What makes this record stand out from his catalog is the ease at which he can take the listener through emotions and connect with them through situations. Like on opening track "The Poor Boy Can't Dance", Carroll declares "if the whiskey is strong, and the band plays on - I can do no wrong" or the different things we do for love or lack of in "Let's Get On With The Illusion". It is the combination of all these pieces that make his songs dark with light, somber with joy and timeless yet fresh. Together You And I simply gets better after every spin as Carroll's diverse folk Americana approach sinks in and represents his best work to date.

Key Tracks: "The Poor Boy Can't Dance", "Shadowman", "Monday Night"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Dave Rawlings Machine
Freedy Johnston
John Hiatt

Barton Carroll: The Lost One [Fire Note Review 1/31/08]

Official Barton Carroll Website
Barton Carroll MySpace
Barton Carroll Facebook
Skybucket Records

Together You And I - Barton Ca...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

OK Go: Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

OK Go
Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky
Capitol Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
OK Go try to avoid just being another "one hit wonder" band as their follow up Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky comes at you with different styles and a funky English groove undertone that might capture an entire new set of followers. Right from the opening buzzing bass in first single "WTF?", OK Go tell you right away that this record contains no poppy treadmills. In fact, employing producer Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT) was a statement in itself, as OK Go almost retreat for the underground with this record of laid back sounds. This is not a bad thing as this more experimental approach may be the best answer to critics and for me puts OK Go on a watch list to see what they do next.

Key Track: "All Is Not Lost"

Band With Similar Fire: Blur

Official OK Go Website
OK Go MySpace
OK Go Facebook
Capitol Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

We will be observing the Holiday today. See you back tomorrow.

Motion City Soundtrack: My Dinosaur Life

Motion City Soundtrack
My Dinosaur Life
Columbia Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: A welcomed return to form.

Album Review:
Three quick things to get out of the way about this record: 1. Goofy cover 2. Goofy title 3. We received a clean edit version of the record for review. Alright so number three wasn't the bands fault but c'mon, I think we can handle the original version. Now for the important part - the music. On Motion City Soundtrack's fourth album and major label debut My Dinosaur Life the band supplies a big league sound for a big league audience that works. It is full of everything that makes a major label record sell, like catchy hooks, soaring anthems, and radio friendly singles while retaining the bands independent cred by supplying plenty of guitar angst, complex layers and lyrical confidence. The record was produced by Blink-182 bassist/producer/friend Mark Hoppus, who first worked with the group on their breakthrough album Commit This To Memory [2005] and mixed by Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Kaiser Chiefs). What these two guys bring to the record is not stifling the band, which I think had been their previous issue. The drums come through loud and clear, the snyths stand out and there is no holding back lyrically or stylistically. No matter how far their previous efforts may have set MCS back or decreased their fanbase, My Dinosaur Life should not only restore the faith but could finally be the substance that puts them in the top of their genre, as it is their best record to date!

Key Tracks: "Disappear", "Hysteria", "Pulp Fiction"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Almost
The Get Up Kids
Jawbox

Official Motion City Soundtrack Website
Motion City Soundtrack MySpace
Motion City Soundtrack Facebook
Columbia Records

My Dinosaur Life - Motion City...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Real Estate: Reality [EP]

Real Estate
Reality [EP]
Mexican Summer Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
This is a band that we have totally enjoyed getting to know better, so we were hyped to check out this EP of new material so soon after their debut. The Reality EP is the perfect extension of the bands stellar full length, as it feels even more laid back but has very concise and intricate undertone. This combination of instrumentals and soft overlaid vocals is a true strength of Real Estate and the Reality EP follows suit. It is a record that is perfect for the winter as you can just sit back and enjoy the sounds that will steer your focus to the summer ahead!

Key Track: "Basement"

Band With Similar Fire: Galaxie 500

Real Estate: Real Estate [Fire Note Review 12/10/09]

Real Estate MySpace
Mexican Summer Records

-Reivewed by Aidan Rox

Eels: End Times

Eels
End Times
Vagrant Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Grab a drink and just sit back!

Album Review:
End Times represents Eels eighth studio release and it arrives just 6 months after their last album Hombre Lobo [2009] but immediately offers a much different style and vibe. Where Hombre was more about reverb and rocking, End Times is all about the quiet and searching out feelings. Where some artists fail trying to change directions, Eels one man, musician, singer-songwriter Mark Oliver Everett excels! This record is no different, as it was inspired by a recent breakup, which is why most of the 14 tracks have a somber tone to them that ooze emotion with every strum of E's guitar. What might seem like a total drag is actually the complete opposite and End Times is one of Eels most focused, consistent and mesmerizing releases to date.

Key Tracks: "A Line In The Dirt", "Paradise Blues", "On My Feet"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Mark Kozelek
Dead Heart Bloom
Mark Lanegan

Eels: Hombre Lobo [Fire Note Review 6/4/09]

Official Eels Website
Eels MySpace
Eels Facebook
Vagrant Records

End Times - Eels

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Cold War Kids: Behave Yourself [EP]

Cold War Kids
Behave Yourself [EP]
Downtown Music [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Lead track "Audience" soars above the rest on this new EP release from Cold War Kids with its piano driven sing along soul moments and memorable hooks. What some fans will like is that the other tracks fall in line with the bands previous work and fit into their catalog but for me they feel more like retreads. The upside of this new material is that Cold War Kids still seem like a band on the fringe of breaking out to the masses and if they can harness the swagger of "Audience" moving forward, they may still have that great album in them that the hype machines have been waiting for since 2006!

Key Track: "Audience"

Band With Similar Fire: White Rabbits

Cold War Kids: Loyalty To Loyalty [Fire Note Review 10/8/08]
Cold War Kids: Robbers & Cowards [Fire Note Review 11/30/06]

Cold War Kids Website
Cold War Kids MySpace
Cold War Kids Facebook
Downtown Music

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Vampire Weekend: Contra

Vampire Weekend
Contra
XL Recordings [2010]









Fire Note Says: We can't get enough!

Album Review:
It would be easy to say that they did it again - but they did it again. Vampire Weekend avoid the sophomore slump by resting on their talents but expanding their dimensions. What makes VW's style of indie pop so infectious is that their songs are memorable, foot tapping and timeless. Repeat listens of Contra don't immediately grab you like their debut, but as a whole the record is in it for the long haul with a smooth swagger that hits with the same level of impact. Sure, first single "Cousins" is a tightly wound guitar driven track but one of the most "big" sounding songs "Giving Up The Gun" is a mid tempo number that gets in your head with subtle lyrics and a catchy undertone beat. What really makes Contra stand out as a stellar sophomore effort is its more ballad type numbers with the slow storytelling "Taxi Cab" and superb thought wandering closer "I Think Ur A Contra". Vampire Weekend once again provide an album experience with Contra that takes you for an enjoyable 36 minute ride, which hits perfect peaks and welcoming valleys with a combo punk, ska and African pop that easily makes them one of the best indie bands right now doing their thing - their way - with no equal!

Key Tracks: "Cousins", "Giving Up The Gun", "Holiday"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Police
Islands
Modern Lovers

Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend [Fire Note Review 2/4/08]

Official Vampire Weekend Website
Vampire Weekend MySpace
Vampire Weekend Facebook
XL Recordings

Contra - Vampire Weekend

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

John K. Samson: City Route 85 [EP]

John K. Samson
City Route 85 [EP]
ANTI- Records [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
You may know Samson from his day job as the singer-songwriter frontman for the Canadian indie group The Weakerthans but the City Route 85 EP finds him branching out with a very solid and intimate 3 song set. City Route 85 is the first in a series of recordings exploring the atmospheric streets and highways surrounding Samson's home in Winnipeg Canada. His simplistic acoustic guitar approach works as his likable voice makes this record a success. If the rest of this series is as good as this well thought out set, then I am not only ready for more but hopefully a solo full length will develop too!

Key Track: “Heart Of The Continent”

Band With Similar Fire: Colin Meloy

John K. Samson MySpace
John K. Samson Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta