Shearwater: The Golden Archipelago

Shearwater
The Golden Archipelago
Matador Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Another stellar record in their catalog!

Album Review:
Shearwater really made a breakthrough with their last release Rook [2008] and the group perfects their art on the recently released The Golden Archipelago. This is a record that you should plan on giving a listen from Track 1 to Track 11 without missing a beat, as its sequencing is as important as its sonic highlights. Right from the building intro of lead off track "Meridian", you recognize immediately that this record is complex, well planned out and a true grower. Jonathan Meiburg's voice absolutely floats on this album, as his falsetto drives each track and really takes a tone down from the more upbeat moments found on Rook. At first, fans may penalize Shearwater for this approach and start to downgrade The Golden Archipelago, but I would argue that it is the perfect follow up and a very close second when comparing the two records. What is more important, is the fact that The Golden Archipelago really is an excellent addition to the now trilogy of records from Shearwater, that shows different angles and aspects of this talented group, which I guarantee with repeat listens is an album that will stick in your head!

Key Tracks: "Corridors", "Black Eyes", "Runners Of The Sun"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gene
Antony And The Johnsons
Talk Talk

Shearwater: Rook [Fire Note Review 5/29/08]

Official Shearwater Website
Shearwater MySpace
Shearwater Facebook
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Zeus: Say Us

Zeus
Say Us
Arts & Crafts Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Zeus were formed from the guys backing up fellow Canadian Jason Collett, both on the road and in the studio. The group features three vocalists/songwriters who swap between guitar, bass and organ, while the only stay put is the drummer. Zeus use their vocal talents with British invasion type harmonies, while playing more of a 70's style rock. It is a combination that works well and makes their debut Say Us entertaining, catchy and worth coming back to. The best part about Zeus is that with all the somewhat retro pieces fitting together, Say Us is an album that still feels fresh and very 2010!

Key Track: "You Gotta' Teller"

Band With Similar Fire: Sloan

Official Zeus Website
Zeus MySpace
Zeus Facebook
Arts & Crafts Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Joanna Newsom: Have One On Me

Joanna Newsom
Have One On Me
Drag City Records [2010]









Fire Note Review: If you have the time - this one is good!

Album Review:
I must admit that I was a bit scared to tackle Joanna Newsom's new long player when I discovered it was a triple album. That is right - a triple album! It also made me a little nervous knowing that Newsom's songs can range from 6 to 9 minutes long - sometimes longer. Well with a total of 18 songs hitting the 2 hour mark, Have One On Me is an adventurous undertaking but if you are up to it, there is no other artist currently out there that can tell a story like this. Stylistically, Have One On Me blends her two previous offerings and brings the best of both, as the instrumentation here still focuses on her harp and her vocals, which are much more direct, clear and compelling. This goes a long way because Have One On Me completely pulls you in. It really is in three pieces, as each CD contains six songs and it smartly allows the listener to pick up and put down each record, without losing the overall context of the entire album. That is key about Have One On Me because not only are the songs good but the format prevents any fatigue that might sit in and takes into consideration the simple fact that not many people can dedicate a straight 2 hours to any one record. Overall, Joanna Newsom is in a league of her own and she has not only created a niche - she is the niche. Have One On Me is not a record you necessarily will play constantly but it is a record that will stand the test of time and still will sound monumental when you take it out, clearly highlighting the artistic talent that is Joanna Newsom!

Key Tracks: "Occident", "Esme", "Easy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ani DiFranco
Joni Mitchell
Tori Amos

Joanna Newsom: Ys [Fire Note Review 11/27/06]

Official Joanna Newsom Website
Joanna Newsom MySpace
Joanna Newsom Facebook
Drag City Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Story Of The Year: The Constant

Story Of The Year
The Constant
Epitaph Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Story Of The Year had great success with their debut record Page Avenue [2003] based on several songs. What people might not remember is that the album was just good not great. Since that time, Story Of The Year have tried to constantly battle earning credibility with their fans while re-capturing mainstream success. This has driven plenty of good songs with uneven albums and on their fourth studio record, The Constant, you get the same results. If you are a fan, it is not a bad thing because The Constant is front-loaded with really catchy rocking songs, while the second half of the album feels a little more lackluster. There is no doubt that Story Of The Year can deliver the modern rock sound and it is probably more consistent here then their previous albums, as The Constant has the band sounding more comfortable then ever. Basically, current fans will dig The Constant, as there are plenty of metal moments, catchy vocal harmonies and angst type lyrics but it probably will fail to bring any new business to their camp.

Key Track: "The Ghost Of You And I"

Band With Similar Fire: Thrice

Official Story Of The Year Website
Story Of The Year MySpace
Story Of The Year Facebook
Epitaph Records

The Constant - Story Of The Ye...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Rocky Votolato: True Devotion

Rocky Votolato
True Devotion
Barsuk Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: This one will tap your emotions.

Album Review:
Elliott Smith had a great voice and one that you instantly were drawn to. He also was very passionate and always sang from a mental perspective that wasn't always easy to take because lyrically it hit deep. Rocky Votolato is the same type of singer/songwriter and on True Devotion, his third solo record for Barsuk, he shares the same passion and vocal style, that will immediately grab your attention and quickly having you reach for the repeat button upon conclusion. The record itself covers low points in his life, as he has had a lifelong battle with depression and following the release of The Brag & Cuss [2007] he eventually cut himself off from the outside world and worked on overcoming his demons. True Devotion is the stripped down and mostly acoustic version of that story, which covers where he has been, where he is now and where he is going. The record was almost recorded entirely on his own and it's tone reflects that personal touch. The key thing about True Devotion is that even though the subject matter can be tough, such as suicidal thoughts in the album opener, the record progresses and reveals a healing process that listeners can relate to. Votolato is still an emerging talent and although True Devotion may not get the airplay it deserves, I could see these emotional tracks carrying the record in my playlist throughout the year.

Key Tracks: "Eyes Like Static", "Sun Devil", "Red River"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elliott Smith
David Bazan
Tim Easton

Official Rocky Votolato Website
Rocky Votolato MySpace
Rocky Votolato Facebook
Barsuk Records

True Devotion - Rocky Votolato

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Johnny Cash: American VI - Ain't No Grave

Johnny Cash
American VI: Ain't No Grave
Lost Highway Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
There really is only so much to say about American VI: Ain't No Grave, as it represents the last recordings of the country/rock legend Johnny Cash, which were captured during his 2006 sessions with producer Rick Rubin. This collection of ten songs definitely puts Cash's health in perspective, as his voice is frail and his delivery sounds tired but the material and aura of the record shine through. It is the perfect closure to a legendary career and it is fitting that American VI limits the modern day remakes of his previous American recordings, which is a respectful nod to the fact that Cash's presence was enough!

Key Track: "Ain't No Grave"

Johnny Cash: American V - A Hundred Highways [Fire Note Review 7/4/06]

Official Johnny Cash Website
Johnny Cash MySpace
Johnny Cash Facebook
Lost Highway Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Alkaline Trio: This Addiction

Alkaline Trio
This Addiction
Heart & Skull/Epitaph Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: If you are a fan you may like or leave it - you decide!

Album Review:
Anymore it seems I have a hard time enjoying albums from veteran bands unless they are extremely good. Unfortunately for Alkaline Trio, their seventh long player This Addiction plays it a bit safe and never really captures the bands vigor from the earlier days. It is not to say that some tracks don't stand out, as the lead off title track brings it nicely and the lyrics in "The American Scream" fit lyrically and sonically but overall too many songs fall into the middle or have a balladry vibe. This Addiction is still better than their major label debut and exit, Agony & Irony [2008], as it does have big guitars but never feels too polished or produced. This approach goes a long way as Alkaline Trio now have their own imprint Heart & Skull at Epitaph, which should provide an excellent partnership for the future. Alkaline Trio now represent a more mature group and will have many longtime fans either hating this record or loving it but overall with its ups and downs, This Addiction provides enough highlights to still believe the group has what it takes to rock you out live!

Key Tracks: "This Addiction", 'The American Scream", "Off The Map"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Face To Face
Broadway Calls
The Lawrence Arms

Alkaline Trio: Agony & Irony [Fire Note Review 9/25/08]

Official Alkaline Trio Website
Alkaline Trio MySpace
Alkaline Trio Facebook
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Jaga Jazzist: One-Armed Bandit

Jaga Jazzist
One-Armed Bandit
Ninja Tune [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
If you like to find more obscure bands out there on the fringe of different styles, then the nine piece Norwegian ensemble Jaga Jazzist will fit you like the perfect glove. Sure, their sound may have jazz elements but the group is a blended style of post-rock that will keep you guessing from the moment you hit play. The band uses a feverish pace with an array of instruments that include everything from guitar to the flute. Jaga Jazzist does an excellent job of never overwhelming you with volume but allow the listener to differentiate the direction and instrument of choice at each given moment. With tracks that flow over the seven minute mark and a 53 minute overall running time, Jaga Jazzist flaunt it all and make One-Armed Bandit the perfect listen to shake up your normal music routine!

Key Track: "Bananfluer Overalt"

Band With Similar Fire: Ratatat

Official Jaga Jazzist Website
Jaga Jazzist MySpace
Jaga Jazzist Facebook
Ninja Tune

One-Armed Bandit - Jaga Jazzis...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Midlake: The Courage Of Others

Midlake
The Courage Of Others
Bella Union Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
The Courage Of Others heads in a more low key direction then Midlake's previous outings and focuses in on the group's folk undertones, while having an overall organic presentation. Unfortunately, the band put aside things that made their last record The Trials Of Van Occupanther [2006] so interesting, such as the swirling synthesizers. This earthy approach works well on some tracks as Tim Smith and the band can harmonize perfectly and can make memorable moments out of one line. The only issue is that overall there are no real surprises and The Courage Of Others falls short of its high expectations because Midlake is a talented band -they just need to shake it up a bit more.

Key Track: "Small Mountain"

Band With Similar Fire: Fleet Foxes

Midlake: The Trials Of Van Occupanther [Fire Note Says 8/21/06]

Official Midlake Website
Midlake MySpace
Bella Union Records

The Courage Of Others - Midlak...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Electric President: The Violent Blue

Electric President
The Violent Blue
Fake Four Inc. [2010]









Fire Note Says: Third album is a strong statement for Electric President!

Album Review:
Electric President is made up of Ben Cooper and Alex Kane from Jacksonville, Florida and The Violent Blue is the duo's third long player. The record is direct evidence of a band that has matured over the last six years and has evolved their sound into what you hear today. Gone is the bedroom pop of their debut and the inconsistency of direction that held back Sleep Well [2008]. Their earlier song structures have now been replaced with a more focused album that blends the group's electronic backgrounds with an overall shoegaze vibe, while still retaining engaging melodies that make The Violent Blue memorable. What really stands out here is that Electric President seems to have made a permanent commitment to their style, as each song feels complete and transitions well into the next. It has moments where the strong chorus holds your attention like on "Safe And Sound", while other tracks let you dive into the instrumentation, such as the over eight minute closer "All The Distant Ships". It is this balanced combination that makes The Violent Blue Electric President's best album to date and should garner them increased interest on the indie scene.

Key Tracks: "Safe And Sound", "Elegant Disasters", "Nightmare No. 5 Or 6"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Postal Service
Eulogies
Loney Dear

Official Electric President Website
Electric President MySpace
Electric President Facebook
Fake Four Inc.

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Boy Genius: Staggering

Boy Genius
Staggering
Greenpop Recordings [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Staggering is the sophomore record from Brooklyn's Boy Genius and it represents the groups most consistent effort yet. It is a straight up "college radio" record, as their style recalls the early recordings of R.E.M. or the jangly lyrical movement of Pavement. For this very reason, the band was able to convince Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Pavement, Superchunk) to produce Staggering. It was a perfect match, as the album has a very likable and live quality to it, that makes Boy Genius a fun listen all the way through. The entire recording process revolved around recording to, mixing to and mastered from tape, which helps create the warm charm on Staggering. It is this style that makes the pop, pop and the layered male/female harmonies shine. Boy Genius may not have made the critically acclaimed album of the year but if you are looking for a quality record that gives you a nice blend of classic and new indie vibes, then Staggering won't let you down.

Key Track: "Old New England"

Band With Similar Fire: R.E.M.

Boy Genius: Anchorage [Fire Note Review 6/20/08]
Boy Genius: Eureka EP [Fire Note Review 1/11/08]

Boy Genius MySpace
Greenpop Recordings

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Shout Out Louds: Work

Shout Out Louds
Work
Merge Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Elegant third record from Stockholm's Shout Out Louds!

Album Review:
I can honestly say that there are only so many albums that you can just put "on", which will instantly lift the moment. Shout Out Louds third record Work happens to be one of those records with its smooth approach and lush harmonic soundscapes. Work actually represents more of a stylistic shift and growth for the band that definitely travels down a new path then their previous records. This is the real outcome of a touring band that has already been at it for five years and has matured, not only as a band, but in life too, as getting older brings older issues like parenthood, strained relationships and keeping your dreams alive. After Our Ill Wills [2007] the band took a much needed break from each other, that included going to different continents. This left singer and main songwriter Adam Olenius down in Australia and alone in a tiny room with a synthesizer, an acoustic guitar and his laptop. This organic approach translated perfectly once the other members added to the songs and they brought in producer Phil Ek (The Shins, Band Of Horses, Fleet Foxes), which was a natural choice. Work has this more free and unrestricted vibe that runs in and out of the record, as the Shout Out Louds focus more in on creating excitement with their melodies, female background vocals and sparse bursts of instrumentation versus having their upbeat rhythms drive the record. Ultimately, Work is a grower with its more mid-tempo pace but the bands confidence and maturity carries the entire album and easily becomes the album of choice just to hit play, sit back and enjoy the listen!

Key Tracks: "1999", "Fall Hard", "Show Me Something New"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Ocean Blue
Peter Bjorn And John
Broken Bells

Official Shout Out Louds Website
Shout Out Louds MySpace
Shout Out Louds Facebook
Merge Records

Fall Hard - Shout Out Louds

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Libby Johnson: Perfect View

Libby Johnson
Perfect View
Wrong Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Do you have room for anymore female singer/songwriters in your iPod? Well either upgrade or delete that ABBA Gold you secretly have taking up space to allow Libby Johnson's sophomore solo record Perfect View a spot. You may actually already be familiar with Johnson's voice as she was a core member with her sister in the indie electric folk outfit 22 Brides. Now out on her own, Perfect View is much different from her earlier band work and its highlights include note-perfect tunefulness, colorful melodies, and solid songwriting. Her music has a warmth to it that makes Perfect View memorable and would be perfect for all types of media outlets, as well as just playing on your stereo! Libby Johnson is not necessarily a new talent but an artist that has been in the shawdows and just needs that one break - now is the time to give her a chance!

Key Track: "Rare And Beautiful"

Band With Similar Fire: Beth Orton

Official Libby Johnson Website
Libby Johnson MySpace
Libby Johnson Facebook
Wrong Records

Perfect View - Libby Johnson

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Ben Sollee And Daniel Martin Moore: Dear Companion

Ben Sollee And Daniel Martin Moore
Dear Companion
Sub Pop Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Kentucky gold!

Album Review:
You absolutely can't go wrong picking up this new collaboration from three superbly talented Kentucky musicians, with its straight ahead folk presentation and the good cause it supports. You might scratch your head because only Sollee and Moore are listed but you also get Jim James (My Morning Jacket, Monsters Of Folk) added in, as he produced the album and lends his standout vocals to several tracks. Dear Companion is a very simple record that uses both guys talents to the max, as Sollee's cello shines and Moore's guitar plucks just fine. The real strength here is how these guys play off each other and then let James chime in at the right moment. The record itself is a slow burn, as most tracks have a very reserved tempo but all are very high in quality. The best news about Dear Companion is that the guys are donating a portion of the proceeds to the organization Appalachian Voices, which helps raise awareness and amplifies the voices of people struggling in the coal fields. You can find out more about what they do at www.ilovemountains.org. This is a matching that truly feels like a debut and one that is deserving of another go, as with even more focus Sollee, Moore & James could put out an album that would blow us away. Until then Dear Companion will definitely suffice!

Key Tracks: "Dear Companion", "Sweet Marie", "Something, Somewhere, Sometime"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Easton Stagger Phillips
M. Ward
Dave Rawlings Machine

Daniel Martin Moore: Stray Age [Fire Note Review 10/13/08]

Official Ben Sollee Website
Official Daniel Martin Moore Website
Ben Sollee MySpace
Daniel Martin Moore MySpace
Ben Sollee Facebook
Daniel Martin Moore Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Crime In Stereo: I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone

Crime In Stereo
I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone
Bridge Nine Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
I fully admit that I have never been totally into any band that had a relationship with the hardcore scene, so I also never paid much attention to Crime In Stereo's earlier catalog. With that said, their fourth long player I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone is an absolute progression in my opinion as the band has made everything bigger, while downplaying their hardcore segments and keeping them in small doses for just the right moment. This might turn off longtime fans but before you discount this new avenue, Crime In Stereo totally make up for the energy with their soaring punk rock attitude and even better melodic and memorable moments. I Was Trying To Describe You To Some will win you over with its catchy consistency and should propel Crime To Stereo into a great 2010, while adding a bunch of new fans to their loyal base!

Key Track: "Drugwolf"

Band With Similar Fire: Sparta

Official Crime In Stereo Website
Crime In Stereo MySpace
Crime In Stereo Facebook
Bridge Nine Records

I Was Trying To Describe You T...

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Quasi: American Gong

Quasi
American Gong
Kill Rock Stars [2010]









Fire Note Says: Instantly gratifying!

Album Review:
Referring to their Facebook description is a perfect place to begin when talking about Quasi. It states that "Quasi is a band made up of three friends from Portland, OR. Sam rocks the guitar or keyboard, Joanna plays bass, and Janet sings and pounds the drumkit. They used to be a two-piece, but now really enjoy wearing power trio hats. Quasi shows are fun." Well after the release of American Gong (the bands 8th record), Quasi shows are going to be even more fun, as this now power trio rocks out 10 songs with more vigor and attitude then we have seen from them in some time. Right from the kick off distortion in lead track "Repulsion", you get the feeling that this round is going to be different. The first piece of this new attitude is the addition of bassist Joanna Bolme (Stephen Malkmus & Jicks) that adds a complete new rhythmic direction for the group, while longtime member Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney) gets to completly let loose on the skins. Of course these two members are tied together by Sam Coomes vocals and intricately loud guitar. Longtime fans might miss the inter playing of the ex-married couple Coomes and Weiss, but giving Quasi the full fledged band attack works out to perfection. You still get the catchy backing vocals but American Gong is loaded with depth and really is a fun listen. There are multiple songs to chime along loudly with as "Little White Horse" is one of the bands most cranking tracks in their catalog, with its 90's alt edge and veteran laid back approach, the song simply plants firmly in your brain. It is the inclusion of smart lyrics, rowdy instrumentation, an undertone of pop hooks and a spirit of a debut group (although the core duo have been together 17 years), that makes American Gong one of Quasi's most enjoyable records to date!

Key Tracks: "Repulsion", "Little White Horse", "Rockabilly Party"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Dinosaur Jr.
X
Pavement

Official Quasi Website
Quasi MySpace
Quasi Facebook
Kill Rock Stars

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Phantogram: Eyelid Movies

Phantogram
Eyelid Movies
Barsuk Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
New York electronic rock duo Phantogram consist of guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel. The pair puts together a stellar debut with Eyelid Movies that is full of warm and isolating tracks, which surround you in their atmospheric creation while letting Barthel's floating vocals take over your mind. It is this sort of feeling you expect to get from a band like Phantogram but their more direct and melodic approach is what sets the group and this record above their current peers and makes Eyelid Movies a experiential listen!

Key Track: "Let Me Go"

Band With Similar Fire: O+S

Phantogram MySpace
Phantogram Facebook
Barsuk Records

Eyelid Movies - Phantogram

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Citizen Cope: The RainWater LP

Citizen Cope
The RainWater LP
RainWater Recordings [2010]









Fire Note Says: Take a chance on Cope!

Album Review:
Sometimes to get it right, it is best to just go out on your own and that is exactly what Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope, has done on The RainWater LP. It is his first record in four years and like his previous two outings, this record was produced by Greenwood, but it is the first on his own label RainWater Recordings, Inc. You can hear his ultimate freedom throughout this album, as it is laid back catchy and cohesive right to the end. This cohesiveness comes at you on several fronts as the lyrics are memorable and sometimes to the point like “If you come looking for a hard time, hard times ain’t hard to find,” from standout track "Lifeline". The second attack of course is his music, which ebbs and flows with a folk-rock backbone mixed with jazzy rhythms, that all get the help from the talented backing musicians of bassist Preston Crump (OutKast, Raphael Saadiq), keyboardist James Poyser (Roots, John Legend) and percussionist Bashiri Johnson (Donald Fagen, Madonna). What makes The RainWater LP so solid is that the record is a completely honest offering without any tweaking from a label. No changing a hook, no changing artwork, no additional songs - just Citizen Cope. Guess what? - that is all you need. If for whatever reason you have been resistant to check out Greenwood's music before, The RainWater LP is the album to get on board with, as his fusion of musical styles work themselves out to completion in a neatly packaged 40 minutes and it represents his best work since Greenwood's debut.

Key Tracks: "Healing Hands", "Off The Ground", "Lifeline"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ben Harper
Jack Johnson
Mat Kearney

Official Citizen Cope Website
Citizen Cope MySpace
Citizen Cope Facebook

The Rainwater Lp - Citizen Cop...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Joe Pug: Messenger

Joe Pug
Messenger
Lightning Rod Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
You have to appreciate an artist like Joe Pug that has built a following the old fashion way by playing shows and passing out, mailing out and giving out a free 2-song sampler CD to anyone who wants one. Better yet he offers them up to his current fanbase, which spread the word - genius! This method has worked, as he has sent out over 15,000 CDs and the anticipation has been high for his debut full length Messenger. The record is a pretty straightforward singer/songwriter folk offering that is inviting, warm and likable. Basically, if you enjoy thoughtful lyrics, some steel pedal, a soulful voice and mostly - a guy and his guitar, then Joe Pug is the new artist for you as Messenger won't let you down.

Key Track: "The Door Was Always Open"

Band With Similar Fire: Justin Townes Earle

Official Joe Pug Website
Joe Pug MySpace
Joe Pug Facebook
Lightning Rod Records

Messenger - Joe Pug

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Adam Green: Minor Love

Adam Green
Minor Love
Fat Possum Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Adam Green shows off his serious swagger on Minor Love.

Album Review:
Minor Love is Adam Green's sixth studio album and it feels like one of his most focused. The ex-Moldy Peacher has slowly been creeping in on what we call in the industry " his mature record". So far in his solo career, Adam is still known as the king of controversial one liners and slapstick lyrics but here on Minor Love he puts together 14 songs that come off more direct and completely without gimmicks. The album has a folk rock approach, as each track features Green's vocals paired with an acoustic guitar. A majority of the added instruments throughout the record are also played by Green and most of the tracks average around 2 minutes. This combination and approach works very well for Green's Lou Reed type vocals as he gets in, tells his story, and gets out, without Minor Love ever getting too bogged down as most of the tracks have a similar structure. This record will not make Adam Green a household name but this more personal approach works well for his resume and has enough catchy swagger to keep us interested and continue coming back for another round!

Key Tracks: "Buddy Bradley", "Castles And Tassels", "What Makes Him Act So Bad"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jonathan Richman
Nick Cave
Lou Reed

Official Adam Green Website
Adam Green MySpace
Adam Green Facebook
Fat Possum Records

Minor Love - Adam Green

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Dios: We Are Dios

Dios
We Are Dios
Buddyhead Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
You may or may not remember, that in 2004 LA band Dios were served a cease and desist order from Ronnie James Dio over name confusion and changed their moniker to Dios Malos. The band rolled on but disappeared into the sunset as We Are Dios marks their solid return as just Dios. The result represents four years work and is a very tripped out indie record that is a true progression of their earlier work that was all captured on 4-track. Dios supply many different styles here that at some points could be compared to Spacemen 3 or even The Beach Boys. This spectrum makes We Are Dios what it is and with several repeat listens the record all comes together and makes for an entertaining listen all the way through!

Key Track: "Stare At Wheel"

Band With Similar Fire: Grandaddy

Official Dios Website
Dios MySpace
Buddyhead Records

We Are Dios - Dios

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Nick Curran And The Lowlifes: Reform School Girl

Nick Curran And The Lowlifes
Reform School Girl
Eclecto Groove Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: A new style for most equals a great change of pace for me!

Album Review:
Here is the scenario: You have some friends coming over, you have your best highball glasses out on the bar, you have your finest liquor ready to pour and you have your sweet rocking stereo ready to roll. The only thing left is putting on the perfect record to complement the moment. Nick Curran And The Lowlifes have supplied you that record. Reform School Girl is a retro kicking punk, blues, and rockabilly album that will entertain you from beginning to end, as its low-fi old school approach actually strikes a very modern chord. Most of this comes from the rawness of the songs driven by the talented Texas veteran Nick Curran who gives his all on every track and pushes his vocals to the edge like a crazed distorted Little Richard. What makes Reform School Girl so strong is that it barley pauses for a breather right from the opening growl of "Um-Hum" in "Tough Love" to the title song, which is a perfect tribute to The Shangri-Las with its background vocal support right out of "The Leader Of The Pack" playbook. The big sell here with Nick Curran And The Lowlifes is that they successfully take a very 60's sound and time warp it to where it is cool in 2010. Trust me - put this on at your party and everyone is going to ask the hipster party thrower - who is that? That's when you know you got it right!

Key Tracks: "Reel Rock Party", "Kill My Baby", "Ain't No Good"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Stray Cats
The Shangri-Las
T-Bone Walker

Nick Curran MySpace
Eclecto Groove Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Heligoats: Goodness Gracious

The Heligoats
Goodness Gracious
Greyday Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
The Heligoats have always been under the radar, as they have been a side project for some time. With that said, you might be surprised the group just passed their 10th year of existence in 2009. Chris Otepka (formerly of Troubled Hubble) always used the moniker to present songs that his day band would not perform. Well now with the "band" behind him, Otepka gets to be more creative here with the power acoustic groove on Goodness Gracious. Now don't think this is just Chris strumming a guitar because The Heligoats are a full fledged band and Goodness Gracious uses all of the quartets talent. This translates into one of their best records and one of the easiest to get into. At 10 songs in 32 minutes the record is a perfect listen and gets even better upon hitting repeat. With so many of the tracks being memorable, Goodness Gracious could easily sneak into our top year end countdown, as The Heligoats are a talented band that just shines throughout this effort!

Key Track: "Fish Sticks"

Band With Similar Fire: Pavement

Official Heligoats Website
The Heligoats MySpace
The Heligoats Facebook
Greyday Records

-Reviewed by Aian Rox

Juliana Hatfield: Peace & Love

Juliana Hatfield
Peace & Love
Ye Olde Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Hatfield is a one-woman show on the acoustic driven Peace & Love.

Album Review:
A woman and a guitar can be a powerful thing. If that woman is Juliana Hatfield, you know that it will be an enjoyable experience. Peace & Love is Hatfield's eleventh solo record and features her going completely acoustic as she produced, engineered, and played all the instruments here that includes acoustic and electric guitars, piano, harmonica and a drum machine. Peace & Love is completely simple and incredibly personal, as the tracks capture the emotions surrounding broken relationships, loneliness and surviving it all. These themes could seem to pull the listener down but there is overall sense of hope to Peace & Love, as Hatfield helps you to see the up side in even some of the toughest situations. There are some limitations on Peace & Love, which holds it back a bit because it does maintain a downtrodden pace that only escapes the mold on several tracks, with one of those times recording her first instrumental number "Unsung". Overall, this is another solid record to Hatfield's collection but I will admit I would enjoy her making a full fledged return to her roots next time out but Peace & Love can still hold fans over till that time comes.

Key Tracks: "I Picked You Up", "Evan", "What Is Wrong"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Caroline Herring
The Swell Season
Julie Peel

Juliana Hatfield: How To Walk Away [Fire Note Review 9/1/08]

Official Juliana Hatfield Website
Juliana Hatfield MySpace
Juliana Hatfield Facebook
Ye Olde Records

Peace & Love - Juliana Hatfiel...

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

We Are Wolves: Invisible Violence

We Are Wolves
Invisible Violence
Dare To Care Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Invisible Violence is Montreal's dance rockers We Are Wolves third long player and it brings a high level of energy and catchiness that will grab your ear immediately. The band does well balancing their components as tracks maintain a harder rock edge to them, while incorporating background synths and soaring group vocals. What makes We Are Wolves stand out is their ability to transition from a more punked up type of track like "Holding Hands" to an almost electro-disco on "Blue", while never losing their overall identity. Invisible Violence is a perfect 12 songs in 45 minutes and should only continue We Are Wolves path as an indie band to watch!

Key Track: "Holding Hands"

Band With Similar Fire: The Rapture

Official We Are Wolves Website
We Are Wolves MySpace
We Are Wolves Facebook
Dare To Care Records

Invisible Violence - We Are Wo...

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby