Freelance Whales: Weathervanes

Freelance Whales
Weathervanes
Frenchkiss Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Maybe not worth all of the early hype but still not a bad debut!

Album Review:
The Freelance Whales are one of the first big hyped bands in 2010 and after taking their debut Weathervanes for a spin you will know why. The album can be extremely catchy at moments with its sort of sunny indie approach that incorporates a very Death Cab meets Band Of Horses sound, which should be enough to sell some records. The layered vocals and hush sincerity of lead singer Judah Dadone are what Weathervanes balances itself on with the inclusion of instruments galore, from the obvious guitar to the more obscure harmonium. Individually the songs work well for the Freelance Whales but the record suffers a bit from consistency and difficult song transitions. Many of the tracks start to bleed together and the situation is not helped by the several instrumental interludes that pop up throughout the 45 minute record. Overall, the Freelance Whales may not live up to the early hype but show enough promise here on Weathervanes to keep an eye on them for future releases and enjoy some of their singles now.

Key Tracks: "Broken Horse", "Generator ^ First Floor", "Location"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Say Hi
Sufjan Stevens
Death Cab For Cutie

Official Freelance Whales Website
Freelance Whales MySpace
Freelance Whales Facebook
Frenchkiss Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Static Of The Gods: Knowledge Machine

Static Of The Gods
Knowledge Machine
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
This Boston based trio brings a solid straight forward alternative rock that has both depth and character. Female lead Jen Johnson drives each track with her strong but pleasant sounding vocals as the remaining members build a wall of sound around her. This is the formula that works consistently on Knowledge Machine, as most of the tracks keep a mid tempo pace and have slow guitar build ups. Static Of The Gods are not going to change the world with this record but currently there are not many bands out there with their sound, which if you are looking makes for a nice change of pace to check out.

Key Track: "White Flag"

Band With Similar Fire: Rainer Maria

Official Static Of The Gods Website
Static Of The Gods MySpace
Static Of The Gods Facebook

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Dum Dum Girls: I Will Be

Dum Dum Girls
I Will Be
Sub Pop Records [2010]









Fire Note Review: Nothing dumb about it!

Album Review:
Let's list the reasons you are going to enjoy the Dum Dum Girls debut I Will Be:

• Lead singer and founder's name is Dee Dee.
  
• The band name was formed from the combination of the Iggy Pop song “Dum Dum Boys” and The Vaselines’ album, Dum-Dum.
  
• I Will Be clocks in just under 29 minutes.
  
• The rest of the band is named Jules (guitar and vocals), Bambi (bass), and Frankie Rose (drums and vocals).
  
• Contributing help from Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner on “Yours Alone” and Crocodiles’ Brandon Welchez sings and plays guitar on the duet “Blank Girl".
  
• I Will Be was produced by Richard Gottehrer (Blondie, The Go-Gos, The Raveonettes).
• The album sounds like a rushing murky trip of girls lo-fi garage pop with a 60's twist.
• Released on the stellar Sub Pop Records.

I think that gives you enough to draw your own conclusions on the Dum Dum Girls but I will leave you with the fact that I Will Be is just one little catchy splash of an album that not only represents their own genre well but takes some solid cues from the great groups of alternatives past!

Key Tracks: "Yours Alone", "Bhang Bhang, I'm A Burnout", "Jail La La"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Crocodiles
Throwing Muses
Sleater-Kinney

Official Dum Dum Girls Website
Dum Dum Girls MySpace
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Galaxie 500 Reissues

Galaxie 500
Today, On Fire, This Is Our Music
Deluxe Reissues
20|20|20 Records [2010]



Fire Drill Review:
Sometimes music ages like a fine wine. In the beginning when you make the purchase, you have no assurance that it will be any good. Over time, you hope that it progresses well and when you finally pop the cork you are pleasantly surprised that it is even better then you thought. Well that simply sums up Galaxie 500. They have been hailed by many as influential, as well as always being listed in the same categories as R.E.M. and Dinosaur Jr. but never have enjoyed the same sort of commercial success. Starting today, Galaxie 500 can officially find some new fans as these deluxe reissues of their studio records are re-released. These new releases each have a companion disc that is attached which basically wraps up all of their output with some out of print band essentials. The three bonus discs are their unreleased and rarities disc Uncollected, their legendary Peel Sessions record and their lone live record, Copenhagen. All of which give more depth to the band as you examine their lore. There is a chance that current fans probably own all of these records already, although now you have a chance to purchase them on remastered vinyl, but I see these reissues really aimed at snagging and educating some new blood. You absolutely can not go wrong picking up any of these records and they really are essential to any indie fan's collection. It also should be said, that after re-listening to these albums, Galaxie 500 really were underrated from the beginning. These records not only sound new and energizing today but probably even more so now then at their original release date 20 years ago. Truly they were a band that was ahead of its time!

Galaxie 500 MySpace
Galaxie 500 Facebook
20|20|20 Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Seabear: We Built A Fire

Seabear
We Built A Fire
Morr Music [2010]









Fire Note Says: An excellent sophomore outing!

Album Review:
There is something about Icelandic bands that just ooze elegance and Seabear's sophomore record, We Built A Fire possesses the same aurora. Seabear has come a long way from its early beginnings, which started as solo-project of Sindri Már Sigfússon (aka Sin Fang Bous) and now has become a creative collective of seven Icelandic musicians. We Built A Fire showcases this approach, as all members of the band had equal input in the writing process and while Sigfússon's distinguishable voice is front and center the band is consistently heard throughout, by the way of memorable harmonies. The entire record leaves a lasting impression, as Seabear shift from being just an indie folk group to venturing into rock and simple balladry. We Built A Fire's subtle mild paced song tempos, each take a second to sink in but keep your attention, as Seabear injects moments of instrument explosion layered within complex song structures. This is the true formula that will have you coming back for more and putting Seabear as a group you will enjoy throughout the year!

Key Tracks: "I'll Build You A Fire", "Lion Face Boy", "Wolfboy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Travis
Volcano Choir
The Wooden Birds

Sin Fang Bous: Advent In Ives Garden [Fire Note Review 1/9/09]

Official Seabear Website
Seabear MySpace
Seabear Facebook
Morr Music

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Bird And The Bee: Interpreting The Masters Volume 1 - A Tribute To Daryl Hall And John Oates

The Bird And The Bee
Interpreting The Masters Volume 1: A Tribute To Daryl Hall And John Oates
Blue Note Records [2010]








Fire Drill Review:
I took this album for what it was. Basically the duo of Inara George and Greg Kurstin (a.k.a The Bird And The Bee) take their spacey jazzy pop and interpret 9 songs from Hall & Oates. As weird as it may seem, they do a solid job of modernizing these tracks to present day without removing any of the Hall & Oates soul. They also don't really deconstruct too much from the originals, which may have some asking the question why even put this out? Not sure I have the answer on that one but fans of the band should enjoy this, as well as department stores across the land. It is not a bad record by any means, because it actually is a fun, well sung and an enjoyable listen (especially if you are into Hall & Oates) but replay value is probably low and at the end of the day you will still ask what for and what's next for The Bird And The Bee?

Key Track: "Kiss On My List"

Band With Similar Fire: Feist

The Bird And The Bee: Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future [Fire Note Review 1/29/09]

Official Bird And The Bee Website
The Bird And The Bee MySpace
The Bird And The Bee Facebook
Blue Note Records

Interpreting the Masters Volum...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Lions Rampant: It's Fun To Do Bad Things

The Lions Rampant
It's Fun To Do Bad Things
Deep Elm Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Get ready to join the fun!

Album Review:
After several solid and rockin' EPs, The Lions Rampant have finally released their debut record It's Fun To Do Bad Things and it is everything fans will want. It contains the same ballsy blues garage rock as their previous offerings but shows a strong progression in songwriting and structure, which feels much more focused. The key ingredient in all of this is the energy level because The Lions Rampant never let down and It's Fun To Do Bad Things will have your foot tapping from track 1 to track 13. Frontman Stuart Mackenzie drives each track with his commanding raspy like vocals as he gives 110% on every note. The record itself tells the story of a young romantic and his search for love, taking things to the limit, enjoying the nightlife, and falling in and out of love but don't imagine that tale being sappy because The Lions Rampant never turn down the amps. There will be nothing new found on It's Fun To Do Bad Things but plenty of good times will follow as the rock is authentic and with all the groups and records out there that just seem inflated, The Lions Rampant are the real deal and wear their hearts on their sleeve!

Key Tracks: "Lights On", "I'm A Riot", "Kara"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Dirtbombs
Band Of Skulls
The Greenhornes

The Lions Rampant: Play Rock N Roll [EP] [Fire Note Review 6/12/08]

Official Lions Rampant Website
The Lions Rampant MySpace
The Lions Rampant Facebook
Deep Elm Records

It's Fun To Do Bad Things - Th...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Slow Club: Yeah So

Slow Club
Yeah So
Moshi Moshi Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Slow Club is a folk rock duo from Sheffield, England that sees the US release of their debut record Yeah So next week. The group has already created much buzz in their homeland, as this record officially released last summer. Rebecca Taylor and Charles Watson sing together throughout the album, each taking their respective versus and consistently chiming in together on the choruses. The co-written songs do revolve around relationships and love but come off as mature and never too cute. Slow Club offer upbeat, downbeat and sidebeat type of tempos that all do well upon repeat listens, as Yeah So is a solid debut that is just an enjoyable listen.

Key Track: "Trophy Room"

Band With Similar Fire: Angus And Julia Stone

Slow Club MySpace
Slow Club Facebook
Moshi Moshi Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Circus Devils: Mother Skinny

Circus Devils
Mother Skinny
Happy Jack Rock Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Pollard + Tobias² = Art rock at its best!

Album Review:
So if you are into the Circus Devils, you are going to be into their eighth record Mother Skinny. Forget the more acoustic outings on Gringo [2009]. Forget the highlighted rock moments on ATAXIA [2008]. Mother Skinny is just plain sinister art rock, that will keep your ear to your speaker so that you don't miss a beat. Robert Pollard has never sounded more scary with his evil cackle on "Germ Circus" or his stretched out slow delivery in "Lurking", which feels like he is literally and weirdly right behind you. Of course it is one thing to just have Bob freaking you out a bit with his lyrical wordplay but now add in the masters of noise called Tobias and their knack for instrumentation. On Mother Skinny their work is in full force, as there is plenty of manipulation of vocals and many additional screeches and scratches throughout the album. The record is more of a return to their earlier art focused form but adds in very strong thumping beats and guitar riffs, that absolutely drive each of the twenty tracks down your throat. Once again, Mother Skinny is a record that separates itself from the Circus Devil's vast catalog and will be a fun ride for anybody who dares to put it in their player!

Key Tracks: "Lurking", "Bam Bam Bam", "A Living Necklace Of Warts"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Liars
Deerhoof
Man Man

Circus Devils: A Riot Of Gold Teeth 2001-2010 [Fire Note Review 3/5/10]
Circus Devils: Gringo [Fire Note Review 4/7/09]
Circus Devils: ATAXIA [Fire Note Review 9/24/08]
Circus Devils: Sgt. Disco [Fire Note Review 9/17/07]

Official Circus Devils Website
Circus Devils MySpace
Circus Devils Facebook
Happy Jack Rock Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Weakerthans: Live At The Burton Cummings Theatre

The Weakerthans
Live At The Burton Cummings Theatre
ANTI-/Epitaph Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
It is ridiculous how good this live record is from indie darlings The Weakerthans. It evenly covers the groups four studio records and showcases the band ripping through 18 tracks effortlessly and sounding absolutely stellar. There is not much crowd noise nor banter included on Live At The Burton Cummings Theatre, which may be a distraction for core followers of the live format but there is just enough, so that you do know this was performed in front of an audience but never once does it take away from the music. The band easily shifts from fast paced guitared up songs like "Wellington's Wednesdays" to their more staple mid-tempo tracks, as the set list is exactly what you would want to see from them. The Weakerthans are a very talented band and Live At The Burton Cummings Theatre shows that the studio records were no fluke and neither is this band!

Key Track: "Reconstruction Site"

Band With Similar Fire: Wilco

The Weakerthans: Reunion Tour [Fire Note Review 10/2/07]

Official Weakerthans Website
The Weakerthans MySpace
The Weakerthans Facebook
ANTI- Records
Epitaph Records

Live At The Burton Cummings Th...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Jason Collett: Rat A Tat Tat

Jason Collett
Rat A Tat Tat
Arts & Crafts Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Another solid effort in the can for Jason Collett!

Album Review:
Jason Collett has quietly worked himself into being one of Toronto's most adored singer/songwriters as he now is on album number five with Rat A Tat Tat. In bigger circles, he of course is known more for being one of the talented members of indie darlings Broken Social Scene but on his solo outings, Collett's song structures are much more conservative while his musical avenues are still very exploratory. On several tracks, Collett tries a more folksier approach that works out ok but his stronger suit is definitely in the more easy pop rock strides that flow along and highlight his pleasant to listen to voice and well written lyrics. Rat A Tat Tat is what you want from a solo artist and Collett comes off completely sincere, not worried if you hate em but also not worried if you love him. He is just a talented guy singing his songs and his songs are pretty good!

Key Tracks: "Long May You Love", "Bitch City", "Lake Superior"

Bands With Similar Fire:
John Vanderslice
George Harrison
Ron Sexsmith

Official Jason Collett Website
Jason Collett MySpace
Jason Collett Facebook
Arts & Crafts Records

Rat A Tat Tat - Jason Collett

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Drink Up Buttercup: Born And Thrown On A Hook

Drink Up Buttercup
Born And Thrown On A Hook
Yep Roc Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Philly band Drink Up Buttercup give you exactly what you want in a good indie record. They have a very sporadic use of instruments and energy that combines nicely with their vocal harmonies. They muster up an overall classic 60's psychedelic vibe but at any moment can switch a song from folk to rock to dance and back again, while maintaining a cool retro swag but many times offering a very modern building song structure like an Arcade Fire. Drink Up Buttercup is then driven by the surprising falsetto's of lead vocalist James Harvey and lets the band chime in like Sgt Peppers but never comes off sounding corny just plain intriguing. At the end of the day, Born And Thrown On A Hook is one of those records that is hard to classify but immediately sticks in your head and forces you to keep hitting repeat!

Key Track: "Even Think"

Band With Similar Fire: The Coral

Official Drink Up Buttercup Website
Drink Up Buttercup MySpace
Drink Up Buttercup Facebook
Yep Roc Records

Born And Thrown On A Hook - Dr...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

She & Him: Volume Two

She & Him
Volume Two
Merge Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: In their case - more of the same is OK.

Album Review:
I guess we know now that Volume One [2008] was not just a creative record title for the duo of actress Zooey Deschanel and indie singer/songwriter M. Ward, as the follow up sophomore outing, Volume Two is upon us. What was probably most surprising about this pairing and Volume One, was that it was pretty good and I am glad to say that Volume Two not only equals its predecessor's catchiness but it might actually be a little bit better. Most of this comes from Deschanel's more confident singing, as she now does not just compliment the tracks but drives them. Volume Two really does pick up where One left off, as this record has the same Americana meets the 60's swagger all the way through. Of course, Volume Two would not be a solid record without the musical guidance and occasional vocal of M. Ward, as he does do several things here to differentiate the records by subtly adding in some new synthesized instrumentation that gives the album a greater depth and warmth. She & Him can be summed up as you get what you hear and in their case, it makes for a perfect fit and should carry on to Volume Three with no issues!

Key Tracks: "Brand New Shoes", "In The Sun", "Me And You"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Bird And The Bee
Goldfrapp
The Watson Twins

She & Him: Volume One [Fire Note Review 4/3/08]

Official She & Him Website
She & Him MySpace
She & Him Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Yukon Blonde: Yukon Blonde

Yukon Blonde
Yukon Blonde
Bumstead Productions [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Vancover's Yukon Blonde supplies a heavy dose of solid indie rock that has plenty of vocal harmonies, which at times can feel like Supertramp, while others have more of a Fleet Foxes type vibe. Their self-titled debut carries this 60's rock meets 2010 torch all the way through the record and really does give the album a uniqueness that stands out. It is also the superb quality of lead vocalist Jeff Innes that makes tracks standout here, while Yukon Blonde pull off sounding so familiar, that you instantly connect with the album. For this very reason it is a record you should check out because it gets better after every spin.

Key Track: "Wind Blows"

Band With Similar Fire: Dr. Dog

Official Yukon Blonde Website
Yukon Blonde Myspace
Yukon Blonde Facebook
Bumstead Productions

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Portugal. The Man: American Ghetto

Portugal. The Man
American Ghetto
Equal Vision Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Nice surprise release from Alaskan band!

Album Review:
Like everyone out there, we were a bit surprised when we received the email late February telling us that March 2 we would be getting a copy of the new Portugal. The Man record American Ghetto for review, which was also the albums release date. There were no advance copies for review and the record was guaranteed not to leak nor have a large push from PTM's record label. Crazy right? In this day in age, probably not the craziest thing that has been done but after finally hearing American Ghetto, any doubts about its authenticity are far gone. Most of these notions came from the fact that its release was on the heals of the groups best work with last years The Satanic Satanist [2009], which landed at #20 on our best of list. It would have been easy for American Ghetto to be eleven b-sides that didn't make the cut for Satanist but instead, it is another completely fulfilling offering and contains some of their most straight forward work yet. Album closer, "When The War Ends" is one of the most catchy songs they have written, while the hooky groove on American Ghetto follows the similar stylings of Satanist. The only thing that separates the two albums apart is where Satanist had almost seamless transitions and consistent flow, Ghetto struggles a bit more track to track. With that said, American Ghetto is another stellar offering from Portugal. The Man and clearly showcases them at a creative high point right now. It also is nice to see that this record was a big thank you to fans, as they were among the first to hear it this go around. The physical album is not coming out till May but fans should not wait to pick this up digitally, because I guarantee it will be an added favorite to their player and PTM's catalog!

Key Tracks: "60 Years", "All My People", "When The War Ends"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beck
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
TV On The Radio

Portugal. The Man: The Satanic Satanist [Fire Note Review 7/22/09]

Official Portugal. The Man Website
Portugal. The Man MySpace
Portugal. The Man Facebook
Equal Vision Records

American Ghetto - Portugal. Th...

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

English Teeth: English Teeth [EP]

English Teeth
English Teeth [EP]
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
It may be easy to get lost in the album cover and the bands name but English Teeth hail from Austin, TX and they have self released a rocking 5 song EP with the Brits in mind but built on solid American grit. The songs are short, sharp and injected with a swagger, that will instantly make you notice with its laid back yet full throttle approach. The EP hits all the right notes and gives off an English Rolling Stones vibe that still retains a New Yorker Strokes mix. All of this provides a solid 15 minutes of entertainment, while securing a place on the map for English Teeth as a band to discover in 2010!

Key Track: "Invasion"

Band With Similar Fire: The Exploders

English Teeth MySpace
English Teeth Facebook

English Teeth - English Teeth

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Strange Boys: Be Brave

The Strange Boys
Be Brave
In The Red Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Turn down the rock - Turn up the folk.

Album Review:
You will notice a dramatic difference when you put on The Strange Boys sophomore record Be Brave compared to their debut, as it embraces the more "Dylan" side of their spirit and puts their garage rock on the back burner. The songs found here are much more intimate and thought out, as the sometimes loose recklessness found on ...And Girls Club [2009] is gone. Be Brave actually really feels like a transition record into something else, as this young Austin TX band discovers their final destination. It is almost like The Strange Boys were able to take a deep breath, relax, and record at leisure. What came out is this more folk oriented record that still plays on the bands strengths. Ryan Sambol's raspy vocals are much more clear here, along with the music, which lets you actually absorb what The Strange Boys have to say this round. Be Brave definitely doesn't have the initial wow factor that came with Girls Club but it is a record that will take more of your time to let it sink in. In the end, this album shows another talent to The Strange Boys that only expands their range and most certainly will add to their future appeal!

Key Tracks: "Be Brave", "Night Might", "I See"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Langhorne Slim
Todd Snider
The Dutchess And The Duke

The Strange Boys: ...And Girls Club [Fire Note Review 4/10/09]

The Strange Boys MySpace
The Strange Boys Facebook
In The Red Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Boston Spaceships: Camera Found The Ray Gun [EP]

Boston Spaceships
Camera Found The Ray Gun [EP]
Jackpot Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Recently Bob Pollard has been hitting on all cylinders and the first Boston Spaceships release in 2010 does nothing to hinder his pace. The four tracks offered on the Camera Found The Ray Gun [EP], all bring a manic energy to tape with an inspired classic British punk undertone. The entire EP comes in just under nine minutes and will vocally remind you of some earlier basement GBV but where it separates itself is its more focused song structures and solid shifting instrumentation from Pollards cohorts Chris Slusarenko and John Moen. For fans, this is a no brainer to pick up and for collector's there is a limited run of 500 vinyl so don't wait - seek out the Boston Spaceships and let them loudly rock out your indie world - again and again!

Key Track: "Aquarian Hovercraft"

Band With Similar Fire: Wire

Boston Spaceships: Licking Stamps And Drinking Shitty Coffee [Fire Note Review 12/10/09]
Boston Spaceships: Zero To 99 [Fire Note Review 10/1/09]
Boston Spaceships: The Planets Are Blasted [Fire Note Review 2/13/09]
Boston Spaceships: Headache Revolution 7" [Fire Note Review 1/12/09]
Boston Spaceships: Brown Submarine [Fire Note Review 9/16/08]

Official Boston Spaceships Website
Boston Spaceships MySpace
Boston Spaceships Facebook
Jackpot Records
Official Robert Pollard Website

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Whigs: In The Dark

The Whigs
In The Dark
ATO Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: It still has it's moments!

Album Review:
Here is the deal on The Whigs. Since being hailed by many in 2006 as the next big thing, the group has had a hard time living up to the tag. In The Dark is the bands third long player and probably their most radio friendly to date. This could be a good thing for the band but trouble for fans, as In The Dark has its moments but lacks consistency. Some tracks like "Black Lotus" and first single "Kill Me Carolyne" are catchy but not necessarily memorable. Other tracks grab your ear for a second but don't seem to leave a terribly lasting impression, as the songs just feel too polished or smoothed out. It is not till "Naked" appears as the last track on the album that the band truly rekindles some of the grit their initial hype was all about. It is a six minute rocker that builds with a fever and really showcases all of the groups talents. Even though In The Dark does not represent The Whigs best work, it does still possess the right components for the band to be relevant and makes them worth checking out in the future.

Key Tracks: "Black Lotus", "Kill Me Carolyne", "Naked"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ryan Adams
Kings Of Leon
The Replacements

The Whigs: Mission Control [Fire Note Review 2/7/08]
The Whigs: Give 'Em All A Big Fat Lip [Fire Note Review 5/4/06]

Official Whigs Website
The Whigs MySpace
The Whigs Facebook
ATO Records

In The Dark - The Whigs

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Standard Fare: The Noyelle Beat

Standard Fare
The Noyelle Beat
Bar/None Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Standard Fare are a trio of Sheffield indie poppers that offer up a very youthful, upbeat and hook filled debut with The Noyelle Beat. Most of the tracks are lead by the likable vocals of Emma Kupa, which are sometimes paired with the dueling Danny How and will instantly remind you of some classic Blake Babies. The record is full of lovelorn tunes that are based on relationships and experiences, which translates into an overall sincere vibe. The album was recorded in just six days and is directly reflected in the The Noyelle Beat's loose and carefree sound. This free spirit lets the album breath on its own and makes it a perfect record to just enjoy while ensuring a promising future for Standard Fare.

Key Track: "Let's Get Back Together"

Band With Similar Fire: Los Campesinos!

Official Standard Fare Website
Standard Fare MySpace
Standard Fare Facebook
Bar/None Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights

The White Stripes
Under Great White Northern Lights
Warner Bros. Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Worth your time!

Album Review:
Anyone who ever has seen the White Stripes live can attest to the showmanship of Jack White and the larger then life persona he plays onstage. This is something that I would think would be difficult to capture on record but on The White Stripes new live experience Under The Great White Northern Lights, he clearly is the star and the flow showcases the bands looseness and imperfections without damaging the overall vibe. This is an album that captures different performances from the bands last tour in Canada right before their now 3 year hiatus. You can only tell this sometimes as the transitions between tracks lose their crowds cohesiveness but most listener's will never notice. Northern Lights represents a solid snapshot of what the band offered live and will quickly have you hoping for a new album. The track list itself won't impress too many longtime fans, as all the songs are fairly standard and played pretty straightforward. The biggest shift is that White does get the crowd involved on several sing alongs and has some stage chatter worth hearing. Of course with all of that said, I would not have wanted to see this record filled with b sides and it is still a much worthy 60 minutes of your time. The White Stripes will always go down as one of those stand out bands from the era and Under The Great White Northern Lights is just another highlight of why we miss them!

Key Tracks: "The Union Forever", "I'm Slowly Turning Into You", "Fell In Love With A Girl"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Stooges
Jimi Hendrix
The Raconteurs

The White Stripes: Icky Thump [Fire Note Review 6/19/07]

Official White Stripes Website
The White Stripes MySpace
The White Stripes Facebook
Warner Bros. Records

Under Great White Northern Lig...

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Titus Andronicus: The Monitor

Titus Andronicus
The Monitor
XL Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
New Jersey's Titus Andronicus have easily created one of the most rocking and intriguing concept albums that loosely revolves around the Civil War ever. That is right - the Civil War. This juggernaut of a record is a breath taker with its 6 minute song average that concludes with a furious 14 minute mountain of a song that closes out the conceptual fight. It has vocals that are a blend of Bruce Springsteen and Conor Oberst, while having the musical help from members of The Hold Steady, Wye Oak, Vivian Girls and Ponytail. It has a multitude of grandiose rock moments, while reminding you that the enemies are out there and war is hell. It is an idea and a record that probably should have bombed but Titus Andronicus dare you to turn off their sophomore album The Monitor, as it is more infectious every time you spin it!

Key Track: "The Battle Of Hampton Roads"

Band With Similar Fire: The Gaslight Anthem

Official Titus Andronicus Website
Titus Andronicus MySpace
Titus Andronicus Facebook
XL Records

The Monitor - Titus Andronicus

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Rogue Wave: Permalight

Rogue Wave
Permalight
Brushfire Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: :(

Album Review:
Do you know what made Rogue Wave's debut Out Of The Shadow [2004] so endearing? It was its brooding sincerity. Ever since, Rogue Wave has been on a journey to find something else. I will be the first one not to knock them for not making the same album twice or wanting to lighten things up a bit, but the pop sounds that ring out on the groups fourth LP Permalight come across way too polished to leave an impression. This is too bad because singer/guitarist Zach Rogue has one of the most likable vocals currently on the indie scene. Previous to this record, Rogue suffered through two slipped discs in his neck, which essentially left him slightly paralyzed for several months. That is enough to make you want to sing it out loud but Permalight goes too far for a band that wasn't made to dance. Rogue Wave now supplies plenty of hand clapping, foot swinging, woo hooing and sugary pop dance beats to the mix, which for longtime followers is a bit hard to swallow all the way through. It should be no surprise here that the ballads stand out the most on Permalight and still retain much of the indie factor that Rogue Wave was originally built on. There is a balance for a band as talented and catchy as Rogue Wave to amp it up a bit - unfortunately Permalight is not it!

Key Tracks: "Fear Itself", "I'll Never Leave You", "Good Morning"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Owl City
R.E.M.
OK Go

Official Rogue Wave Website
Rogue Wave MySpace
Rogue Wave Facebook
Brushfire Records

Permalight - Rogue Wave

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fang Island: Fang Island

Fang Island
Fang Island
Sargent House Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Brooklyn's Fang Island represents why you buy/download/borrow or simply steal music because the excitement that this post-punk group packs into a 30 minute record is enough to keep you rocking for 30 years. What makes the group so interesting on its sophomore album is their ability to come off fractured but whole, deconstructed but yet strong and without chorus but filled with hooks. Fang Island have made a rock record that offers three guitarists, bass and drums but never conforms into any one stereotyped formula, which opens them up to interpretation - that is what makes this album great!

Key Track: "Daisy"

Band With Similar Fire: Local Natives

Official Fang Island Website
Fang Island MySpace
Fang Island Facebook
Sargent House Records

Fang Island - Fang Island

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony