The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Dirty Shirt Rock 'N' Roll - The First Ten Years

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Dirty Shirt Rock 'N' Roll: The First Ten Years
Majordomo Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
The blues are still number one on this must have Jon Spencer compilation, while the driving garage rock is really what this is all about! Dirty Shirt Rock 'N' Roll covers the years between Jon Spencer's 1992 debut and 2002's Plastic Fang. It really does show quickly how The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion was almost ahead of their time, as their music sounds more fresh and relevant today then it did in the 90's. Their flare for the loud and experimental, along with the consistent blues rock formula offers an entertaining listen every time you spin it. This collection should be owned by anyone that is currently into the ongoing garage rock revival of today, as Jon Spencer will clearly show you how it is done!

Key Track: "Afro"

Band With Similar Fire: The White Stripes

Heavy Trash: Midnight Soul Serenade [Fire Note Review 11/30/09]

Official Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Website
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion MySpace
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Facebook
Majordomo Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Minus The Bear: Omni

Minus The Bear
Omni
Dangerbird Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Complex to the end!

Album Review:
Omni has to be the smoothest and most focused record Minus The Bear have released to date. For a band that had early song titles like "Monkey Knife Fight" and "Thanks For The Killer Game Of Crisco Twister", the group now finds themselves eight years older and transitioning to the next stage of their career. This move really started on their last album Planet Of Ice [2007] as it seemed to have a much more serious approach but Omni takes it to the next level with a true musical density. At first, long time followers of the group may be a bit hesitant to get completely on board with this synth groovy sound but Omni truly benefits from repeat listens. What still exists in this records under belly is the experimental and intricate guitar work Minus The Bear are known for, as well as their dependable drumming but Omni steps up in the songwriting department and also finds the band being very patient as its tracks evolve. Not one of the ten songs found here are under 4 minutes long, giving Minus The Bear plenty of time to drive home their point with each true composition. Omni was produced by Grammy award winning Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket, The White Stripes) and he brings the polished touch to the record, that blends all of the lush arrangements together building the complex sound structures within each track and just lets Jake Snyder's vocals soar. Overall, Omni must be listened to multiple times with headphones on and off, in order to maximize its impact as Minus The Bear succeeds again in offering something completely new, while growing as artists and being a force on the indie scene!

Key Tracks: "My Time", "Summer Angel", "In The Mirror"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Passion Pit
Grizzly Bear
Doves

Minus The Bear: Planet Of Ice [Fire Note Review 8/22/07]

Official Minus The Bear Website
Minus The Bear MySpace
Minus The Bear Facebook
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Hole: Nobody's Daughter

Hole
Nobody's Daughter
Mercury Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
I will be the first to admit, I really wanted this record to rock my ass off. Unfortunately, that didn't happen as Nobody's Daughter feels more like a Courtney Love retread with very little substance. The first error here was not bringing back original members Eric Erlandson and Melissa Auf der Maur. They provided the punch to Love's well-known snarl and even with the help of songwriters Linda Perry and Billy Corgan, too many tracks fall short of being memorable. Nobody's Daughter is actually full of potential and it is not a total lost but still suffers from the over tweaking and delays the songs went through to get here. At the end of the day, Hole and Courtney Love solo are synonymous and nothing on Nobody's Daughter will consistently have you coming back, so just go pull out Live Through This [1994] and start to reminisce.

Key Tracks: "Pacific Coast Highway"

Band With Similar Fire: Scanners

Official Hole Website
Hole MySpace
Hole Facebook
Mercury Records

Nobody's Daughter - Hole

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Nada Surf: If I Had A Hi-Fi

Nada Surf
If I Had A Hi-Fi
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Note Says: Nada Surf plays their favorites!

Album Review:
I always say that if you are going to put out a covers record it should have several key components: 1) a mix of groups people know with groups they don't 2) make sure you change up the tracks and don't put out the same song and 3) don't take yourself too seriously. Veteran indie band Nada Surf follow all three here on the Record Store Day/tour release album If I Had A Hi-Fi, as they tackle groups you may not know like Bill Fox, Dwight Twilley or Mecromina and groups you do, such as Depeche Mode, Spoon and The Moody Blues.

For the most part, the songs sound like a Nada Surf record as the band does a nice job changing up tempos, styles and harmonies to meet their own groove. Lastly, Nada Surf approach this record with a care free attitude, as these 12 tracks are from artists they enjoy and songs like "Bye Bye Beaute" from french singer Coralie Clement has singer Matthew Caws fluently speaking her language.

Basically, if you have been a follower of Nada Surf then this record is a slam dunk 40 minutes of fun. It is still a covers record, so you can only get so hyped up about it but when you hand out grades for these type of projects, If I Had A Hi-Fi ranks up there with some of the best!

Key Tracks: "Bye Bye Beaute (Coralie Clement)", "Enjoy The Silence (Depeche Mode)", "Question (The Moody Blues)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spoon
Cymbals Eat Guitars
White Rabbits

Nada Surf: Vinyl Box Set 1994-2008 [Fire Note Review 12/8/08]
Nada Surf: Lucky [Fire Note Review 2/6/08]

Official Nada Surf Website
Nada Surf MySpace
Nada Surf Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Johnny Bertram & The Golden Bicycles: Days That Passed

Johnny Bertram & The Golden Bicycles
Days That Passed
Esperanza Plantation Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Johnny Bertram currently lives in Mississippi but he is originally from the Pacific Northwest and his debut record with The Golden Bicycles, Days That Passed, has plenty of lush soundscapes normally found in his former territory. How the album differs some from the Death Cabs, Built To Spills and Pedro The Lions is its solo angle as Bertram guides each song with his colorful and upbeat personality. This provides Days That Pass with elements of surprise, which include some Spanish flare on "Fortification", country picking on "Private Land" and horns on "Great Divide". All of this offers a very diverse but yet focused sound that is unique but familiar as Johnny Bertram & The Golden Bicycles give you a solid listen all the way through!

Key Track: "Private Land"

Band With Similar Fire: The Decemberists

Official Johnny Bertram Website
Johnny Bertram MySpace
Johnny Bertram Facebook
Esperanza Plantation Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Apples In Stereo: Travellers In Space And Time

The Apples In Stereo
Travellers In Space And Time
Simian/Yep Roc Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: You pick - 1974 or 2024!

Album Review:
The Apples In Stereo always provide the upbeat sunny side of music and on the groups seventh studio record Travellers In Space And Time, the band pulls the shades off again for another bouncy ride on their pop train. Travellers actually expands on some of the experimentation the group started on the excellent New Magnetic Wonder [2007] and clarifies the direction as frontman Robert Schneider offers up a modern take on a classic sound. This record actually combines the vocal harmony styles of ELO, while almost sounding futuristic with its electronic keyboard bleeps and blips that move in sync with the drum beats. This approach may turn their old fans off at first but after you give Travellers several spins your ears starts to get it. The song structures start to grab you because each track is a well crafted pop machine even though lyrically they can be a bit thin at times. This of course has never held The Apples In Stereo back and on Travellers In Space And Time the songs shine so much from their polished finish that you never even question that it should be any different - you just conclude that it is another solid outing!

Key Tracks: "No Vacation", "C.P.U.", "Hey Elevator"

Bands With Similar Fire:
ELO
Pet Shop Boys
Ben Folds

The Apples In Stereo: #1 Hits Explosion [Fire Note Review 8/27/09]
The Apples In Stereo: New Magnetic Wonder [Fire Note Review 2/6/07]

Official Apples In Stereo Website
The Apples In Stereo Myspace
The Apples In Stereo Facebook
Yep Roc Records

Travellers in Space and Time -...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Unnatural Helpers: Cracked Love & Other Drugs

Unnatural Helpers
Cracked Love & Other Drugs
Hardly Art Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
There is never anything wrong with a flat out loose, fun and bangin' record like the 15 songs in 25 minutes that Seattle's Unnatural Helpers gives you on Cracked Love & Other Drugs. The garage rockers only consistent member has been singer/drummer/songwriter Dean Whitmore but here he does the next best thing to getting a steady line up - invite your local talented friends. Cracked Love features Brian Standeford and Leo Gebhardt (Catheters, Idle Times) on guitar/backing vocals, while Dutchess & The Duke Kimberly Morrison supplies plenty of bass, guitar, keys and vocals throughout. The album was recorded in a week with Seattle staple Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks) and although it seems hectic, Cracked Love & Other Drugs is well thought out and has plenty of memorable moments that stick with you well after its conclusion, which in turn makes you dive back in for another quick dose almost immediately!

Key Track: "Sunshine/Pretty Girls"

Band With Similar Fire: Mclusky

Unnatural Helpers MySpace
Unnatural Helpers Facebook
Hardly Art Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Lab Partners: Moonlight Music

Lab Partners
Moonlight Music
Pravda Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Absolutely Stellar!

Album Review:
Sometimes waiting offers a high reward and in the case of Dayton, Ohio's Lab Partners new release Moonlight Music - the payoff is huge. The record is the veteran bands first full length in five years (only their third overall) and it gives you a hours worth of indie shoegaze that hits every propulsive groove out of the park. The album aims high and comes through with big moments that will both shake your speakers and impress you with some quiet reserve. The Lab Partners really started to differentiated themselves within the shoegazer genre on 2007's Keep Quiet EP by staying away from the more standard lengthy tracks that go on and on. That direction is reflected here on Moonlight Music, as none of the 14 tracks go beyond the 6 minute mark. This creates a more unique situation as the Lab Partners have the ability to build large sonic soundscapes into shorter more dream pop numbers that are catchy, memorable and simply stellar. What the group has learned over the last ten years is how to ramp a song up but never to lose focus on the vocals or let the pulsing synth bass be the only driving factor in the tracks. This allows for the band to not only have grinding rockers like "Strange" but room to include ballads such as "Every Waking Hour" or even a short folkish number like "Trouble In Your Heart" without ever once breaking the flow of the album or feeling out of place in the tracklisting. Moonlight Music easily ranks as one of the Lab Partners best and it is an album that you can not only get lost in but will enjoy every moment that you are there!

Key Tracks: "We've Been Burned", "Strange", "Solar Storm"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spaceman 3
Darker My Love
The Black Angels

Lab Partners: Keep Quiet [EP] [Fire Note Review 5/15/07]

Official Lab Partners Website
Lab Partners MySpace
Lab Partners Facebook
Pravda Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Nathaniel Rateliff: In Memory Of Loss

Nathaniel Rateliff
In Memory Of Loss
Rounder Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Singer/songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff has transformed his 8-track bedroom demos into a solid debut record that molds his folk stories into a very listenable package that has soul. In Memory Of Loss comes across like he has been releasing records for years with its smooth delivery and with the help of producer Brian Deck (Iron & Wine, Califone, Modest Mouse) it maintains just enough weariness to keep your ear on every word but also bursts out with a modern freshness and upbeat tempos that keep the record constantly moving. Nathaniel Rateliff is a kid from Missouri that grew up on Led Zeppelin, Muddy Waters and the Beatles and although In Memory Of Loss follows a more neo-folk line, the songs all possess the qualities that made those other artists great and make for a debut record that should be heard!

Key Track: "Early Spring Till"

Band With Similar Fire: The Avett Brothers

Official Nathaniel Rateliff Website
Nathaniel Rateliff MySpace
Nathaniel Rateliff Facebook
Rounder Records

In Memory of Loss - Nathaniel ...

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Tobin Sprout: The Bluebirds Of Happiness Tried To Land On My Shoulder

Tobin Sprout
The Bluebirds Of Happiness Tried To Land On My Shoulder
Moonflower Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: This is the Sprout we know and enjoy!

Album Review:
The Bluebirds Of Happiness Tried To Land On My Shoulder marks the welcomed return of indie singer/songwriter Tobin Sprout whom is most notably known for his past contributions and membership in Guided By Voices. Lost Planets & Phantom Voices [2003] marked his last solo studio album, so you might wonder if he has changed over the past seven years. Well, after hearing about 10 seconds into lead track and first single "Pretty", you will answer your own question with a resounding "no". Sprout delivers another ten songs here in his recognizable slightly washed vocals and solid mid-tempo pace that all come across intimate, inviting and warm. Tobin's music has always surrounded the listener with his arrangements and on Bluebirds this is no different, while he consistently supplies layered harmonies to grab your attention. Fans will enjoy The Bluebirds Of Happiness Tried To Land On My Shoulder because it sounds like Tobin never took any time off and once again the record showcases his artistic musical talent. Sprout's critics will dismiss this record as more of the same but with so much time passing since we last heard from him, I can't think of any other type of album I would like to hear. Basically this is Tobin Sprout - hear him quietly roar!

Key Tracks: "Pretty", "You Make My World Go", "Soul Superman"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Lou Barlow
Greg Laswell
Elliott Smith

Official Tobin Sprout Website

-Reivewed by Aidan Rox

The Megaphonic Thrift: Decay Decoy

The Megaphonic Thrift
Decay Decoy
Hype City Recordings [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
It seems like Norwegian group The Megaphonic Thrift were listening to a lot of Sonic Youth before recording Decay Decoy, as the band presents an almost perfect recreation of their sound. They do this by providing a multitude of solid guitar riffs, heavy feedback in sections and vocals that at times almost seem secondary. What makes The Megaphonic Thrift work is the fact that Decay Decoy is extremely musically tight. Every transition is meticulously planned and the stretches of instrumental components within tracks are what makes Decay Decoy shine. If you are looking for a new group that is loud but controlled and will fill your Dinosaur Jr./Sonic Youth void then The Megaphonic Thrift will be your ticket to punch and one you won't throw away any time soon!

Key Track: "Neues"

Band With Similar Fire: Sonic Youth

The Megaphonic Thrift MySpace
The Megaphonic Thrift Facebook
Hype City Recordings

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social: Love It To Life

Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social
Love It To Life
SideOneDummy Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: The album we have been waiting for!

Album Review:
Jesse Malin has already had a lengthy music career but it has always seemed that he has never really found his niche style. First there was the hardcore act Heart Attack, then the well known major label glam punk of D Generation followed by a solo career that started in 1999. With every progressive record he has channeled the styles of Springsteen, Young, and Earle, while having his first record produced by Ryan Adams. The question has still been asked: Is he alt-country? Is he folk-rock? Is he punk-folk-Americana? Well with the addition of The St. Marks Social, Jesse Malin is all about the loose rock n roll and Love It To Life is full of fist pumping anthems, hooks around each corner and sing along choruses that will keep you coming back for more. Not only does he have a stellar rocking band behind him here but the recording process featured many of his friends that included Ryan Adams, The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon, D Generation band mates Howie Pyro and Danny Sage plus Mrs. Ryan Adams - Mandy Moore. The album was produced by Ted Hutt (Lucero, Flogging Molly, The Gaslight Anthem) which absolutely was the correct pick, as the record mirrors nicely with his experience and its tight 10 songs in 35 minutes was right up his alley. Love It To Life gets its title from a statement signed to Malin by Joe Strummer on a ticket stub and it truly captures the essence of the records energy because this is finally the music that Jesse was made to play and his passion, talent and own enthusiasm pours out of each track. With all of the dots connecting, Love It To Life has tons of replay value and with the St. Marks Social - Jesse Malin has never sounded better!

Key Tracks: "Burning The Bowery", "St. Mark's Sunset", "Burn The Bridge"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Gaslight Anthem
The Replacements
Lucero

Jesse Malin: On Your Sleeve [Fire Note Review 10/15/08]
Jesse Malin: Glitter In The Gutter [Fire Note Review 3/22/07]

Official Jesse Malin Website
Jesse Malin MySpace
Jesse Malin Facebook
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Wounded Lion: Wounded Lion

Wounded Lion
Wounded Lion
In The Red Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Wounded Lion is a fun post-garage rock quintet from LA that spends no time messing around and gives you a solid straightforward attack in just 30 minutes. The songs are short, the guitars are big and the David Byrne like lead vocals will make the Wounded Lion debut a quick favorite just to put on, take off and put on again. Wounded Lion does not stray very far from their core sound, so you get what you get with them, but at the end of the record I guarantee you will have a smile on your face, enjoy foot tapping to every rhythm and will be able to sing along with every single track!

Key Track: "Hangin Ancient Circles"

Band With Similar Fire: The Clean

Wounded Lion MySpace
Wounded Lion Facebook
In The Red Records

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Plants And Animals: La La Land

Plants And Animals
La La Land
Secret City Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Plant And Animals show off new sound.

Album Review:
Plants And Animals debut Parc Avenue [2008] was really overlooked (including by us) and after revisiting the record in preparation for the sophomore follow up La La Land, I was convinced I knew what I was in for. Avenue consisted of a much more acoustic folk approach, so I was surprised when La La Land completely expanded Plants And Animals sound by emphasizing the harmonies, glossing up the rhythms and featuring more guitars. This musical change brings some growing pains, as some tracks never reach their full potential and sort of leave you waiting for the big memorable moment. Unfortunately that moment never arrives and just transitions the listener into another song. Now before fans completely fret over La La Land there are plenty of redeeming qualities that come to the surface in the longer tracks on the album. It is here that Plants And Animals succeed by slowing things down and letting their bigger sound surround them instead of overtaking them. La La Land really does feel like a transition record that offers a new direction that the band themselves is still figuring out. With that said, this Montreal group is talented and even though this record may not be as captivating as their debut, it is solid enough to keep us excited for number three!

Key Tracks: "American Idol", "Undone Melody", "Game Shows"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arcade Fire
Gomez
Great Lake Swimmers

Official Plants And Animals Website
Plants And Animals MySpace
Plants And Animals Facebook
Secret City Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

White Fence: White Fence

White Fence
White Fence
Woodsist Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
When he gets a break from Darker My Love, Tim Presley has time to concentrate on his one man show side project White Fence. His self-titled debut is a lo-fi psychedelic gem of a record that has a timelessness to it which enables it to succeed. The playing at times seems elementary, the vocals are not always in tune and sometimes the songs are just a bit odd but at its conclusion you go back for more because its raw honest approach will hit a nerve and White Fence simply wins you over. It is one of those records that you absolutely have no expectation for and it blows you away with its loose style, while maintaining a complete lo-fi focused indie vibe. This is the type of record everyone wishes they could make in their basement - too bad Tim and his White Fence beat everybody to it!

Key Track: "Who Feels Right?"

Band With Similar Fire: Beck

Official White Fence Website
White Fence MySpace
Woodsist Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Tallest Man On Earth: The Wild Hunt

The Tallest Man On Earth
The Wild Hunt
Dead Oceans Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: The Tallest Man On Earth invites you to sit down, take your shoes off and enjoy!

Album Review:
Kristian Matsson proves that you don't need anything more then an interesting voice and a working guitar to release a stellar album. His Tallest Man On Earth vehicle has just released its sophomore record, The Wild Hunt which is easily his best. After the first line of the first song you will instantly compare Matsson's voice to Dylan because it is truly similar and even his acoustic folk offering breathes Dylan but The Tallest Man On Earth stands up to this high bar, as The Wild Hunt grabs you with its intensity. The record is not a laid back affair, as the strumming has a quickened pace and you can just hear how Matsson takes no prisoners on the strings. It is an album that captures your attention on the first spin and only gets better with repeat listens, as the tight production brings his voice to life and showcases his emotional range. The Wild Hunt has all its cylinders firing and the record concludes with the unexpected piano number "Kids On The Run" that completely separates Matsson from the Dylan comparison and drives home the fact that The Tallest Man On Earth is an unique artist to start watching!

Key Tracks: "The Wild Hunt", "King Of Spain", "Kids On The Run"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bright Eyes
Bonnie Prince Billy
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

The Tallest Man On Earth MySpace
The Tallest Man On Earth Facebook
Dead Oceans Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Slackers: The Great Rocksteady Swindle

The Slackers
The Great Rocksteady Swindle
Hellcat Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
The Great Rocksteady Swindle is The Slackers 12th studio album and is a credit to the bands continuing vitality and longevity in the music scene. The Slackers have always released an authentic version of ska that never strays too far from what they do best. The band has not only survived ska going underground but represent exactly why ska should have more widespread appeal. The songs are all well thought out and have a rhythm that can't be denied. The Great Rocksteady Swindle highlights why The Slackers are so different, as some of the lyrical material is much darker then the ska stereotype and rocker "Sabina" keeps things fresh. This record is not going to break ska out to the mainstream but should be essential for anyone checking out the scene or old fans looking for a current ska status report - guess what - it's alive!

Key Track: "How It Feels"

Band With Similar Fire: Westbound Train

The Slackers: Self Medication [Fire Note Review 4/28/08]

Official The Slackers Website
The Slackers MySpace
The Slackers Facebook
Hellcat Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Roky Erickson With Okkervil River: True Love Cast Out All Evil

Roky Erickson With Okkervil River
True Love Cast Out All Evil
ANTI- Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Introducing Roky to an entire new audience!

Album Review:
You may not know Roky Erickson by name but most likely he has had some influence on a current band you love with his historic music career dating back to the 60's. From his early recordings with the 13th Floor Elevators, Erickson has been an artist of change, as he has always offered up a multitude of styles that covers just about every genre, which typically includes the kitchen sink. This chameleon like ability is reflected here on True Love Cast Out All Evil, as he teams up with Okkervil River for his first album in 15 years. True Love was produced by Okkervil's main man Will Sheff and is comprised largely of unreleased songs that Erickson wrote throughout his career during some of his life experiences that included shock treatment, imprisonment, mental illness, and irreversible loss. The end result sounds much more cohesive and current then you might think, while Erickson's voice sounds better then ever, which only enhances the experience. True Love Cast Out All Evil is an interesting record, as you listen to Erickson tackle lo-fi, garage rock and heart felt Americana all in one sitting but with Okkervil River backing him up, solid songwriting and easy transitions this album is the perfect introduction of Roky to an entire new set of fans, while affirming his talents to long time followers.

Key Tracks: "Bring Back The Past", "John Lawman", "Devotional Number One"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Robyn Hitchcock
The Strange Boys
Syd Barrett

Official Roky Erickson Website
Roky Erickson MySpace
Roky Erickson Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Spirit Kid: Spirit Kid

Spirit Kid
Spirit Kid
RPL Audio [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Spirit Kid is singer, writer, and multi-instrumentalist Emeen Zarookian and on his self titled debut record he shoots for the combined pop genius of the Beatles, the Kinks, the Zombies, the Beach Boys, and ELO while presenting a very Elephant 6 type vibe. The record is ten songs in 27 minutes and absolutely does not waste any time to impress with its short, catchy and foot tapping numbers. Spirit Kid is a warm, energetic and somewhat lo-fi affair that bursts out memorable choruses and overall is a solid indie pop ride - don't be afraid to get on!

Key Track: "Flytrap"

Band With Similar Fire: The Apples In Stereo

Official Spirit Kid Website
Spirit Kid MySpace
Spirit Kid Facebook
RPL Audio

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Bettie Serveert: Pharmacy Of Love

Bettie Serveert
Pharmacy Of Love
Second Motion Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: No surprises here - just solid musicianship!

Album Review:
Consistent is the one word that can describe the now 18 year old plus Bettie Serveert and on their ninth record Pharmacy Of Love they could easily trick you into believing that it is 1992 all over again. Opening rocker "Deny All" sets the tone and pace of this album, which seems to have a little more teeth running throughout its entire backbone compared to some of their more recent material. As always, Serveert give fans another 9 tracks of guitar lead indie pop driven by Carol van Dyk's vocals, which have not lost a single ounce of strength over the years, as she is just a great singer. Her pleasant tone has always lead the band down its path and Pharmacy Of Love does not mess with that key component. One noticeable change up from Serveert's normal formula is the over nine minute "Calling", which shows that the group is now way more relaxed in recording, as the first section of the song gains intensity instrumentally for three minutes before the vocals ever start. Overall, Pharmacy Of Love is the Bettie Serveert you know and love, which if you are like me and still pull out a copy of Palomine [1992] from time to time, then give the group another chance because I guarantee you will enjoy their new outing!

Key Tracks: "Deny All", "Souls Travel", "Change4me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Juliana Hatfield
Tegan And Sara
Ivy

Official Bettie Serveert Website
Bettie Serveert MySpace
Bettie Serveert Facebook
Second Motion Records

Pharmacy Of Love - Bettie Serv...

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Kuan: On / Standby [Double EP]

Kuan
On / Standby [Double EP]
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Dayton Ohio's post-rock instrumental band Kuan bring a very likable and stylized jamming session of music your way with the release of their double EPs On & Standby. Standby was actually originally released in 2007 when the band was a trio, so it is a nice companion piece to the new quartet driven On, as the new record clearly shows progress and enhanced musicianship. I realize some indie followers can't get behind the instrumental thing but give Kuan a shot because their music really does posses moments that will turn your ear and put your mood into a positive direction, while your feet will tap out every hit on the skins. Kuan's name alone is a Buddhist term that means "wordless contemplation", which fits them like a glove, as not only will you identify with their solid and pulsing guitar but you will be swept away by Kuan's jazzy psychedelic side that makes this band unique, complete and ready to take over your speakers!

Key Track: "G"

Band With Similar Fire: Russian Circles

Kuan MySpace
Kuan Facebook

On/Standby - Kuan

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Night Driving In Small Towns: Serial Killer

Night Driving In Small Towns
Serial Killer
Lower 40 Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
This Georgia bands big claim to fame was that they were listed in Rolling Stones 2008 Top 25 MySpace bands list. Serial Killer shows off why with its instant indie mid tempo appeal, as the duo of Andrea Rogers and Colby Wright have been honing their craft for over a decade now. The records main draw is Andrea's lead vocals consistently supported by Wright's spot on synchronized harmonies. This combo along with mature lyrics and Serial Killer's intimate home recording vibe creates the perfect indie atmosphere for a record that gets better with every spin and a highlights a band that should get more exposure on the college circuit!

Key Track: "February"

Band With Similar Fire: Rilo Kiley

Official Night Driving In Small Towns Website
Night Driving In Small Towns MySpace
Night Driving In Small Towns Facebook
Lower 40 Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Angus And Julia Stone: Down The Way

Angus And Julia Stone
Down The Way
Nettwerk Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Australian brother and sister deliver another solid record!

Album Review:
Even though we featured Angus And Julia's A Book Like This last year, the record had officially been out since 2007 in their home country of Australia, so Down The Way technically has been three years in the making. This time passage can instantly be heard, as the album shows an increased maturity to it both vocally, lyrically and musically. Most of the tracks expand past the four minute mark, which gives the duo plenty of room to work and offer more complex song structures. They also leave some of their more folk beginnings behind and focus here on lush arrangements, memorable choruses and intricate compositions. Angus And Julia still retain their alternating male/female vocal style that is a cornerstone of the group and ultimately fills the record out. Down The Way may not have the initial appeal of their earlier recordings, but with repeat spins, the album is a solid effort that is a vision into their future but also a perfect place to check out now!

Key Tracks: "And The Boys", "Big Jet Plane", "Draw Your Swords"

Bands With Similar Fire:
She & Him
The Swell Season
Belle & Sebastian

Angus And Julia Stone: A Book Like This [Fire Note Review 2/25/09]
Angus And Julia Stone: The Beast EP [Fire Note Review 1/20/09]

Official Angus And Julia Stone Website
Angus And Julia Stone MySpace
Angus And Julia Stone Facebook
Nettwerk Records

Down The Way - Angus & Julia S...

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Matt Pond PA: The Dark Leaves

Matt Pond PA
The Dark Leaves
Altitude Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Falls a bit short of our expectations.

Album Review:
Matt Pond really has everything going for him with his likable hush vocals, a musical style that fits perfect into every TV emotional situation and an album track record that has always been solid. On the groups seventh long player, The Dark Leaves, he replicates his previous efforts and offers up ten songs of his niche style but unfortunately that is an issue. Most tracks follow the same slow to mid-tempo pace and after several listens they really do start to run together. The minor exception is the quicker paced "Ruins", that has several angular moments during its climbing piano scales, which make it stand out and the catchier "Sparrows", which will leave you foot tapping. Fans will still enjoy The Dark Leaves but it is an album that does not quite meet your expectations as lyrically it also falls a bit short. This all combines to end up as a surprising middle ground for Matt Pond PA, which is rather disappointing, as they are a group that is rich in talent just short this time on direction.

Key Tracks: "Remains", "Sparrows", "Ruins"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Broken Bells
Death Cab For Cutie
Pedro The Lion

Matt Pond PA: The Freeep [Fire Note Review 12/5/08]

Official Matt Pond PA Website
Matt Pond PA MySpace
Matt Pond PA Facebook
Altitude Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

John Hiatt: The Open Road

John Hiatt
The Open Road
New West Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
There is not much to say about a veteran singer/songwriter that is on his 19th full length record. John Hiatt is an Americana staple and on The Open Road he brings another lesson on how to inject just enough rock into folk based songs, while squeezing in noticeable bluesy undertones. The man from Indiana always has something to say and although The Open Road will not go down as his greatest achievement, it showcases some of his strongest sounding vocals in years and will backup something fans already know - Hiatt is a class act that should not be passed by!

Key Track: "The Open Road"

Band With Similar Fire: Freedy Johnston

Official John Hiatt Website
John Hiatt MySpace
John Hiatt Facebook
New West Records

The Open Road - John Hiatt

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony