Peter Wolf Crier: Inter-Be

Peter Wolf Crier
Inter-Be
Jagjaguwar Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Peter Wolf Crier is just two guys but they give you a full band offering on their solid debut!

Album Review:
Minneapolis duo Peter Wolf Crier create a much more grandiose slice of sound then you might think capable from just two people but that is exactly what you get from lead singer Peter Pisano and drummer Brian Moen. Armed with an acoustic guitar and his feet playing basslines on the pedal organ keeps Pisano quite busy, while still finding room to sample his own voice. This talent goes a long way but without the consistently good harmonizing vocals of Moen backing him up, Peter Wolf Crier would be nothing. The two-piece have it down to a science and their debut Inter-Be wins on a multitude of fronts. The only item that really holds Inter-Be from being absolutely great is that sometimes the duo get lost in their own layering and musical plodding like on the wandering "For Now". Peter Wolf Crier are at their best when they keep it more simple instrumentally with complex vocal layers. Their style morphs to the songs mood, which can lean more blues one time and more folk the other but ultimately Inter-Be's solid cohesion and honest approach makes Peter Wolf Crier a band we will be watching and anticipating their next record!

Key Tracks: "Hard As Nails", "You're So High", "Untitled 101"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Volcano Choir
M. Ward
The National

Official Peter Wolf Crier Website
Peter Wolf Crier MySpace
Peter Wolf Crier Facebook
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Danger Radio: Nothing's Gonna Hold Us Down

Danger Radio
Nothing's Gonna Hold Us Down
Doghouse Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Danger Radio is a perfect example of a descent band that suffers from a lack of direction. Their Doghouse Records debut has a very care free attitude that has a mix of dance, rock and pop but never totally settles in on a consistent undertone that holds all the songs together. Ballad "Alibis" could be featured on AA stations, while other tracks fall into a more Maroon 5 category. On the upbeat title track and more guitar heavy "Build It Up", Danger Radio have a Panic At The Disco streak in them, which I believe fits the best. If the group can direct their skill toward that sound in the future and funnel their other stylistic likes into background support, Danger Radio might have something that completely works on their next outing.

Key Track: "Build It Up"

Band With Similar Fire: The Maine

Danger Radio MySpace
Danger Radio Facebook
Doghouse Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Henry Clay People: Somewhere On The Golden Coast

The Henry Clay People
Somewhere On The Golden Coast
TBD Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Quirky and fun make The Henry Clay People worth checking out.

Album Review:
The Henry Clay People may be a band you start hearing of soon, as their new record Somewhere On The Gold Coast has been creating some steady buzz. The group has a combined sound of talk-singer witty lyrics like Pavement, while rocking it up a bit in the same style as The Hold Steady. You really can't go too wrong with this vibe going on and for most of the record The Henry Clay People offer up a fun ride. The foot tapping rock beat in "This Ain't A Scene" and the quirky catchiness on "Working Part Time" are instantly likable and showcase what this band is made of. Some of the other tracks fall flatter with the same formula, while their lyrics feel a bit thin. For this type of record that relies on the quick turning tongue-in-cheek style delivery, strong songwriting is a must and Somewhere On The Golden Coast struggles to achieve satisfaction several times in this department. The good news is that the stronger tracks outweigh the forgettable ones, which should put The Henry Clay People on your radar and exposure is never bad, as album number four potentially could be absolutely stellar!

Key Tracks: "This Ain't A Scene", "Working Part Time", "Slow Burn"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pavement
Blitzen Trapper
The Hold Steady

Official Henry Clay People Website
The Henry Clay People MySpace
The Henry Clay People Facebook
TBD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Busses: Busses

Busses
Busses
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Any time the word Prog, Art or Experimental is used to describe a band, you never are quite sure what you may be in store for, so I must say that some caution was used in checking out the Philadelphia trio Busses self-titled debut album. The yellow flag instantly was put away, as lead off track "Foundation Myth" cranked on with its confident rock, which includes an organic free flow jazz undertone, short explosions of high pitched punk vocals and a consistent steady guitar that can escalate at any moment. This of course all happens in the first four minutes of the record and continues for its duration. Busses have already developed a knack for kicking off a song with simmering vocal melodies and complementing instrumentation that explodes into different arrays of sound which feels natural and totally pulls you into their world. This style and structure of creating songs within songs makes Busses debut a true Inception of the music world and is solid through and through, which you just might need a "kick" to get out of!

Key Track: "Methods & Procedures"

Band With Similar Fire: Karate

Official Busses Website
Busses MySpace
Busses Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Best Coast: Crazy For You

Best Coast
Crazy For You
Mexican Summer Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: You can choose to believe the hype or not but we are officially in!

Album Review:
Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast) comes to us with her debut LP, Crazy For You, that currently is propelled with tons of hype, early critical praise and some backlash. I of course place it into the category of right time in the right place! Best Coast rides the wave of lo-fi pop brilliance, slacker presentation, easy to understand lyrics and is absolutely catchy as hell. You think you can stop at just one track and maybe toss it but Cosentino's voice has a mesmerizing effect on your ear. You can't turn away and you can't turn it off. Crazy For You is short, smart, and simple, which feels like the perfect summer record but I know it will carry forward past the hot months. Even that shiny sunny cover will glow in the snow. Best Coast may be a flash in the pan with just the right formula on her debut but it is her attitude and the records punk undertones that could flourish well beyond Crazy For You. Everything from the wandering yearning vocal in "Honey" to the quick drumming mid-tempo rev up on "I Want To" makes for a fun and entertaining listen every time you push play. Believe what you want but decide for yourself and be sure to visit Best Coast - you may not want to leave!

Key Tracks: "I Want To", "Goodbye", "Boyfriend"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wavves
Liz Phair
Vivian Girls

Official Best Coast Website
Best Coast MySpace
Best Coast Facebook
Mexican Summer Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Tommy Keene: Tommy Keene You Hear Me - A Retrospective 1983-2009

Tommy Keene
Tommy Keene You Hear Me: A Retrospective 1983-2009
Second Motion Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Tommy Keene has to be one of the most under appreciated guitarist singer songwriters out there, as he has been producing quality records since the early 80's. He has played as a hired gun with everyone from Paul Westerberg to Bob Pollard and never has disappointed on his solo material. It is a clear case of should have made it but didn't. All of that aside, this 41 song retrospective easily provides the lesson and support of why you should also enjoy Tommy Keene. His songs are catchy, his hooks hold your attention and his work, both early and later years, sounds timeless. This compilation covers every era of his career from some early EPs to the major label material right up to last year's In The Late Bright [2009]. The record also contains several rarities, so even the most devoted fans will still have a reason to pick this collection up. If you never utter Tommy Keene's name again, do yourself a favor and become familiar with this retrospective - you will thank me later!

Key Track: "Places That Are Gone"

Band With Similar Fire: The dB's

Tommy Keene: In The Late Bright [Fire Note Review 2/20/09]
Keene Brothers: Blues And Boogie Shoes [Fire Note Review 5/18/06]

Official Tommy Keene Website
Tommy Keene MySpace
Tommy Keene Facebook
Second Motion Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Menomena: Mines

Menomena
Mines
Barsuk Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Menomena accomplish producing yet another stellar record with Mines!

Album Review:
There are just some bands out there that seem to consistently balance music with art. They use each component to emphasize the big picture and deliver on album after album. Some big names that come to mind are Radiohead, Spoon and Built To Spill but in that same conversation I would easily insert Portland's Menomena. On the bands new long player Mines, they once again blur the two worlds with a record that initially feels more subdued but packs just as big of a punch. It is Menomena's surgical approach to these 11 tracks that pull you in close and simply don't let go. It is also the most engaging part of Mines because the band mesmerizes you with their layered harmonies and precision instrumentation that when the record concludes you just nod to yourself and inherently know that it was superb. The best part is that even on the loudest track "Taos", Menomena still take the time to let you absorb the lyrics before they rev the foot tapper back up. Mines is a record that gleams more and more after every spin and it is easy to say that Menomena have done it again with a record that will easily place high in our best of list for 2010!

Key Tracks: "Oh Pretty Boy, You're Such A Big Boy", "Taos", "Dirty Cartoons"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wolf Parade
TV On The Radio
Mercury Rev

Menomena: Friend And Foe [Fire Note Review 2/27/07]

Official Menomena Website
Menomena MySpace
Menomena Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Ex Norwegian: Sketch

Ex Norwegian
Sketch
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Miami's Ex Norwegian continue to evolve their sound on the groups sophomore record Sketch. The trio presents an upbeat album that has a solid guitar sound, catchy hooks, and an obvious love for '90s rock. Sketch takes a step forward in almost every category from their debut Standby [2009], as it contains tighter song structures, bigger choruses and complete confidence. The band still has room for growth, as Sketch suffers some from a cohesive aspect due to some track to track style changes but overall Ex Norwegian still would not be out of place on a bill with Sloan or Big Star, which in my book is never a bad thing!

Key Track: "Jet Lag"

Band With Similar Fire: Velvet Crush

Ex Norwegian: Standby [Fire Note Review 4/28/09]

Official Ex Norwegian Website
Ex Norwegian MySpace
Ex Norwegian Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sky Sailing: An Airplane Carried Me To Bed

Sky Sailing
An Airplane Carried Me To Bed
Universal Republic Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Owl City - (Blips + Bleeps) /(Guitar + Piano) = Sky Sailing

Album Review:
Last year about this time we reviewed Adam Young's then unknown band Owl City and not only were we critical but guessed his music might end up on some TV soundtracks but that was about it. Well you just never know how the masses will respond and the album sold like a fire storm with the help of the single "Fireflies". Now I stand by our review and admitted then and now that several songs were catchy but the album was flat, so I can't say I expected that much more from his new/old side project Sky Sailing. The story behind these 11 tracks is that they pre-date the Owl City material and Young felt that the songs represent something completely different, hence the Sky Sailing moniker. The biggest change you will find from his Owl City material is the purity of Young's voice with the accompaniment of acoustic guitar and piano. There are no bleeps, blips or synthesized sounds that take you over here, which makes An Airplane Carried Me To Bed a much more engaging affair. Where Ocean Eyes [2009] had a single, Airplane is more of an album. The tracks work together and it is more satisfying and honest from beginning to end. Now, the joke is that Young will not be giving this release much support publicly other then I am sure the songs will surface on tour. I do hope that for the Owl City's sophomore record he incorporates his Sky Sailing experience and produces a blend, that will work beyond a single. This record shows that it is definitely possible.

Key Tracks: "Brielle", "I Live Alone", "Explorers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Rocket Summer
Dashboard Confessional
The New Amsterdams

Owl City: Ocean Eyes [Fire Note Review 7/29/09]

Official Sky Sailing Website
Sky Sailing MySpace
Sky Sailing Facebook
Universal Republic Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Orbans: When We Were Wild

The Orbans
When We Were Wild
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Fort Worth's Orbans have released a solid indie record in When We Were Wild that has a nice combo of catchy pop hooks with an undertone of their Americana home front. This Old 97's meets Wilco vibe never gets old if you can pull it off and that is exactly what The Orbans do with both upbeat tracks like "Were Her" and heartfelt soft numbers, like the closer "Go". When We Were Wild was produced by Adam Lasus (Yo La Tengo, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Clem Snide) and even though it follows an old formula, The Orbans sound completely fresh and are worth every minute you give their new record!

Key Track: "Were Her"

Band With Similar Fire: Wilco

Official Orbans Website
The Orbans MySpace
The Orbans Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Jaill: That's How We Burn

Jaill
That's How We Burn
Sub Pop Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: There is something to be said for a honest solid indie four-piece rock band!

Album Review:
Here is a thought - What if you discovered a good ol' fashioned up-tempo, guitar driven record that breathes indie pop with a little bit of attitude? Would you like it? Would you like it if the band hailed from Milwaukee? If you answered yes to all the above then I believe that checking out the Sub Pop debut from Jaill is an absolute must. They have a no frills concept going on in That's How We Burn that may not immediately snag you as being special but I guarantee that their 32 minutes of energy will get some repeat plays based on its memorable hooks, wry lyrics and edgy garage rock moments that keeps everything revved up. Jaill's veteran sound comes from the fact that they have been together since 2002. This cohesion propels That's How We Burn along with the very Shins like vocals from frontman Vincent Kircher, that has an instant likability to it. The formula here for Jaill is very simple - the guys from Milwaukee play it straight and it works. They don't mix, they don't spin, they don't sample - Jaill just make music the old fashioned way - they play it!

Key Tracks: "Everyone's Hip", "The Stroller", "Snake Shakes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Shins
Harlem
The Soft Pack

Official Jaill Website
Jaill MySpace
Jaill Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Eastern Conference Champions: Santa Fe [EP]

Eastern Conference Champions
Santa Fe [EP]
Self-Released [2009]









Fire Drill Review:
This EP from the Eastern Conference Champions fell on our stack just several weeks ago even though it was originally released in 2009. I was a little surprised to find out that EEC still exist as I thought they imploded after their release Ameritown [2007] did not get much major label support. Well ECC are set to make a comeback, as we highlight the strength of this 5 song EP and their recent inclusion on the Twilight: Eclipse soundtrack. The group beat out over 400 bands for that gig! What you will find on Santa Fe is that the trio has definitely grown in sound, as they have a much more focused and complete rock foundation that ebbs, flows and builds larger sound structures. This is all good news, as we anticipate their new full length Speak-Ahh slated for release this fall. Santa Fe is merely a good catch up of where they have been and won't disappoint!

Key Track: "Common Sense"

Band With Similar Fire: Radiohead

Eastern Conference Champions: Ameritown [Fire Note Review 7/19/07]

Official Eastern Conference Champions Website
Eastern Conference Champions MySpace
Eastern Conference Champions Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Feeder: Renegades

Feeder
Renegades
Big Teeth Music [2010]









Fire Note Says: Feeder shows everyone why you should still care!

Album Review:
Feeder used to be one of the biggest bands on the UK rock scene. They slowly faded into the unknown but still continually released records even with a fast decline in followers. On the groups seventh studio record Renegades, Feeder hopes to reclaim some of their early fanbase as the guys rediscover their original rock out origin and just let it rip. The band is now free from the majors as Renegades was released on their own new label Big Teeth Music. This instant freedom pours out of each track, as the record relies less on hooks and more on driving guitar and pounding drums. Of course the album is lead by frontman Grant Nicholas and his throat curling bellow happens time and time again and keeps Renegades in high gear, as the record is one of their shortest and concludes in a perfect 34 minutes. This fits the bands fresh "in your face" style and gives Renegades a pulse, that may not gain all of Feeder's earlier glory back but should demand respect and play absolutely stellar live. Basically Feeder is back - hear them shred!

Key Tracks: "Call Out", "Renegades", "Left Foot Right"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Vines
Foo Fighters
Idlewild

Official Feeder Website
Feeder MySpace
Feeder Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants: Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants

Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants
Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants
Le Coq Napoleon/RCA Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Chris Shiflett is the guitarist from the Foo Fighters and on his self-titled debut, with backing band The Dead Peasants, he shows us his Americana flare complete with pedal steel and lyrical heartbreak. It is clearly what you expect for a solo record, as it does not go anywhere close to Foo Fighters material. This album lets Shiflett showcase his singing and songwriting, which comes off competent but ultimately lacks the substance and a change of pace to keep you around for repeat listens. I would not write off Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants completely after this debut but if the group is going to stay in this genre they will need to step up the cohesiveness for round two.

Key Track: "Bandaged"

Band With Similar Fire: Jason Isbell

Official Chris Shiflett Website
Chris Shiflett MySpace
Chris Shiflett Facebook
RCA Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Streets On Fire: This Is Fancy

The Streets On Fire
This Is Fancy
The Currency Exchange [2010]









Fire Note Says: Spend some time grooving to the post-punk of Chicago's Streets On Fire.

Album Review:
This Chicago band made several local publications "bands to watch" lists early this year and after checking out their debut This Is Fancy, you will know why. Their post-punk sound is dirty, grinding, guitar driven and an outright 30 minutes of fun. Lead singer Chadwick's grooving howl is both out front and sometimes muffled but is consistently a force to reckon with, as his swagger sells each song, while he pushes them into your head. The band also shines on the perfectly titled instrumental "Chadwick Shut Up" and overall provides a constant forward mix that sounds both progressive and very Chicago. This Is Fancy is anything but, as the record was recorded over the course of four days with the help of friends using analog recording gear and tracking to a 1” 8-track MCI tape machine. The album was mixed at Chicago’s famed Studio 11 and had the mastering touch of Shellac’s Bob Weston. All of this culminates into a record that has a surging pulse and memorable tracks plus at the end of the day can you really pass up the monkey cover?

Key Tracks: "No One's Fucking To The Radio", "Hey Lou", "Fancy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Brainiac
Girls Against Boys
The Jesus Lizard

The Streets On Fire MySpace
The Streets On Fire Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Globes: Sinter Songs [EP]

The Globes
Sinter Songs [EP]
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Some music lovers will be pleased to hear that Spokane, WA band The Globes have embraced their Pacific Northwest musical roots and released an EP that is a flashback to the regions mid 90's sound. The group has big layered guitar chords, floating harmonized vocals and relaxed song structures that make it easy to sit back and just hit play. Sinter Songs plays very laid back but sounds technically tight. The four song EP was recorded with producer John Goodmanson (Death Cab, Blonde Redhead, Unwound) and builds the perfect groundwork for a highly anticipated full length debut. The Globes will be one to keep an eye on!

Key Track: "Stay Awake"

Band With Similar Fire: Sunny Day Real Estate

The Globes MySpace
The Globes Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fol Chen: Part II - The New December

Fol Chen
Part II: The New December
Asthmatic Kitty Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: The highs outweigh the lows on Fol Chen's sophomore Part II!

Album Review:
As the title states, this is the sophomore record from Highland Park, CA band Fol Chen. The group once again bends simple pop numbers with odd sounds, loud percussion at times and hidden melodies around every corner. It is this approach that makes Fol Chen unique because they never give you a straight line of music but make you go up, down and around to meet the tracks final destinations. This quality can also have a downside, as Fol Chen present such a changing style from song to song that they sound like a different band on each track and loose the cohesiveness that would make their art-pop spectacular. This does hold the record back a bit but when you really dissect The New December, tracks like the super elctro-poppy opener "The Holograms" and soaring foot tapper sing-a-long "C/U" highlight the groups talent. Part I clearly was a solid opener for Fol Chen, as Part II has excellent moments but does not quite connect all the dots - this only leaves us to anticipate Part III because if Fol Chen can align their ideas and talents into one record we will be listening to one of the years best!

Key Tracks: "In Ruins", "C/U", "The Holograms"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Deerhoof
The Dirty Projectors
Komeda

Fol Chen: Part I - John Shade, Your Fortune's Made [Fire Note Review 3/3/09]

Official Fol Chen Website
Fol Chen MySpace
Fol Chen Facebook
Asthmatic Kitty Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Drums: The Drums

The Drums
The Drums
Downtown Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
This self-titled debut is an excellent answer to all the hype that has been building for The Drums. The group hails from the indie hotbed of Brooklyn and the band lives up to the expectations with their flowing swagger approach that both incorporates a 1950's pop with a Strokes grit, while having a sort of Smiths sound and song structure. I know the description sounds completely weird but this mix makes for a very enjoyable 43 minute listen and spotlights The Drums as a band to get behind. From the quick paced breezy number like "Let's Go Surfing" to the big anthem brooding "It Will All End In Tears", The Drums have made a debut that only gets better with every spin!

Key Track: "Let's Go Surfing"

Band With Similar Fire: The Smiths

Official Drums Website
The Drums MySpace
The Drums Facebook
Downtown Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Hotel St. George: Fun Shine Line

Hotel St. George
Fun Shine Line
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Note Says: Hotel St. George provide some good ol' uninhibited rock n roll.

Album Review:
San Diego's Hotel St. George have been shopping for a bigger audience and a label deal with their new indie rocker Fun Shine Line. The record has all the components of New York swagger gone west with their gritty guitar work, ruckus raising hooks, imperfect UKish lead vocals and knowing when to mellow their enthusiasm. The entire record possesses these moments when the band takes time to slow down and just let their music flow. It represents where they have grown the most from last years more in your face City Boy Lemon [2009], as each track is under their complete control. The group now includes more highlights with synthesizers, that balances out the bands tough side and provides solid support for many tracks on the album. Fun Shine Line is definitely a progression and re-focus for Hotel St. George, as these ten songs have a much greater sense of confidence all the way down to soft harmonic closer "1001 Years". If you are really into unsigned artists and always on the hunt for something new, then I fully recommend you seek out Hotel St. George and their new solid release Fun Shine Line!

Key Tracks: "1000 Times", "That's Why I Drink Every Night", "How's Your Mother"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Strokes
The Libertines
The Killers

Hotel St. George: City Boy Lemon [Fire Note Review 12/7/09]

Hotel St. George MySpace
Hotel St. George Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Scissor Sisters: Night Work

Scissor Sisters
Night Work
Polydor Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Scissor Sisters' self-titled debut in 2004 felt like a onetime shot for a band that incorporated Elton John/Bee Gees like vocals with irresistible hooks and dance beats. Their second release suffered a bit from trying too hard to recapture the magic but on the group’s third record, Night Work, the band embraces their musical niche and exploits it in every way. Night Work is much darker than their previous records and where before the band really aimed for the charts, this go around, they go more direct with their lyrics telling tales of the modern gay lifestyle. This may turn some listeners off but I doubt Scissor Sisters care, as the focused subject matter shouldn't be much of a surprise. What works with the slightly darker material is Night Work's harder beats. Without the big anthems here, Scissor Sisters conjure up really tight pulsing driving songs, that will make your feet tap and most certainly will work on the dance floor. Night Work is definitely different from their earlier releases but it will be interesting to see if it represents a new direction for the future or simply just a more serious side of Scissor Sisters. Either way they go, Night Work is a change that just might define them as a career band.

Key Track: "Harder You Get"

Band With Similar Fire: LCD Soundsystem

Official Scissor Sisters Website
Scissor Sisters MySpace
Scissor Sisters Facebook
Polydor Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Big Head Todd And The Monsters: Rocksteady

Big Head Todd And The Monsters
Rocksteady
Big Recrods [2010]









Fire Note Says: Still putting out the grooves.

Album Review:
I was always a big fan of Big Head Todd And The Monsters earlier records, which included their breakout platinum selling album Sister Sweetly [1993]. I sort of lost touch after their 1997 outing Beautiful World, so I was interested to check out the bands eighth studio record Rocksteady. The new album finds the band still putting out foot tapping grooves, as each track possesses their staple mid-tempo blues and Todd Park Mohr's smooth delivery. Rocksteady goes down several new avenues for Big Head Todd, as the horns in "Happiness Is" present a jazzy side to the band you might not be aware of, while they dabble in reggae and even a bit of punk rock. The group adds in a faithful cover of “Beast of Burden”, while showcasing they haven't lost any of their blues roots with the Howlin' Wolf track “Smokestack Lightning”. Rocksteady will probably not bring the sales back to Big Head Todd but the record should please longtime followers and is one of their better releases in recent years.

Key Tracks: "Beautiful", "Happiness Is", “Smokestack Lightning”

Bands With Similar Fire:
Alejandro Escovedo
Dave Matthews Band
Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Official Big Head Todd Website
Big Head Todd MySpace
Big Head Todd Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Old 97's: Mimeograph [EP]

Old 97's
Mimeograph [EP]
New West Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Mimeograph is the new covers EP from our favorite Dallas band the Old 97's. It is a simple four song record that tackles The Rolling Stones, The Fratellis, R.E.M. and David Bowie. It is about a 50/50 success rate as the Scottish bounce in The Fratellis "For The Girl" fits nicely into the bands playful side, while Bowie's "Five Years" has Rhett Miller giving it a true emotional Americana take. "Rocks Off" by the Stones doesn't totally work because the Old 97's just are not gritty enough while "Driver 8" is a little too similar. Mimeograph still is a solid little edition to their catalog that should be a must pickup for fans. It also is a nice teaser before their new record hits later this year.

Key Track: "Five Years" (David Bowie)

Band With Similar Fire: Nada Surf

Old 97's: Wreck Your Life...And Then Some: The Complete Bloodshot Recordings [Fire Note Review 1/25/10]
Old 97's: Blame It On Gravity [Fire Note Review 5/27/08]

Official Old 97's Website
Old 97's MySpace
Old 97's Facebook
New West Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Carissa's Wierd: They'll Only Miss You When You Leave - Songs 1996 - 2003

Carissa's Wierd
They'll Only Miss You When You Leave: Songs 1996 - 2003
Hardly Art Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: You probably missed out on Carissa's Weird the first time - this compilation catches you up!

Album Review:
Everyone always has to start somewhere and for the bands Sera Cahoone, Grand Archives, and Band of Horses it all started with Carissa's Weird. Now that I got your attention about this somewhat unknown Seattle band, Hardly Art Records (Sub Pop sister label) has released this excellent 16 track compilation of their music, which surprisingly only gives a little insight into the future but is a perfect slice of their material. One thing for sure is that Carissa's Weird was under appreciated during their existence, as I think their somewhat slow core hush style plays better today then it did during their tenure. The band is mostly driven from the complementing vocals of Mat Brooke and Jenn Ghetto with moments of melody, that are supported by violins, carefully played guitar, drums and a very lo-fi undertone. These components all work, as Carissa's Weird relied on delicate song arrangements that at every moment sound like they might fall to pieces but instead embrace their own fragility and swoop upward at that very moment. I think most people who will check out Carissa's Weird for the first time here, should be impressed and likely will get some great listens out of this compilation. Surprisingly enough, Band Of Horses leader Ben Bridwell stays mostly in the background here as he played drums at several different points in the groups career. They'll Only Miss You When You Leave is a solid listen and highlights that Carissa's Weird should have had more exposure but it also gives you the back story of how three current bands evolved out of its ashes.

Key Tracks: "Die", "Phantom Fireworks", "All Apologies And Smiles, Yours Truely, Ugly Valentine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Death Cab For Cutie
Eulogies
Beach House

Carissa's Weird MySpace
Carissa's Weird Facebook
Hardly Art Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Suckers: Wild Smile

Suckers
Wild Smile
Frenchkiss Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
We were really excited to check out the full length debut from Brooklyn's Suckers after last years excellent self-titled EP. The full length holds up to their Afro-pop beginnings and still contains most of the energy which made their EP so infectious. The transition from a killer EP to the LP is not always easy and the Suckers struggle on a few songs to make them memorable. The album does show a confidence though as only one song from the EP is included here. Lead singer Quinn Walker has a crazy high falsetto that soars throughout Wild Smile and for some listeners it might take a few spins to adjust. Overall, Wild Smile succeeds and puts the Suckers on the official map of bands to keep an eye on because I think this record just shows it is only the beginning!

Key Track: "Black Sheep"

Band With Similar Fire: Yeasayer

Suckers: Suckers [EP] [Fire Note Review 5/5/09]

Official Suckers Website
Suckers MySpace
Suckers Facebook
Frenchkiss Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sun Kil Moon: Admiral Fell Promises

Sun Kil Moon
Admiral Fell Promises
Caldo Verde Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Sit down and reflect with Kozelek's Sun Kil Moon.

Album Review:
Sun Kil Moon, aka Mark Kozelek, has always distinguished itself as a different outlet for Kozelek with a much more electric band direction compared to his solo work. Admiral Fell Promises seems to blur the two worlds, as the record is performed completely solo with no instrumentation besides a nylon-string guitar anchored by his always captivating vocals. This might not appeal to followers of Sun Kil Moon, as the entire record feels slightly adrift because of it solitude. As a Mark Kozelek piece of work, Admiral Fell Promises is an undertaking, as its ten tracks hit the 60 minute mark and falls right in line with much of his other solo releases. Without much in tempo change, the record drives you straight to the lyrics, which can be mesmerizing with Kozelek's poetic talents that paint a picture for each intricate track. It is like hearing a good book on tape narrated by your favorite author. At its conclusion, you might be exhausted but appreciate the effort. If you are a bigger Sun Kil Moon fan, then it might take a bit more to impress you because Admiral Fell Promises really is a much different avenue. The good news is that regardless of the projects name - Kozelek is one talented guy that makes every release still worthy of checking out - Admiral Fell Promises is no exception!

Key Tracks: "Australian Winter", "Half Moon Bay", "Bay Of Skulls"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Mark Lanegan
Magnolia Electric Co.
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

Sun Kil Moon: April [Fire Note Review 4/18/08]

Official Sun Kil Moon Website
Sun Kil Moon MySpace
Sun Kil Moon Facebook
Caldo Verde Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony