Fourth Of July: Before Our Hearts Explode!

Fourth Of July

Before Our Hearts Explode!

Range Life Records [2010]

Fire Note Says: Relationships can be tough - Fourth Of July tell you why - indie style!

Album Review:
It took three years to get a sophomore record from Lawrence, Kansas band Fourth Of July but the indie sincerity on Before Our Hearts Explode! was well worth the wait. The record once again features the three Hangauer and two Costello brothers, telling their tale through eleven songs that live the endgame of a relationship, which covers all aspects including drunk dials, infidelities and dealing with a long distance. Basically the record tackles all topics that make relationships so hard but make music about them so easy. Fourth Of July returns with the same loose song structures that made their debut so infectious and helps each track here move along with no expectations, as the hooks grab you and the lyrical wordplay captures your mind because at some point, all listeners can relate on some level. It is this connection that makes Before Our Hearts Explode! worth every minute and has you rooting for the relationship right down to the closing track "Come Home". Fourth Of July do not need any tricks to make you enjoy this record, as their Midwestern solid indie rock will capture your ear from the first note!

Key Tracks: "Tan Lines", "I Don't Want To Lose You", "Friend Of A Friend"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Henry Clay People
Pavement
Hallelujah The Hills

Fourth Of July: Fourth Of July On The Plains [Fire Note Review 7/24/07]

Fourth Of July MySpace
Fourth Of July Facebook
Range Life Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dylan LeBlanc: Pauper's Field

Dylan LeBlanc
Pauper's Field
Rough Trade Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
It is hard to punish 20 year old Dylan LeBlanc for sounding so grown up when you know that he has been writing his own songs since he was eleven and was practically raised at the famed Muscle Shoals studio, as his father James was a session player. The simple fact that Emmylou Harris sings backup harmony on one of the albums most stunning tracks, "If The Creek Don't Rise", should give you some notion that this kid has talent. Pauper's Field is good but does have its limitations, as all the components work here like his voice and guitar but the overall cohesion from track to track feels like a debut that tries a bit too hard to make all the pieces fit. This comes from LeBlanc's youth and should not discourage anyone from taking Pauper's Field for a ride because there are a multitude of tracks that stick with you. In fact, even though as a complete record this album has its ups and downs, Dylan LeBlanc as an artist should be one to watch, as his talented youth only guarantees that we should see more from him in the near future, and the expectations will only get higher!

Key Track: "If The Creek Don't Rise"

Band With Similar Fire: Ryan Adams

Dylan LeBlanc Website
Dylan LeBlanc MySpace
Dylan LeBlanc Facebook
Rough Trade Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Eels: Tomorrow Morning

Eels
Tomorrow Morning
E Works Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Most uplifting Eels record of the series.

Album Review:
Tomorrow Morning actually completes an Eels trilogy that started last year with Hombre Lobo [2009]. That record was more rock, as January's End Times [2010] was definitely more somber and quiet. That only leaves you to question how it all ends? Well, Tomorrow Morning lands right in the middle and probably sounds the closet to what you expect the "Eels" sound to be. With every Eels record there is a mood attached and Tomorrow Morning brings an overall positive outlook, which in not always the case when it comes to lead man Mark Oliver Everett or the previous two albums in this collection. Tomorrow Morning will satisfy longtime followers with its mix and attitude, even though musically it does not travel down too many new roads. Eels has transformed over the years into a group that regardless if they have a radio hit or not, their records always put forth a reason to listen. Second to last track "I Like The Way This Is Going" emphasizes this notion, as it is one of Eels most simplest acoustic tracks, that tells it like it is and leaves you with a smile on your face. The bottom line here is that Tomorrow Morning makes you believe what Everett is selling and you will continue to want more!

Key Tracks: "I'm A Hummingbird", "The Man", "I Like The Way This Is Going"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beck
Grant Lee Phillips
Ben Folds

Eels: End Times [Fire Note Review 1/14/10]
Eels: Hombre Lobo [Fire Note Review 6/4/09]

Official Eels Website
Eels MySpace
Eels Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Cotton Jones: Tall Hours In The Glowstream

Cotton Jones
Tall Hours In The Glowstream
Suicide Squeeze Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Do you think a record would be more relaxed if it was recorded in your living room? After hearing the sophomore record from Cotton Jones, I would answer yes. Tall Hours In The Glowstream was indeed recorded in the duo's living room studio and it's lo-fi backwoods vibe rings out track after track. Michael Nau (Page France) and Whitney McGraw have a great organic chemistry that is highlighted every time a harmony kicks in. This record feels more confident then their debut and is just an album to let play. It never goes overboard and never tries to hard. This approach also holds it back some just because Cotton Jones never take a risk. That doesn't mean that certain tracks are not memorable because there are several repeated lyrical moments here that stick in your head. Cotton Jones is a group that sounds on the verge of breaking out big time with a bit more cohesion from track to track and should be an artist to follow well beyond this record!

Key Track: "Somehow To Keep It Going"

Band With Similar Fire: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Cotton Jones: Paranoid Cocoon [Fire Note Review 3/6/09]

Cotton Jones MySpace
Cotton Jones Facebook
Suicide Squeeze Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Richard Thompson: Dream Attic

Richard Thompson
Dream Attic
Shout! Factory Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Dream Attic highlights why Richard Thompson just recently received the Les Paul Award at the 2010 MOJO Honours!

Album Review:
Richard Thompson will always go down in my book as one of the all time great guitarist singer/songwriters of this era. Regardless of his age, (now 61), Thompson continues to push and display forward thinking on his albums and Dream Attic is no different. The 13 new songs here were recorded in front of live audiences during a February 2010 West Coast tour, with a bulk of them coming from the three nights he spent at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. This format demands perfection and Richard Thompson handles the pressure and delivers on every single track. On stage is where Thompson feels the most comfortable, as he is able to play off his band and soak up the energy of the fans, which comes off on record as electric even when there are only several distinct times you can hear the crowd cheer. Regardless of the recording process, Dream Attic brings all sides of Thompson, with the highlights including the politically charged rocking opener "The Money Shuffle", a memorable Beatlesque number in "Big Sun Falling In The River", and a complex murder ballad "Sidney Wells". The other interesting twist to this record, is that it does an excellent job of featuring his musicianship and cohesion with his band, which adds acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin, sax, bass and drums into the mix. Seeing a band live typically offers a different presentation compared to playing the artists record. Dream Attic for Richard Thompson follows this expectation, as songs go well past the five minute mark and have built in sequences where the band gets to jam, as well as letting Richard let his guitar take the main focus. The closing ballad "If Love Whispers Your Name" finishes off Dream Attic with an exclamation point and pushes past the 7 minute mark, as it rises to a fever pitch with Thompson on guitar. It is this type of emotion that pours out of Dream Attic and makes it another staple for fans to cherish in his catalog!

Key Tracks: "The Money Shuffle", "Here Comes Geordie", "Sidney Wells", "Big Sun Falling In The River"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fionn Regan
Alejandro Escovedo
Barton Carroll

Richard Thompson Website
Richard Thompson MySpace
Richard Thompson Facebook
Shout! Factory Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Street Dogs: Street Dogs

Street Dogs
Street Dogs
Hellcat Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Punk will never die and with bands like Boston's Street Dogs still releasing records like their self-titled fifth album, it will also never lose its credibility. In traditional punk fashion, Street Dogs is an album that is all about the working class and having spent time as a soldier in the Gulf War and serving his community as a firefighter, the original Dropkick Murphys’ singer Mike McColgan sings from direct experience with his heart on his sleeve. It is this passion that shines out of these 18 ripping tracks, as they move fast and grab you with hook after hook. Sure, Street Dogs don't recreate the wheel here, as we are still talking about a punk rock record, but their veteran "tough as nails attitude" comes through song after song, as each compact composition is completely musically tight and played with meaning. Street Dogs keep the punk movement alive here and respectfully give a good time to all that listen, while encouraging to just let yourself go!

Key Track: "Punk Rock And Roll"

Band With Similar Fire: The Bouncing Souls

Street Dogs Website
Street Dogs MySpace
Street Dogs Facebook
Hellcat Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Capstan Shafts: Revelation Skirts

The Capstan Shafts
Revelation Skirts
Rainbow Quartz Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Thirty minutes of electric lo-fi perfection!

Album Review:
One man band no more is the current headline for Dean Wells, aka Capstan Shafts, as his new long player Revelation Skirts features an assembled full-on rock n' roll backing band, which makes this record loud, fun and completely addicting. Even though Wells does not leave the lo-fi world entirely, this more plugged in direction works well, as it gives Dean's solid songwriting a perfect canvas to display his talent and showcases The Capstan Shafts veteran status in their ability to pack a two minute song with a full song structure. With 14 tracks here that just run over the 30 minute mark, there is no time wasted, as the soaring choruses grab you and the sawing guitar keeps your ears on edge. Revelation Skirts gets better with every spin and is easily one of The Capstan Shafts most focused records that smoothly transitions from track 1 to 14. It is this cohesion and confidence in Wells that puts The Capstan Shafts at the top of their game and makes Revelation Skirts a must for any indie fan out there searching for some great catchy lo-fi rock!

Key Tracks: "Class War Tease", "Quiet Wars", "Little Burst Of Sunshine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Sebadoh
The Replacements

The Capstan Shafts: Her Versus The Sad Cold Eventually [Fire Note Review 2/7/07]

The Capstan Shafts MySpace
The Capstan Shafts Facebook
Rainbow Quartz Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fitz And The Tantrums: Pickin' Up The Pieces

Fitz And The Tantrums
Pickin' Up The Pieces
Dangerbird Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
A genre that has been increasingly growing on the indie underground is the neo-soul movement and Fitz And The Trantrums have quickly rode the wave to become one of its top attractors. The bands newly released debut full length, Pickin' Up The Pieces, is full of retro 60's soul sounds that features six musicians, five dapper suits, catchy songs that sway and one standout vintage organ. I will warn you that this is one genre that you can not jump in feet first without being in the right mood. Initially, it could be easy to be turned off here if you don't give Pickin' Up The Pieces a fair listen or immediately dismiss Fitz And The Tantrums as something you don't like because what you will find is that this album creeps up on you. It will take several listens but you won't be able to deny the likability of first single "MoneyGrabber" and how its chorus sticks in your head, while your feet tap along. Once you have reached this point, it is over, as Fitz And The Tantrums earn their space on your playlist and highlights Pickin' Up The Pieces as a more unique listen that most certainly will make the neo-soul genre that much more real!

Key Track: "MoneyGrabber"

Band With Similar Fire: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Fitz And The Tantrums Website
Fitz And The Tantrums MySpace
Fitz And The Tantrums Facebook
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Magic Kids: Memphis

Magic Kids
Memphis
True Panther Sounds [2010]









Fire Note Says: Ah - feel that 60's beach breeze from Tennessee!

Album Review:
At first listen, I really dismissed the debut from the Magic Kids as a young band jumping into a scene and presenting a happy little piece of fluff for a record. The joke is, I went back for more and then found myself going back for more again. It then made me question my own likes and dislikes and an internal struggle began. Did I like Memphis because I have great childhood memories of my parents Beach Boys records? Did I like the Magic Kids because they have catchy retro hooks with kid call outs and a twinge of lo-fi dabbling? Did I like the Magic Kids because they are from Memphis and named their debut album Memphis? The answer is probably some weird combo of all the above but the reality of it is, the Magic Kids can get into your head fast and stay for quite some time. It is their balance of a nice sunny indie pop with the smooth vocal delivery of Bennett Foster. He has a very boyish Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian type singing style that makes every moment enjoyable. Unlike some of the current indie lo-fi bands out there, Magic Kids music is very clear and clean, as Memphis jumps out of the speakers with its symphonic orchestrated production. Every piece here stands out, be it horns, keys, backing vocals or the simplest harmony. Memphis is a solid debut that backs up the early hype surrounding the Magic Kids and only increases its value with repeat plays!

Key Tracks: "Hey Boy", "Sailing", "Superball"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Beach Boys
Belle & Sebastian
The Apples In Stereo

Magic Kids MySpace
Magic Kids Facebook
True Panther Sounds
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

BARB: BARB

BARB
BARB
Yep Roc Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Most music fans here in the States may not even recognize one of this Down Under supergroup comprised of Liam Finn, Lawrence Arabia, Eliza-Jane Barnes, Connan Mockasin and Seamus Ebbs. Regardless of your knowledge, BARB is for sure to split many music fans here with their psychedelic rock that more then once, will challenge you to keep focus. The band admittedly didn't have any songs or anything written before booking a month of studio time. This looseness runs the entire record and feeds its ups and downs. It has plenty of jam spacey instrumental interludes, as well as featuring just about everyone on the mic. It gives you a different flavor with each track and lets songs find their way to conclusion. It is not a record I would play all the time but I can tell you that even if you don't know their names, all five members are extremely talented. BARB may not be the album of the moment but this debut does set the tone for the group, as they could benefit from committing fully to the music and utilizing their talents more collectively then collaboratively.

Key Track: "Alcoholic Darling"

Band With Similar Fire: The Flaming Lips

BARB MySpace
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Land Of Talk: Cloak And Cipher

Land Of Talk
Cloak And Cipher
Saddle Creek Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Land Of Talk expand their sound and recruit tons of talent for their sophomore record Cloak And Cipher.

Album Review:
Elizabeth Powell has one of those voices that engages you from her first lyric. On Land Of Talk's sophomore record, Cloak And Cipher, her vocals get a boost from the overall more electric vibe running through the album's core. Land Of Talk also recruit tons of their Canadian brethern for this album, as it features special guests Patrick Watson, members of Stars, Silver Mount Zion Band, Wintersleep, Besnard Lakes, Esmerine and Arcade Fire. With that elite grouping, Cloak And Cipher never fails to please. This album also incorporates more expansive songs, which actually has a ten minute longer running time for its 10 tracks compared to the ten on Some Are Lakes [2008]. This has both positive and negative effects on Cloak And Cipher, as several tracks like "Swift Coin" use the extra space to include some really great guitar riffs, while a song like "Playita" repeats a chorus too many times. It is a balance that with some refinement next go around will work itself out, as the lasting impression here is truly a plus. Land Of Talk have released their most mature album to date and the expansion of instrumentation is a match to Powell's strong vocals making Cloak And Cipher a must for fans and a record that should attract plenty of new listeners!

Key Tracks: "Goodtime Exposure", "Swift Coin", "Hamburg, Noon"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Stars
Ivy
Metric

Land Of Talk: Some Are Lakes [Fire Note Review 11/12/08]
Land Of Talk: Applause, Cheer, Boo, Hiss EP [Fire Note Review 3/30/07]

Official Land Of Talk Website
Land Of Talk MySpace
Land Of Talk Facebook
Saddle Creek Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Abner Trio: The Giant Crushes You

Abner Trio
The Giant Crushes You
Joyful Noise Recordings [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Nothing beats good ol' fashioned angular indie rock n' roll and that is exactly what you get for 30 minutes on the sophomore long player from Indianapolis band Abner Trio. The Giant Crushes You is three years in the making and lets songs just evolve and move from slightly spoken word pieces into full blown rock outs with hooks. It is this uncertainty for the listener that works for Abner Trio and why this record is a fun ride. Throw out what you know with Abner Trio's layered vocal melodies and lack of any consistent song structure because songs grind, take off, stir and then take off again. It is this unique formula that makes The Giant Crushes You a record that any indie rock lover will enjoy and should make Abner Trio your new band to tell all your friends about!

Key Track: "You're Gorgeous, Believe It!"

Band With Similar Fire: Smile

Abner Trio MySpace
Abner Trio Facebook
Joyful Noise Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dead Confederate: Sugar

Dead Confederate
Sugar
TAO/Old Flame Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Dead Confederate treat you with their Southern rock take on the early 90's.

Album Review:
I always feel that Athens, Georgia-based quintet Dead Confederate is a band destined to break out with their retro 90's sound, feedback guitar pulse and Southern howl. On the groups sophomore record Sugar, Dead Confederate stay the course and give you exactly what you expect. One play through the album and Dinosaur Jr., Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana will all flash through your mind at some point, as Dead Confederate highlight that era with a Southern grunge vibe. Ironically, some of the tracks that feel more "modern", I believe work the best, as "Run From The Gun" contains the albums best hook and also lets the focus shine on singer Hardy Morris's vocals with less instrumentation. "Giving It All Away" has a smooth flow with the swaying chorus and the injected support from J Mascis adds real spark. Sugar easily is not a misstep for Dead Confederate because it possesses these moments of memorable catchiness but some songs try too hard to live in the past and fade quickly from your memory. The other noticeable difference here is that the songs are much shorter and have an average around 3 minutes compared to Wrecking Ball [2008], which was over 5 including a 12 minute opus. This change may have long time followers screaming "sell out" and does change the complexity of Dead Confederate. The group definitely has a knack for rock and this album still has success with individual singles. I still will tell anyone that Dead Confederate is a band to keep an eye on because if they can get this balance correct on album number three -watch out because it's going to be killer!

Key Tracks: "Run From The Gun", "Giving It All Away (w/ J Mascis)", "In The Dark"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Smashing Pumpkins
Kings Of Leon
Dinosaur Jr.

Dead Confederate: Wrecking Ball [Fire Note Review 9/17/08]
Dead Confederate: Dead Confederate EP [Fire Note Review 12/14/07]

Official Dead Confederate Website
Dead Confederate MySpace
Dead Confederate Facebook
Old Flame Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Extra Width | Year One [Reissues]

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Extra Width | Year One [Reissues]
Majordomo Records [2010]




Fire Drill Review:
Continuing with Majordomo's excellent execution in reissuing Jon Spencer's catalog we have another 2 CD gem with Extra Width [1993], that features superb remastering and the rare Australian-only full length LP Mo' Width. That of course is only the first disc and number two brings non-LP singles, unreleased outtakes and in your face live versions. It was Spencer's first record for Matador and his greeting card to the rock n roll world. Year One is actually even more special, as it gathers 38 tracks of his earliest recorded output running a whopping 72 minutes long. It features tracks recorded by Steve Albini and Kramer; the bootleg LP only A Reverse Willie Horton, The Caroline Album, Crypt Style and the History Of Sex EP. Year One shows you how it all started, in solid remastering form, as most tracks here barley cross the 2 minute mark. It is raw, loud, fun, energetic and simply great stuff! These early tracks will please any follower of the Blues Explosion, as the record just affirms their creative craziness that just works, while hearing Extra Width should be mandatory. Given that previous statement, there is no better version to check out, as you can get the whole exhilarating story right here!

Key Tracks: "Shake A Leg", "Write A Song"

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Now I Got Worry | Controversial Negro [Reissues] [Fire Note Review 5/17/10]
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Dirty Shirt Rock 'N' Roll: The First Ten Years [Fire Note Review 4/30/10]
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

Ra Ra Riot: The Orchard

Ra Ra Riot
The Orchard
Barsuk Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Sophomore record The Orchard takes some new directions and risks as Ra Ra Riot expands their sound.

Album Review:
The Orchard is the second release from Ra Ra Riot and it has the band coming forward with a much richer sound compared to their indie rock debut The Rhumb Line [2008]. This can be a tricky card to play for a band that had a solid debut, as you run the risk of dismantling everything that worked in your favor before. The Orchard feels more produced in every sense as the vocals are more out front, the instrumentation is more distinct and the song structures are more complex. On the bouncing "Boy", this robust vigor by Ra Ra Riot makes for a very likable and memorable uptempo track. On "Foolish", the same approach does not nearly work as well because the instrumentation is so up front, that it feels flat. The good news is that on other tracks like "Massachusetts", Ra Ra Riot brings back their Vampire Weekend like vocal sway, while "Keep It Quiet" is the perfectly simple calm closing album ballad with an energetic middle. The Orchard takes some new directions and risks that for the most part work, as Ra Ra Riot may not have reached the high of their excellent debut but still provide an entertaining listen that offers a solid replay value.

Key Tracks: "Boy", "Massachusetts", "Keep It Quiet"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Minus The Bear
Vampire Weekend
Broken Social Scene

Ra Ra Riot: The Rhumb Line [Fire Not Review 8/19/08]

Ra Ra Riot Website
Ra Ra Riot MySpace
Ra Ra Riot Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Lissie: Catching A Tiger

Lissie
Catching A Tiger
Fat Possum Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
After Lissie's excellent Why You Runnin' EP released last year, we fell in love with this new Americana voice on the scene and had very high expectations for her debut full length Catching A Tiger. What was not expected here was the balancing of her soulful voice with a more pop oriented direction. These tracks ride close to the line of Liz Phair and Sheryl Crow that sometimes work, like on the catchy "Stranger", and other times they simply fail to make an impression. What holds true on Catching A Tiger is that the three tracks carried over from Lissie's EP still play strong, along with the songs that don't cross too far into the pop range. It is this unbalance that holds this record back from excellence because most of this album is still really strong. I also have faith that with the right direction and focus, Lissie could still take the music scene by storm because she is full of talent!

Key Track: "Record Collector"

Band With Similar Fire: Liz Phair

Lissie: Why You Runnin' [EP] [Fire Note Review 11/9/09]

Lissie Website
Lissie MySpace
Lissie Facebook
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan: Hawk

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan
Hawk
Vanguard Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: This pairing works on so many levels!

Album Review:
You can't ask for two voices that balance each other out better then the sweet earthiness from Isobel Campbell (Belle & Sebastian) and the gravely gruffness of Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Gutter Twins). It is this complimentary sound that comes together when they duel it out on their third long player together Hawk. More so then on their previous records, Hawk has a very retro vibe regardless of any one tracks style. The record itself spans several genres with blues, folk, country and rockabilly leading the charge, while it also really lets Campbell steer the ship as Lanegan's distinguishable voice only shows up on 8 of its 13 tracks. Other tracks feature Willy Mason and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, who contributes to "You Won't Me Let Down Again", which gives Hawk even more punch. The reality is that when it comes to Campbell & Lanegan, you get some of the most focused work out there from a duo that wears every note on their sleeve and pulls every vocal directly from their soul. It is a winning combination that never gets old and sounds great every time you spin it!

Key Tracks: "Come Undone", "Get Behind Me", "You Won't Let Me Down Again"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Plant & Krauss
Sinatra & Hazelwood
Jenny & Johnny

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan MySpace
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan Facebook
Vanguard Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Efren: Always Been A Bleeder

Efren
Always Been A Bleeder [EP]
Slo Pro Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Efren is a psychedelic folk group from Athens, GA that has just released their five song EP, which has a lo-fi brooding undertone that lets each track evolve and smolder its way to conclusion. It is an interesting mix because even though the vocals are somewhat muffled and the music is somewhat in the background, Always Been A Bleeder contains plenty of upbeat tempo numbers like the foot tapper "Potholes" and the opening track "Stay High". Each track contains likable lush harmonies that make them memorable and showcases a swagger where the band doesn't try hard to be good but still comes off as calm, cool and collected. This EP also has something else going on, as each track gets progressively longer. Track one runs under three minutes and finds each successive song incrementally increasing all the way to the epic closer "Rapids", which hits just over the nine minute mark. You find the band expanding and "playing" more on each recording. This provides a highlighted range for Efren that should translate into great things for their sophomore record as this EP paves the way!

Key Track: "Stay High"

Band With Similar Fire: Bon Iver

Efren Website
Efren MySpace
Efren Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Beauties: The Beauties

The Beauties

The Beauties

Six Shooter Records [2010]

Fire Note Says: Roots rock from up North!

Album Review:

I could give you ten guesses and you would still never correctly pick that The Beauties style of roots rock Americana hails from Toronto Canada. The five piece offers up a very southern sound on their self-titled full length debut that represents such an honest approach to the genre that you become a fan before the opening foot tapper "Fashion Blues" ends. Even though this is The Beauties first full length release the group is well known on the Canadian scene with a successful EP and haveing already opened for acts such as Broken Social Scene and Alejandro Escovedo while backing up Ron Sexsmith. This seasoned experience comes through here, as this record has a perfect balance of maturity and eagerness that highlights a new band aiming for the stars but relying on their roots. Make no mistake that The Beauties have a very bar band blue collar sound that has grit, spirit and plenty of memorable moments that every roots rocker should want to hear!

Key Tracks: "Fashion Blues", "Heart Of Stone", "Hearts Are Down"

Bands With Similar Fire:

The Bottle Rockets

Marah

Drive-By Truckers

Official Beauties Website

The Beauties MySpace

The Beauties Facebook

Six Shooter Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Quick & Easy Boys: Red Light Rabbit

The Quick & Easy Boys

Red Light Rabbit

Per Capita Records [2010]

Fire Drill Review:

Red Light Rabbit is the sophomore release from Portland's The Quick & Easy Boys. This is an album that has a little bit of something for everyone, as the group presents their own combo mix of funk, psych rock, garage, soul and fun honky-tonk. The only thing missing from Red Light Rabbit is the kitchen sink and although it might sound crazy chaotic and unorganized, The Quick & Easy Boys pull it off here with there high energized swagger and solid musicianship. This is one of those groups that on paper seems like a bad idea but on record it works because the album has smooth transitions, even though the song styles are different. The Quick & Easy Boys are a band that you can easily identify with and find a connection on Red Light Rabbit. They also are known for their electrifying live show, so make sure you check them out if you get a chance!

Key Track: "Take Your Medicine"

Bands With Similar Fire:

Funkadelic

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Dirtbombs

The Quick & Easy Boys Website

The Quick & Easy Boys MySpace

The Quick & Easy Boys Facebook

Per Capita Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin: Let It Sway

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Let It Sway
Polyvinyl Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Can't go too wrong with this slice of indie power pop!

Album Review:
Hearing a record like Let It Sway from Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin always puts a smile on my face. It is a power pop guitar album which has a very honest core that just beams out good vibes and does nothing but have you reaching to turn the volume knob up. Sure SSLYBY does not really bring anything new to the table here but the band allows you to just sit back and tap your feet. Let It Sway sounds like it received a shot of espresso compared to the groups more controlled first two records. This more amped direction has several sources with the first having Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) and Beau Sorenson (Sparklehorse) produce the album and the band listening to tons of Nirvana. They even cut tracks in the famed Smart Studios (Nirvana's Nevermind, Smashing Pumpkins Gish), which breathes alternative rock. This works well for the group, as the strongest tracks on Let It Sway are the mid-tempo rockers right up front as tracks one, two and three represents some of their best work to date, right down to the "na-na-na" sing along in "Banned (By The Man)". The album's only setback is that it drags a bit in the middle third with tracks that don't quite bring the same swagger musically or lyrically. You quickly will look by this small distraction as Let It Sway represents a good slice of indie rock that has solid replay value and should keep Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin fresh on your brain for their music and not just their name!

Key Tracks: "Back In The Saddle", "Sink/Let It Sway", "Banned (By The Man)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Superchunk
Weezer
Surfer Blood

Official Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Website
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin MySpace
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Facebook
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Superchunk: No Pocky For Kitty | On The Mouth [Reissues]

Superchunk
No Pocky For Kitty | On The Mouth [Reissues]
Merge Records [1991, 1993; re: 2010]



Fire Drill Review:
There is no question that Superchunk's high energy indie rock continues to influence a countless number of bands and now Merge Records has remastered and reissued two of their classics No Pocky For Kitty and On The Mouth. The Steve Albini produced sophomore record No Pocky For Kitty [1991] hit everything right with "Skip Steps 1 & 3", "Seed Toss", "Cast Iron" and "Tower" setting the tone for what the band was all about and highlighted Mac McCaughan's vocal control that could go from 0-10 in a mere split second. This energetic high continued into album number three On The Mouth [1993] as "Precision Auto" and "Mower" are still some my personal favorites in Superchunk's collection. Both albums sound just as fresh today as they did then! If you have often been curious about Superchunk, then this reissue set is a perfect place to start. Not only does the remastering do the albums great justice but I guarantee that after one time through playing them loudly, you too will instantly be a Chunk fan for life!

*A side note on these reissues is that they should get you set for Superchunk's new long player Majesty Shredding due out on September 17. It is the first album of all new material from the band since 2001.

Key Track: "Seed Toss" & "Precision Auto"

Band With Similar Fire: The Replacements

Superchunk: Crossed Wires 7" [Fire Note Review 7/23/09]
Superchunk: Leaves In The Gutter [EP] [Fire Note Review 5/4/09]
Superchunk: Clambakes Vol 4 Sur La Bouche - Live in Montreal 1993 [Fire Note Review 2/2/09]

Official Superchunk Website
Superchunk MySpace
Superchunk Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Darker My Love: Alive As You Are

Darker My Love
Alive As You Are
Dangerbird Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: New path for Darker My Love will grow on you.

Album Review:
A u-turn in the middle of the road is my short take on Darker My Love's third record Alive As You Are. We were crazy about the bands sophomore record, 2 [2008], with its reverb attitude and memorable tracks that had our anticipation high for Alive As You Are. What was not expected, was the full on attack of acoustic guitars, 1960's harmonies and a more CSNY like vocal approach. This shock to the system made getting into this album from the beginning much harder then my typical listen through a new record because it is that different. The album is the product of focused work and the loss of singer Tim Presley's father. His father's death drove the band to take a hard look at what they were releasing and that reflection directed them towards a more organic rock record that could be played on Saturday night or Sunday morning. It is big step sideways for Darker My Love and for the most part - it works. "New America" sounds like a track out of the Beatles catalog, while ballad "June Bloom" has a perfect hum along simplicity to it that highlights the bands new found style. The record does however need some improvement lyrically, which holds the album back from higher praise. Overall, Alive As You Are is not as immediately catchy as some of their previous work because it is so different. With that said, new fans may completely be into Alive As You Are right from its jangly beginner "Backseat". Repeat listens will quickly boost your opinion here, as it is a true new beginning for Darker My Love that easily may yield something great in the future because they have found their path.

Key Tracks: "Backseat", "New America", "Dear Author"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blitzen Trapper
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
The Mayflies USA

Darker My Love: 2 [Fire Note Review 8/6/08]

Official Darker My Love Website
Darker My Love MySpace
Darker My Love Facebook
Dangerbird Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Black Crowes: Croweology

The Black Crowes
Croweology
Silver Arrow Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
It is hard to believe that The Black Crowes have been around for 20 years and as they once again have decided to hang it up for awhile, the band offers fans Croweology. It would have been easy for this to just be a massive greatest hits and misses collection but instead the band has re-worked twenty tracks into mostly acoustic arrangements that span their entire catalog. It is a setting that allows the band to freshen up tracks like "She Talks To Angels", giving it a more back porch vibe, while being able to highlight tracks that never got their due such as "Girl From A Pawnshop" off of Three Snakes And One Charm [1996]. I will warn you that this 2 CD set is just over two hours long, as some tracks like "Wiser Time", "Thorn In My Pride" and "Ballad In Urgency" all cross the nine minute mark as the band enjoys the stay. Regardless how much time you have spent with The Black Crowes, you can respect their longevity for producing good ol fashion Southern blues rock and this set highlights that musicianship and is the perfect send off for the band, while being a great collection for all their fans!

Key Track: "Soul Singing"

Band With Similar Fire: The Rolling Stones

Official The Black Crowes Website
The Black Crowes MySpace
The Black Crowes Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony