Young The Giant: Young The Giant

Young The Giant
Young The Giant
Roadrunner Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Young The Giant brings a light hearted change of pace to your indie listening lifestyle.

Album Review:
Young The Giant hail from Newport Beach, CA and the band really brings a sunny and feel good disposition to their self-titled debut. Their style of soaring rock is made for arenas and radio but much like Kings Of Leon and Coldplay, Young The Giant's sound is not that simple. The band is capable of blending true feeling into their music and can completely take hold of your attention on every big chorus that they belt out. Young The Giant bring smart lyrics, catchy melodies and complex song structures plus add in some diversity with their Caribbean influences, jazzy beats and injection of big alternative rock at the right moment. The record was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket, White Stripes, Strokes) and the band was recently named Best of CMJ Fest by the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, so their journey and hype have only just begun.

Key Tracks: "Apartment", "Cough Syrup", "Garands"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kings Of Leon
Temper Trap
Coldplay

Young The Giant Website
Young The Giant MySpace
Young The Giant Facebook
Roadrunner Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Houses: All Night

Houses
All Night
Lefse Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Houses creates a smooth flowing and warm album that rewards multiple listens!

Album Review:
Hopefully most of our readers have experienced the warm sound you get from playing a rich vinyl record over your system. It is all about the sonic experience and even the most novice stereophile can pick up the differences. Houses debut All Night creates the same experience except that it happens regardless of the format you play it in. Houses story drives this overall sound as Dexter Tortoriello lost his job and decided to pick up and move with his girlfriend Megan Messina to a remote part of Hawaii. They worked for meals and lived without pluming, electricity and gas, while using rain water to shower and cook with. The downtime there left plenty of opportunity to record and their situation supplied tons of inspiration. When they moved back to Chicago, all the pieces were ready and All Night formed out of the Hawaii arrangements and field recordings. The album was pressed to vinyl on a vintage Neumann cutting lathe and then sent through a series of old analog mastering equipment before its final digital transfer. This is where Houses finds its depth and how All Night just floats in the most ambient way. It is an intimate record that combines both electronic and indie moments, while Tortoriello's vocals float in and out of the tracks and rely on Messina's for support. Houses is a must new band to put on your radar, as All Night is a record that benefits from repeat listens and truly gets better after every one.

Key Tracks: "Endless Spring", "Sleeping", "Soak It Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
How To Dress Well
Pomegranates
Small Black

Houses Website
Houses MySpace
Houses Facebook
Lefse Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Warpaint: The Fool

Warpaint
The Fool
Rough Trade Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Warpaint's debut will impress you with its composure.

Album Review:
There has been considerable hype over the lo-fi pop bands this year and especially anyone with a female vocal but just when you start thinking it's the best thing since sliced bread, a band like Warpaint comes along and changes the game. This female quartet's debut, The Fool, is shoegazey, gloomy, post-punky, classy and downright catchy. It has a slow burning pace lead by the earthy vocals of Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman, supported by the full band sound of guitars, bass and drums. It is this mix of styles and utter confidence that makes The Fool sound so strong and as if Warpaint has been around for ten years. Recorded in LA, The Fool was produced by Tom Biller (Beck, Karen O, Liars), with further mixes from Andrew Weatherall (New Order, Primal Scream, Bjork) and Adam Samuels (John Frusciante, Daniel Lanois). Basically, the right personnel was sought out for this album and sonically it sounds fantastic. Songs like "Undertow" stroll perfectly down an indie path with its controlled pace and burning energy, while "Composure" has a very different and pieced together avant-garde attack. Then the band still can surprise you with a track like "Baby", as it is a sincere ballad with no frills - just a solid song. Most tracks pass the 5 minute mark, as the records 9 songs equate a 47 minute listening experience. The Fool is an album that deserves and needs repeat listens to totally appreciate its grace. Warpaint makes you quickly realize that no matter how some bands can distort, fuzz out or deconstruct their music there will always be room in the player for a solid slow burning record that just plays it straight with great vocals, guitars, bass and drums!

Key Tracks: "Undertow", "Baby", "Shadows"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blonde Redhead
Cocteau Twins
Beach House

Warpaint Website
Warpaint MySpace
Warpaint Facebook
Rough Trade Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Muy Cansado: Love And Fear EP

Muy Cansado
Love And Fear EP
Goodnight Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Raw indie rock from Boston!

Album Review:
Boston indie band Muy Cansado have returned with this vibrant four song EP that brings the same live rich sound found on their debut Stars & Garters [2008]. Chris Mulvey has a strong Black Francis type of vocal that drives each track here, with an ability to change ranges on a dime, while Lisa Libera consistently chimes in and gives them depth plus rounds out the edges. What makes the Love And Fear EP succeed and Muy Cansado stand out, is that the group has a raw rock approach that just pops out of your speakers with energy, enthusiasm and pure unpolished talent that simply will gear you up for their forthcoming sophomore full length and keep you coming back to this EP for more!

Key Tracks: "Love And Fear", "Sharpshooter"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Superchunk
Heartless Bastards
Pixies

Muy Cansado: Stars & Garters [Fire Note Review 8/25/08]

Official Muy Cansado Website
Muy Cansado MySpace
Muy Cansado Facebook
Goodnight Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The War On Drugs: Future Weather EP

The War On Drugs
Future Weather EP
Secretly Canadian Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: This EP allows The War On Drugs to experiment and still craft their sound all in one place.

Album Review:
Calling this 8 song, almost 30 minute, record from Philly's The War On Drugs an EP may be somewhat of a stretch, so for argument sake we will go with mini-album. The band is currently working on their proper sophomore record, which does allow Future Weather to be governed by EP rules. This simply means that the band can get more experimental, like on the spacey 56 second instrumental opener "Come To The City #14" or the epic 8 minute closer "The History Of Plastic". These more unconventional tracks give Future Weather a uniqueness but the bands strong suit is still creating modern music with a classic rock backbone. That is where lead singer Adam Granduciel's Dylan like vocals shine, as on the upbeat "Baby Missiles" and the swaying "Comin' Through", with its strong lead guitar stealing the show. "Brothers" has a solid Tom Petty vibe that really works for the band and is a great example of how The War On Drugs blend the era's and blend the genres. Future Weather has a pulse and even though some of the more artistic pieces don't completely work, there are plenty of strong songs on here that only raises our anticipation for the proper follow up of Wagonwheel Blues [2008] because The War On Drugs are still offering a sound that not many other bands can pull off.

Key Tracks: "Baby Missiles", "Comin' Through", "Brothers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Brian Olive
Dire Straits
The Mother Hips

The War On Drugs: Wagonwheel Blues [Fire Note Review 7/23/08]

Official War On Drugs Website
The War On Drugs MySpace
The War On Drugs Facebook
Secretly Canadian Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Hours: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish

The Hours
It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish
Adeline Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Here is the US introduction to The Hours style of Britpop.

Album Review:
The Hours are sort of playing a trick on their US debut album It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish because the record is full of singles from their first two albums, as It's Not How technically is their third full length release. The interesting thing is that it really works in the bands favor because combining all of these catchy tracks for this release, completely bumps its likability to a higher level. The Hours are full on Britpop, as Antony Glenn and Martin Slattery have a combined resume that includes Elastica, Pulp, Black Grape and working with Joe Strummer. Their roots beam out of It's Not How with soaring tracks and big sprawling hooks. It is a feel good record that does a nice job of blending the borrowed solid tracks from their two earlier albums and providing the same quality on the new songs. The Hours do not present anything earth shatteringly groundbreaking on It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish but the duo's know how shines through, as its style competence is very high. If you like Britpop you are most likely going to like The Hours, as the songs get better each time you spin them and accomplish what any good single sets out to do - stick in your head!

Key Tracks: "These Days", "Big Black Hole", "Back When You Were Good"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gene
Embrace
Keane

The Hours: See The Light [Fire Note Review 5/13/09]

Official Hours Website
The Hours MySpace
The Hours Facebook
Adeline Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Antony And The Johnsons: Swanlights

Antony And The Johnsons
Swanlights
Secretly Canadian Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Swanlights is not Antony's best but still delivers on different levels.

Album Review:
Antony And The Johnsons is not for everyone but for those who choose to follow the artistic world of Antony Hegarty, they will always find reward in his efforts and the groups fourth album, Swanlights, is no different. Like its predecessors, Swanlights is a record that takes multiple listens to absorb and still possesses its overall spiritual and world concerns paired with Hegarty's fragile vocals. What does set Swanlights apart, is its overall diversity from track to track. "Thank You For Your Love" is one of Antony's most upbeat songs, that comes complete with a horn section that almost can get your feet tapping. "Flétta" is a duet with Bjork, that not only pairs two of the most unique voices in the business but definitely offers something new. Swanlights is a record that has more individual highlights, then a total success for the album as a whole. It can not compare to the artistic grace of The Crying Light [2009] but still contains enough memorable tracks to keep fans interested. Antony And Johnsons will struggle to ever be a household name but once again Swanlights proves that Hegarty's unique sound is picturesque, graceful and one-of-a-kind, which will always separate him from the rest.

Key Tracks: "Thank You For Your Love", "Ghost", "Swanlights"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Byran Ferry
Shearwater
David Bowie

Antony And The Johnsons: The Crying Light [Fire Note Review 1/21/09]

Official Antony And The Johnsons Website
Antony And The Johnsons MySpace
Antony And The Johnsons Facebook
Secretly Canadian Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Soft Boys: A Can Of Bees | Underwater Moonlight [Reissues]

The Soft Boys
A Can Of Bees | Underwater Moonlight [Reissues]
Yep Roc Records [2010]



Fire Note Says: More influential than you might think!

Album Review:
Robyn Hitchcock has always claimed that along with Big Star, The Soft Boys were the bridge between the Byrds and R.E.M. The problem was that the group was somewhat ahead of times and disbanded entirely too soon before they could ever capitalize on their talent. Both of these records have an edgy two guitar approach, while giving you catchy melodies and intelligent lyrics. The Soft Boys really were indie before the term was a common phrase. The records have it all, with punk moments, pop moments, 60's harmonic moments and plenty of new wave rocking out that has both A Can Of Bees [1979] and Underwater Moonlight [1980] sounding very timeless today. Of course, Robyn Hitchcock continues to have a storied career and guitarist Kimberley Rew wrote the lifetime hit "Walking On Sunshine" for his post Soft Boys band Katrina And The Waves plus some other notable songs for other artists, so who knows what would have happened if they stayed together in the 80's, but one could only assume it would have been great. The reissues have a solid remastered sound and plenty of extras on their second discs to keep you going. All of the extras are nice but for anyone that is into music, The Soft Boys should be a must and the reissue of the albums alone give you exactly what you need!

Key Tracks: "I Wanna Destroy You", "I Got The Hots", "The Pigworker"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Replacements
Feelies
R.E.M.

The Soft Boys MySpace
Yep Roc Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Pomegranates: One Of Us

Pomegranates
One Of Us
Afternoon Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Cincy band's third album in three years is not only their best but one of the better records we have heard this year!

Album Review:
Recently named one of the 30 best artists from CMJ fest by Spin, the Pomegranates have been grabbing some huge national exposure and deservedly so. Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2006, the Pomegranates have quickly rose in the ranks of talented young indie bands and now, already with their third long player One Of Us, the band should solidify that position. One Of Us finds the group at a creative high and pushing the boundaries of their still relatively new group. The band splits vocal duties between Joey Cook And Isaac Karns, which both have solid frontman type vocals that also work really well layered together. It is one piece that gives One Of Us creative diversity but it is only the beginning, as the group raises its sonic undertakings with the addition of strings on the floating "The Positive Light" and the almost angelic instrumental "Perception". The record has some fun moments too, like the almost six minute foot tapper "Anywhere You Go" ending with a crazy increase in record speed, that is like taking a ride on Willy Wonka's scary ferry, while drinking Red Bull and how the group can pump tons of catchy vocal interplay into a short track like "50's" just over 2 minute time frame, always provides an entertaining listen. The Pomegranates possess a unique ability here when it comes to making these seemingly 13 very different tracks cohesively transition from song to song and making One Of Us memorable. They maintained artistic control as they co-produced One Of Us but also brought in TJ Lipple of Aloha (MGMT, Headlights) for some ideas outside their creative norm. All of these components come together for the Pomegranates here, which not only makes One Of Us the best record so far in their catalog but one of our favorites this year!
.
Key Tracks: "50's", "Prouncer", "The Positive Light"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Wrens
Say Hi
Deerhunter

Pomegranates: Everybody, Come Outside! [Fire Note Review 4/7/09]

Pomegranates Website
Pomegranates MySpace
Pomegranates Facebook
Afternoon Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Soundgarden: Telephantasm [Deluxe Edition]

Soundgarden
Telephantasm [Deluxe Edition]
A&M/Universal Music Group [2010]









Fire Note Says: A fair history on Soundgarden.

Album Review:
First thing - don't waste your time with the one disc version of this package. The two disc/one DVD version is where it is at for anyone wanting to know what Soundgarden was about or for fans that have been longing for their return. Telephantasm gives fans 5 previously unreleased tracks that includes the "new" song "Black Rain" from the Badmotorfinger [1991] era. The other tracks are live offerings like "Pretty Noose" from SNL and "Blow Up The Outside World from MTV Live 'N' Loud. None of these tracks are essential but they also don't hinder the compilation. The deluxe edition does a nicer job then 1997's A Sides hits release covering the bands early material, although its more "grunge" and punk attitude might surprise people that only know the Superunkown [1994] tracks - but that is a good thing. At the end of the day, Telephantasm could be a bit stronger with some different song selections instead of worrying about unreleased live stuff but it is still a nice representation of the groups work and shows the impact Soundgarden had on music in general.

Key Tracks: "Jesus Christ Pose (Live)", "Black Rain", "Hunted Down"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Mudhoney
Nirvana
Alice In Chains

Soundgarden Website
Soundgarden MySpace
Soundgarden Facebook
Universal Music Group

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Senses Fail: The Fire

Senses Fail
The Fire
Vagrant Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: If you liked 'em before you will like 'em now!

Album Review:
The Fire marks the fourth long player from Senses Fail and it properly showcases the band at the top of their game with a sound that is completely focused, hungry and energized. The record is a mix of everything Senses Fail has brought to the table in the past, which is emo type lyrics, short burst screamo sections and plenty of catchy melodies that keep a pop-punk flame lit in the background. The Fire does not contain any one track that will convert tons of new fans to Senses Fail but it should be a must for any current follower of the band or this genre. What sets Senses Fail apart from some of their peers, is the fact that The Fire contains no gimmicks. The record is all live guitar and drums with no samples while relying heavily on heart pounding riffs filled with large sing-a-long choruses. This organic vibe keeps things real for the group, as The Fire is a true cleansing of some of the pitfalls the band has overcome in the last several years. The message is clear, that it is ok to be lost but that it is also necessary to push through and find yourself again. Senses Fail won't be for everyone but for those who partake in checking out The Fire, the record is one of the more catchy releases in the bands catalog and simply gets better with repeat listens and won't disappoint.

Key Tracks: "The Fire", "Safe House", "Saint Anthony"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Thrice
Hawthorne Heights
The Color Of Violence

Senses Fail Website
Senses Fail MySpace
Senses Fail Facebook
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Orange | Acme [Reissues]

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Orange | Acme [Reissues]
Majordomo Records [2010]



Fire Note Says: Another two Jon Spencer classics reissued and remastered for your collection!

Album Review:
The expanded versions of Orange [1994] and Acme [1998] officially wrap up the Majordomo/Shout Factory reissue and remaster campaign, that has been absolutely stellar in taking care of fans, by providing everything and then more, on these double CD releases. Orange has always been a favorite of mine, as it contains the forever JSBX staple album opener "Bellbottoms" plus it completely encapsulated what the band always stood for. Extra Width [1993] had great tracks but Orange is where Spencer and his crew totally honed their skill. The record has attitude, raw in your face instruments and a swagger to it, that is hard to duplicate. It represents a snapshot of Spencer, in all his blues garage rock glory and there is nothing finer. This reissue not only has a superbly clear sound but also gives you outtakes, radio sessions and live songs. Disc two adds in an extended 10-track European version of the Experimental Remixes EP plus four rarities. The reissue of Acme has an additional eight rarities plus a second disc of a 19-track promo-only Xtra-Acme USA, that also adds another three bonus tracks. Acme was a record that was not as immediately understood like Orange but contains some of the bands most creative and free form work. Both records hold up to the test of time and are even more fun to just let crank today. Basically, the double albums give you more Blues Explosion then you could ever need but I guarantee that you definitely will want, plus once you give them a spin, your addiction only just begins!

Key Tracks: "Bellbottoms", "Shhh", "Brenda-Bx Man-78 Style-Greyhound, Live At CBGB"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Band Of Skulls
Royal Trux
The Black Keys

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Extra Width | Year One [Reissues] [Fire Note Review 8/23/10]
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

Dead Heart Bloom: Strange Waves

Dead Heart Bloom
Strange Waves
KEI Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Dead Heart Bloom continue to evolve their sound!

Album Review:
Dead Heart Bloom has evolved a long way since the days founder Boris Skalsky recorded their early records using 2 inch tape and musically keeping things more acoustic. It was not until their 2008 EP series that Dead Heart Bloom expanded into a full band and ventured outside of Skalsky's early beginnings. This sets the path for the bands third LP, Strange Waves, as it builds on the power of a true band vibe and incorporates their past different styles, while making a cohesive and structurally solid record. This mix of style is very evident here, as Dead Heart Bloom typically will start tracks off with a slower quiet entry, that builds into a sprawling chorus, only then to settle itself back down on the way out. This pattern creates some great indie moments, like on the uber catchy "Don't Worry For Me" and the album opener "Someday Will Not Come Again". The other big piece playing here on Strange Waves is its noticeable pop sensibilities, that are as simple as the Beatlesque "Sentimental Cures" or the more harmonic piano driven mix found on "Meet Me". It is the combination of all these moments that creates Dead Heart Bloom's synergy and propels Strange Waves track after track. The record can be atmospheric, pop driven, anthematic and just plain catchy, which should have this band on your radar for something smart, fresh and memorable.

Key Tracks: "Don't Worry For Me", "Someday Will Not Come Again", "Another Mistake"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blitzen Trapper
Mercury Rev
Midlake

Dead Heart Bloom: Fall In [EP] [Fire Note Review 9/8/08]
Dead Heart Bloom: Chelsea Diaries [5/30/07]

Official Dead Heart Bloom Website
Dead Heart Bloom MySpace
Dead Heart Bloom Facebook
KEI Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Apache Beat: Last Chants

Apache Beat
Last Chants
Babylon/Beverly Martel Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Band has potential to live up to the "Next Big Thing" hype!

Album Review:
New York's Apache Beat have a sound that has been described as a musical blend of Roxy Music with a touch of the Pixies, while jumping in and out of genres, such as Krautrock and new wave. I think they fit somewhere in all of that but their debut Last Chants, definitely could be categorized as avant-rock. The band shifts styles quickly and never really settles on just one sound because not only do they like to shake up the song structures, they also flip back n forth with male and female lead vocals. What can be said, is that regardless of song styles, Apache Beat have a knack for keeping the listener on the edge of their seat without offering too many stand out chorus lines. The band relies on different instruments, noises and tempos to keep things flowing on Last Chants plus the album has an excellent production and mixing from Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans) and John Agnello (The Walkmen, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth). Apache Beat may not be your new favorite band upon first listen but give Last Chants several spins before you dismiss them because I guarantee you will be going back to the super catchy "Let It Go" and "Tropics" before you know it. Apache Beat does not pull off the musical magic connections throughout its 43 minute running time but Last Chants is a strong debut, that shows true promise for a band that has already opened shows for School Of Seven Bells, Gossip, Deerhunter, Crystal Castles, Les Savy Fav and We Are Scientists.

Key Tracks: "Let It Go", "Tropics", "Fear Of Falling"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neon Indian
PJ Harvey
Crystal Castles

Apache Beat MySpace
Apache Beat Facebook
Beverly Martel Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Kings Of Leon: Come Around Sundown

Kings Of Leon
Come Around Sundown
RCA Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Safe but sound.

Album Review:
As much as I try to throw some hate towards Kings Of Leon for releasing one of the safest records in their career, I still have a hard time dissing them too much because Come Around Sundown still contains tracks that are memorable and will sound great in a playlist. The biggest overall problem is that KOL have tabled their flare of Southern gruff, found on earlier records, for the smoothed out mid-tempo soaring choruses of Only By The Night's catchy singles. Nobody can fault them for wanting to stay on top of the mountain they have been climbing since their 2003 debut but it will take awhile, for any listener here to get the song titles correct because each track on Come Around Sundown has similar pace, similar vocals and similar chord progression. With that said, more then one of these tracks will kill on rock radio and in their stadium show, so depending what you want, Kings Of Leon can still deliver the goods but it would have been nice for them to use their stardom and offer a better mix of where they came from, where they have been and where they are going. The saving grace is that Come Around Sundown will still be a mega success and it leaves the open potential to blow us away on its follow up!

Key Tracks: "The End", "Radioactive", "Back Down South"

Kings Of Leon: Only By The Night [Fire Note Review 9/25/08]
Kings Of Leon: Because Of The Times [Fire Note Review 4/3/07]

Kings Of Leon Website
Kings Of Leon MySpace
Kings Of Leon Facebook
RCA Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sloan: B Sides Win - Extras, Bonus Tracks And B-Sides 1992-2008

Sloan
B Sides Win: Extras, Bonus Tracks And B-Sides 1992-2008
Murderecords [2010]









Fire Note Says: This one is for the fans!

Album Review:
16 years is a long time to fill the closet and Sloan decided to de-clutter with this massive digital only 26 track, 1 hour 30 minute running time record of extras, bonus tracks and b-sides spanning 1992-2008. Many times you can measure the talent of a group when you hear the tracks that didn't make the studio releases and they are first-class. That describes Sloan down to the very last track here, as it rewards longtime fans with all of their tracks that only those with big wallets over the years could obtain. "Summer's My Season" is a great song from the Between The Bridges [1999] era that was on a single and on the Japaneses release but should have made the final cut. The excellent 7" tracks of "Stood Up" and "Same Old Flame" are included too, which I always thought should have been released on a proper full length at some point. Another highlight is Sloan's excellent cover of Pony Da Look's "Dirty Nails" is here in all of its 1:23 pop madness glory and shows that they can give any track the "Sloan" treatment. B Sides Win is probably a fans only affair, as Sloan was always the big band in Canada that never could break out here completely in the States but with that said, this record is filled with quality tracks that could easily convert an entire base of new followers after just one spin!

Key Tracks: "Stood Up", "Summer's My Season", "Dirty Nails"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Velvet Crush
Big Star
R.E.M.

Sloan: Hit & Run [EP] [Fire Note Review 12/9/09]
Sloan: Parallel Play [Fire Note Review 6/9/08]
Sloan: Never Hear The End Of It [Fire Note Review 12/22/06]

Sloan Website
Sloan Myspace
Murderecords

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Lifeguards: Product Head 7"

Lifeguards
Product Head 7"
Ernest Jenning/Serious Business Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Pollard & Gillard back together again!

Album Review:
Robert Pollard and Doug Gillard have reunited and emerge here with all new material for their project Lifeguards. Their last collaboration dates back to 2003 with the solid Mist King Urth but this 7" is a preview of the forthcoming full length Waving At The Astronauts, that is due in February. "Product Head" is the addictive Side A track, that has a propulsive post punk undertone that never slows in its almost 4 minute running time, as Pollard hits you with his tempo keeping lyrics that, as always, stimulate thought, such as the lines "Product head - with your radar reaching like a comet; Product head - spitting up your whitest ice cream vomit". The non-ablum B Side is the rocking Gillard driven and mostly instrumental "Naught Windsor" that includes some Pollard yeah yeahs coming in at the very end. Pollard and Gillard consistently have always been a great match and nothing you will find here will disprove that statement. This 7" release will get any fan geared up for the Lifeguards sophomore full length, as it is definitely already on our radar watch for 2011.

Key Track: "Product Head"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wire
Television
Gang Of Four

Boston Spaceships: Our Cubehouse Still Rocks [Fire Note Review 9/1/10]
Robert Pollard: Moses On A Snail [Fire Note Review 6/14/10]
Circus Devils: Mother Skinny [Fire Note Review 3/25/10]
Boston Spaceships: Camera Found The Ray Gun [EP] [Fire Note Review 3/19/10]
Doug Gillard: Call From Restricted [Fire Note Review 2/10/10]
Robert Pollard: We All Got Out Of The Army [Fire Note Review 2/10/10]
Robert Pollard: Silk Rotor 7" [Fire Note Review 2/10/10]

Robert Pollard Website
Doug Gillard Website
Robert Pollard Facebook
Doug Gillard Facebook
Ernest Jenning Recording Co.
Serious Business Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony