My Morning Jacket: Circuital

My Morning Jacket
Circuital
ATO Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: My Morning Jacket create an eager record with Circuital that has a multitude of shining moments

Album Review:
It took many repeat listens through My Morning Jacket's sixth studio record Circuital's 45 minute rock ride to come up with a final thought but after careful consideration I believe that it is a record that should live up to all the MMJ's faithful high expectations. First off, I will tell you it is not the best record they have released, as that is easily It Still Moves [2003] but Circuital is one of the most vibrant and free spirited records the Kentucky band has put out. The record has been hyped as a return to their roots, which I hear and believe to be somewhat true as it leaves the complexity that haunted some pieces of Evil Urges [2008] behind but Circuital also does not turn the clock back and include 10 sprawling songs that jam band enthusiasts will be all over either. The album nicely combines past elements with new directions for My Morning Jacket and it is exactly the piece that I enjoy about Circuital because it is a true "next album" in their catalog and dives into different vibes without losing cohesion. It relies on their past experiences but also succeeds from the current status of their songwriting. Opening track "Victory Dance" sets the tone, as it builds you up with increasing tempos and instruments into a frenzy as Jim James leads with his steady floating tone. Next, the title track and longest song on the record, at just over seven minutes, is a big retro rocker that soars while "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)" is one of the most gorgeous tracks MMJ have released. Circuital was recorded with producer Tucker Martine (Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens) in a Louisville church gym and paints the listener an image of the band just sitting in a circle, having fun and letting the room's acoustics take over with the solid harmonizing vocals. My Morning Jacket will for sure entertain longtime fans with Circuital but I suspect this could be the record that exposes them to even bigger audiences across the land as it is a real grower!

Key Tracks: "Circuital", "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)", "Movin' Away"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Band Of Horses
The Allman Brothers Band
Fleet Foxes

My Morning Jacket: Live At The Palms [EP] [Fire Note Review 1/23/09]
My Morning Jacket: Evil Urges [Fire Note Review 6/11/08]

My Morning Jacket Website
My Morning Jacket MySpace
My Morning Jacket Facebook
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Globes: Future Self

The Globes
Future Self
Barsuk Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Great debut of angular rock that will leave you wanting more from Spokane's The Globes!

Album Review:
We have been excited to hear the debut full length from Spokane, Washington's, The Globes since their excellent self-released EP last year. Now on Barsuk Records, Future Self brings back their big layered guitar chords, floating harmonized vocals and relaxed song structures, while also having producer by John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead, Death Cab for Cutie, Sleater-Kinney) take the helm again. The record also returns 3 of the EP's tracks, which are a must listen but the new songs here really take The Globes to the next level, as "Pigeon" has explosive moments to it that make it memorable and "Japan" features steady similar tone vocals, as the instruments swirl around and create an intensity that is hard to pass up. The Globes are not going to take the mainstream by storm but should be on any post-punker's list because Future Self has both modern flare and experimentation that should win any indie aficionado over after just the first track!

Key Tracks: "Pigeon", "A Stitch Couldn't Save The World", "Japan"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Dismemberment Plan
Parts & Labor
Sunny Day Real Estate

The Globes: Sinter Songs [EP] [Fire Note Review 7/21/10]

The Globes MySpace
The Globes Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Happy Memorial Day

The Fire Note is off today for the holiday but check back a little later today for a surprise prize pack announcement and tomorrow for new album reviews.

The Vaccines: What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

The Vaccines
What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
Columbia Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Vaccines bring some swagger on their debut LP straight out of London!

Album Review:
The Vaccines will quickly treat any boredom you may have had recently with some of the more standard indie rock records out there as the first energized track off their debut, "Wreckin' Bar", hits you with a "ra ra ra" and some straight guitar all packaged into a tight 1:22. The band lives off the just under three minute song structure and will suck you in with their catchy choruses and sing-a-long versus.

The album title of their debut is almost perfect, as it sets no expectations and lets their mix of Ramones meets the Editors follow a familiar formula that countless bands before them have produced but the difference here is that The Vaccines back it up with the right swagger and hooky personality. "Post Break-Up Sex" is bound for playlists around the world, as lead singer Justin Young exclaims that it is the best way to forget an ex and "Blow It Up" is instantly memorable with its repeated chorus.

The entire record cruises by in 36 minutes with most of its singles front loaded in the first half but some of The Vaccines best work actually comes near the end of album, as one of its highlights "All In White" is a slow building grower that simply soars musically and lyrically, while the longest song on the record "Family Friend" ramps up into a scorching finish. The Vaccines don't recreate the wheel on What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? but they do inject a freshness into a classic sound that truly blends a punk attitude and modern flare for an entertaining album all the way to the end!

Key Tracks: "Wreckin' Bar", "All In White", "Blow It Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Strokes
Arctic Monkeys
The Drums

The Vaccines Website
The Vaccines MySpace
The Vaccines Facebook
Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Des Ark: Don't Rock The Boat, Sink The Fucker

Des Ark
Don't Rock The Boat, Sink The Fucker
Lovitt Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Listen closely as Des Ark will take you through their peaks and valleys.

Album Review:
Des Ark is driven by the vocals of Aimee Argote and the bands capability to shift gears mid song. This style creates a unique listen on the groups sophomore record Don't Rock The Boat, Sink The Fucker because this quick switch method builds tracks within tracks, like the mostly acoustic beginning on opening song "My Saddle Is Waiting (C'Mon Jump On It)" that switches to a full sprawling conclusion. Des Ark is also not afraid to use a complete pause as the tempo changes during "Girls Get Ruff" and is another perfect example of how Des Ark keeps things interesting. It is this unpredictable energy that helps Des Ark stand out and lets Argote's ear catching songwriting take the spotlight, as she is not afraid to hold back lyrically and can launch her feelings in mere seconds right along with the rock explosions of the band. If you like powerful and intriguing female lead vocals then Des Ark is for you, as the trio is really tight musically and consistently pushes the envelope of their own capabilities. It is a record that you instantly know will take multiple spins to completely absorb, as it has so many peaks, valleys and hidden nooks but you need and want to make sure you hear it all!

Key Tracks: "My Saddle Is Waiting (C'Mon Jump On It)", "Bonne Chance Asshole", "It's Only A Bargain If You Want It"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Liz Phair
Cat Power
Ani DiFranco

Des Ark Website
Des Ark MySpace
Des Ark Facebook
Lovitt Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Small Brown Bike: Fell & Found

Small Brown Bike
Fell & Found
No Idea Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Small Brown Bike make a triumphant return to the scene on the perfectly executed Fell & Found!

Album Review:
Michigan band Small Brown Bike broke up in 2004 and at that time many called it tragic. They were always listed in the top of the post-hardcore genre and have continued to be listed by others as influences from their eight years of existence and three solid records. Well - getting back together seems to be the current in trend and you can add Small Brown Bike to the revival list as Fell & Found finds them coming at you strong as ever. Armed with their trademark double vocal the band picks up where they left off and do not miss a beat as their melodies are spot on and their guitar work is sharp as ever. Fell & Found was produced by J. Robbins (Promise Ring, Jawbox, Jets To Brazil), which is always a good choice for this type of band, as Robbins' ideals line up completely with Small Brown Bike and you can hear it in the record's cohesion. You will not notice much growth from Small Brown Bike here, which might draw some criticism of this record, but honestly what more do you expect from them. Fell & Found is an honest and solid perfection of what Small Brown Bike do best - this is why they have influenced others, this is why their name is still brought up in reference to the post-hardcore scene and this is exactly why you should seek out what all the hype and history is about because this band and this record is all the proof you need!

Key Tracks: "Onward & Overboard", "Fell & Found (The Walk)", "On Repeat"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jawbreaker
Hot Water Music
Casket Lottery

Small Brown Bike Website
Small Brown Bike MySpace
Small Brown Bike Facebook
No Idea Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Seapony: Go With Me

Seapony
Go With Me
Hardly Art Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Seapony bring a very pleasant presence to the lo-fi indie pop scene.

Album Review:
Lo-fi indie pop continues to build and maintain steam as Seattle trio Seapony enter the field with their debut full length Go With Me. It is a very pleasant and simple entry, as it features the charming floating vocals of Jen Weidl over a jangly surf guitar and steady beats. This style works on opening track "Dreaming" with its vocal melody and memorable guitar line, while the bouncy "Into The Sea" will have you ready for more. The issue starts there as each track starts to sound somewhat similar as Seapony uses a repetitive verse, chorus, verse approach and finds Weidl staying in the same range. Go With Me is only 35 minutes long, so it is very concise and moves along quickly. This actually causes Seapony some issues because by playing it too safe, the second half of the record fails to make a huge impact. The key about Seapony is that Go With Me contains enough "moments" to put them in your shuffle list for quality repeat plays and keep a close watch on their growth, as they have all the tools to create something special moving forward!

Key Tracks: "Dreaming", "Into The Sea", "Go Away"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beach Fossils
Frankie Rose And The Outs
Vivian Girls

Seapony Website
Seapony MySpace
Seapony Facebook
Hardly Art Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

David Bazan: Strange Negotiations

David Bazan
Strange Negotiations
Barsuk Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Bazan brings a bit more rock on Strange Negotiations to challenge some of his familiar themes!

Album Review:
David Bazan returns here with his sophomore album using his own name titled Strange Negotiations. Always a songwriter of great thought, the former Pedro The Lion and Headphones frontman returns here to some similar themes, such as personal struggle and religion but longtime fans will immediately realize that these 10 tracks are much more global and much less introspective. This is not a bad thing, as one can't challenge the emotion found on Curse Your Branches [2009] considering it dealt with his issues of alcoholism and belief but there is always something to be said for moving forward. It also helps the progression process when you can create such catchy indie tunes as Bazan does here. The strong uptempo "Wolves At The Door" is one of the most memorable tracks he has composed, as his husky baritone vocal proclaims "cause you’re a goddamn fool, and i love you - yeah i love you", which instantly makes you take notice. The undertone of rock on Strange Negotiations is very evident, as it is the first record he recorded with a band and the result features one foot tapper after another as it propels the listener along on this outward Bazan trip that brings a solid listen all the way through. There are several little left turns on the second half of Strange Negotiations that do hinder it from greatness, such as the weird little keyboard insertion on "Messes" and the breezy "Don't Change", which seems a bit out of place but the title track and closer "Won't Let Go" bring the album right back to the beginning. Strange Negotiations is another strong entry into David Bazan's catalog and without a doubt, there is no reason fans should not quickly latch onto it because his new challenging views remain just as catchy and passionate as the path he once traveled.

Key Tracks: "Wolves At The Door", "Strange Negotiations", "Eating Paper"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Matthew Pryor
Bon Iver
Bright Eyes

David Bazan: Curse Your Branches [Fire Note Review 8/28/09]

David Bazan Website
David Bazan MySpace
David Bazan Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Howe Gelb & A Band Of Gypsies: Alegrias

Howe Gelb & A Band Of Gypsies
Alegrias
Fire Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Howe Gelb joins some gypsies on the culturally unique Alegrias.

Album Review:
Howe Gelb is best known for his band Giant Sand but his solo material always brings something unique to the table and over the past 26 years he has entertained us all with gospel, folk, Americana and rock albums. With that genre spanning talent there is not much left to challenge him except maybe the Spanish style gypsy folk found here on Alegrias. The album was recorded in Spain with a group of Andalucian gypsies and includes the virtuoso guitarist Raimundo Amador (collaborated with Bjork and BB King) and is mixed by the legendary John Parish (PJ Harvey). The most interesting fact about this record is that you would expect more of the cultural sound but instead Alegrias is driven by Gelb's sing-talk vocal overlay. This gives the album a very loose feel to it that actually works by giving the tracks an interesting backdrop but never stealing the show and letting Gelb do his thing. At the conclusion of the record, you may not be totally blown away but Alegrias does leave a lasting impression of Howe Gelb and his multi-talented genre defying self. In the long run, his change of styles probably has hurt his overall appeal but Howe Gelb & A Band Of Gypsies should be a record that you can respect the effort even if it is not a record you return to frequently.

Key Tracks: "Cowboy Boots On Cobble Stone", "The Hangin' Judge", "4 Door Maverick"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Lou Reed
Calexico
Andrew Bird

Giant Sand: Blurry Blue Mountain [Fire Note Review 11/19/10]
Giant Sand: proVISIONS [Fire Note Review 8/28/08]

Howe Gelb & A Band Of Gypsies Website
Howe Gelb & A Band Of Gypsies MySpace
Howe Gelb & A Band Of Gypsies Facebook
Fire Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Joan Of Arc: Life Like

Joan Of Arc
Life Like
Polyvinyl Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Joan Of Arc create one of their most raw records to date!

Album Review:
The almost 11 minute opening track, "I Saw The Messed Blinds Of My Generation" is a "welcome back" to the simpler life for Chicago's Joan Of Arc and frontman Tim Kinsella. It drops the electronic beats of their more recent releases and does not seek much outside help, as Life Like relies on the four members to create the records raw sound. Producer Steve Albini also helps with this much more live to tape sound and Life Like is the first Joan Of Arc release to reunite Kinsella with his longtime guitar buddy and previous band mate in Cap'n Jazz, Victor Villarreal. Villarreal has an immediate impact on the Joan Of Arc material and brings a musical tightness forward that most bands would die for. You also sense that Kinsella is completely comfortable sharing the spotlight with Villarreal because Life Like is totally guitar driven with vocals filling in the gaps. Joan Of Arc always were wrapped in the emo tag but one listen to Life Like and you won't even remember what made the genre in the first place because Joan Of Arc hits the sweet balance on Life Like and then takes off with some of the most memorable guitar work you will lay your ears on this year!

Key Tracks: "Love Life", "Howdy Pardoner", "Deep State"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Karate
Pavement
Braid

Joan Of Arc Website
Joan Of Arc MySpace
Joan Of Arc Facebook
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Chad VanGaalen: Diaper Island

Chad VanGaalen
Diaper Island
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Lo-fi once again reigns supreme on the new Chad VanGaalen record Diaper Island!

Album Review:
One man indie machine Chad VanGaalen makes a return here on Diaper Island with another bunch of lo-fi indie tracks but this go around, he brings a much more rock dissonance with him that is both confident and more in your face then his previous efforts. What Diaper Island brings to the table is experience, as it is the fourth album from VanGaalen and continues to show growth. It also does not hurt that VanGaalen has produced the last two Women records because you can hear a positive influence in his own work from those sessions, as he definitely is not a new entity on the scene and a completely dedicated artist to his own sound. The record brings a much more straightforward rock vibe then his previous efforts, which should appeal to a wider audience, as it continues the musical accessibility found on Soft Airplane [2008]. What separates the two records is minimal, although I do feel that Soft Airplane was more thought out from beginning to end and Diaper Island is more carefree. This free spirit probably works for some better then others as it could be a distraction but there is no doubt that VanGaalen is a talented chap that some may never understand but in the world of lo-fi - he is a king!

Key Tracks: "Burning Photographs", "Replace Me", "Sara"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Daniel Johnston
Graham Repulski
Dinosaur Jr.

Chad VanGaalen: Soft Airplane [Fire Note Review 9/12/08]

Chad VanGaalen Website
Chad VanGaalen MySpace
Chad VanGaalen Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Blank Dogs: Collected By Itself (2006-2009)

Blank Dogs
Collected By Itself: 2006-2009
Captured Tracks [2011]









Fire Note Says: Blank Dogs distorted and raw beginnings are all captured here on compilation album Collected By Itself.

Album Review:
As its title states, Collected By Itself represents a majority of early tracks from Brooklyn's Blank Dogs long out of print singles, EPs, cassettes and compilation tracks from their archive. Headed up by one man Mike Sniper, Blank Dogs offers up plenty of songs here that are distorted, lo-fi, synthesized and possess plenty of post-punk mayhem that all have a pinch of darkness. The tracks here are mostly raw and probably not the most developed but this collection of 27 tracks gives you an excellent history of what ground Blank Dogs have traveled. For some, this compilation will be too much, as you are either in or out on this style of music and given the album's running time of 73 minutes, Collected By Itself may be too daunting for some but given the chance has many rewards. Like any compilation of this nature, there are always hits and misses but this record is a nice introduction to any interested parties of Blank Dogs and also a nice addition for true fans that what to own all of their work.

Key Tracks: "She's Violent Tonight", "Waiting", "Leaves"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Crystal Stilts
Cabaret Voltaire
The Soft Moon

Blank Dogs Website
Blank Dogs MySpace
Blank Dogs Facebook
Captured Tracks Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Thurston Moore: Demolished Thoughts

Thurston Moore
Demolished Thoughts
Matador Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Moore + Beck = Indie Dream Team

Album Review:
My expectations where immediately high for Demolished Thoughts when I heard that Beck was producing Thurston Moore's new record and also figured you really could not go wrong with these guys working together. My assumptions were correct, as Thurston Moore shines in this setting of laid back tracks that substitute many of his Sonic Youth noisy trademarks for strings, strums and reserve. This is probably exactly the record you might think Moore would make at this point in his career but don't mistake the approach for passiveness, as "Circulation" has an intensity and urgency to it that will leave you on the edge of your speakers, while "Mina Loy" possesses the same type of musical struggle that is comparable to being able to just keep your head above water. This dynamic compared with Moore's relaxed but confident vocals gives Demolished Thoughts a complete depth. The production influence does show here, as many of the tracks are more introspective and float along much like Beck's Sea Change or other acoustic gems. The only piece that holds Demolished Thoughts back a bit is its 9 songs over 48 minutes, as several tracks seem to hold on a bit too long and the extra time does not add value. This small factor is overpowered by Moore's commanding song presence and the addition of other instruments such as harp and violin to the mix. Thurston Moore will always be in his comfort zone creating disruptive feedback art but his true talents are exploited on Demolished Thoughts and after just one listen will be respected by all who take the time to listen!

Key Tracks: "Benediction", "Circulation", "January"

Bands With Similar Fire:
J Mascis
Nick Drake
Beck

Thurston Moore Facebook
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Iron & Wine | The Low Anthem: Daytrotter Split LP

Iron & Wine | The Low Anthem
Daytrotter Split LP
Daytrotter Session [2011]




Fire Note Says: Great debut for Daytrotter vinyl!

Album Review:
There is a reason that this Daytrotter limited debut split LP went quickly from Iron & Wine and The Low Anthem because it captures the true essence of these acoustic sessions. The vinyl release makes the listener commit to these 9 tracks all the way through and unlike the free mp3s you can get from the site, the split LP has true depth. Sam Beam from Iron & Wine is absolutely flawless on his 4 tracks, which feature 3 off his 2011 release Kiss Each Other Clean and the now classic "Naked As We Came" from Our Endless Numbered Days [2004]. Just him, his guitar and Rosie Thomas on backup vocals provides the perfect intimate setting you have come to expect on Daytrotter and by itself is worth the vinyl price. The Low Anthem bring a more Americana vibe to the record and perform songs off their new album Smart Flesh [2011]. Not only do they offer 3 songs off the record but 2 of the tracks were only included on the limited bonus disc on the release, so it is nice to hear these extras in this setting. Both groups provide a stellar performance here and make this split LP worthy of your time and money to seek out because fans of both groups will definitely enjoy this and simultaneously become fans of the other. Hopefully this is only the first of more to come vinyl releases from Daytrotter, as I am sure that other artist sessions deserve the royal wax treatment as well - especially if they are as good as this one!

Key Tracks: "Naked As We Came" - Iron & Wine, "Tree By The River" - Iron & Wine, "Ghost Woman Blues" - The Low Anthem

Iron & Wine: Kiss Each Other Clean [Fire Note Review 1/26/11]
Iron & Wine: Around The Well [Fire Note Review 5/18/09]
Iron & Wine: The Shepherd's Dog [Fire Note Review 10/5/07]
The Low Anthem: Oh My God, Charlie Darwin [Fire Note Review 6/12/09]

Iron & Wine Website
Iron & Wine MySpace
Iron & Wine Facebook
The Low Anthem Website
The Low Anthem MySpace
The Low Anthem Facebook

Daytrotter Website
Daytrotter Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sam Roberts Band: Collider

Sam Roberts Band
Collider
Zoë Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Sam Roberts returns with another record of solid mid-tempo rockers.

Album Review:
Montreal's Sam Roberts has been cranking out this style of mid-tempo rockers since his excellent 2003 debut We Were Born In A Flame. Collider actually adds "Band" to his name and the change gives a good indication that this record was much more a collaborative effort and musically has a multitude of things going on. Sam Roberts continues his sharp songwriting on Collider and easily implants hooks into his songs that make them memorable like the catchy foot tappers "Graveyard Shift" and "I Feel You". The songs succeed because Roberts employs a speed up, slow down method to the tracks and keeps his hand on the throttle which creates a true depth to songs that will keep you coming back. Collider may not be the album that makes the Sam Roberts Band a household name in the US but it is another competent record in his catalog that should please longtime fans and earn respect from any new listeners that come across the album - what more can you really ask for!

Key Tracks: "I Feel You", "Graveyard Shift", "The Last Crusade"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Tragically Hip
Pete Yorn
The Frames

Sam Roberts Band Website
Sam Roberts Band MySpace
Sam Roberts Band Facebook
Zoë Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mount Moriah: Mount Moriah

Mount Moriah
Mount Moriah
Holidays For Quince Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: A very likeable debut from Americana band Mount Moriah!

Album Review:
North Carolina band Mount Moriah combine a traditional Southern roots folk with the indie Americana pop of the North in order to create their solid self-titled debut. The album hits all of the folk themes like devotion, tribulation, redemption, and an indelible sense of place, as lead singer Heather McEntire delivers a Jenny Lewis style vocal. This combo creates plenty of memorable tracks regardless of pace, as foot tappers "Lament" and "Social Wedding Rings" will capture your ear as much as the soul gripper "Old Gowns" or gorgeous closing track "Hail, Lightning". Mount Moriah also had some talented help in the making of this record, as Phil and Brad Cook (Megafaun, Gayngs), Daniel Hart (St. Vincent) and Will Hackney (Bowerbirds) all lended a musical hand while the album was recorded and mixed by Brian Paulson (Beck, Wilco). Mount Moriah still have some maturing to do as a band but with this entertaining debut, I can only imagine great things for the group in the future and we will certainly be watching!

Key Tracks: "Lament", "Hail, Lightning", "Social Wedding Rings"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Low Anthem
Over The Rhine
The Be Good Tanyas

Mount Moriah Website
Mount Moriah MySpace
Mount Moriah Facebook
Holidays For Quince Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Calhoun: Heavy Sugar

Calhoun
Heavy Sugar
Idol Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Calhoun release a solid pop rock album with a dash of Texas!

Album Review:
Heavy Sugar marks the third LP from Fort Worth band Calhoun and my first question about the group is how in the heck have they stayed off our radar for so long? Calhoun present a very honest and sincere album here that is full of soft rock melodies, strong songwriting and a list of memorable tracks. Heavy Sugar glides through its song transitions, as each track's likable tone will keep your ear to the stereo and the array of instruments used to achieve their sound may surprise you, as it features some guest help in the form of banjo playing from John Pedigo (The O's) and Brian Skates bringing the accordion and mandolin to the party. This keeps Calhoun's Texas roots in tact along with producer and ex-Geffen AR man Jim Barber (Ryan Adams, Courtney Love, Drivin N Cryin) at the helm, while the band sounds at the top of their game. The laid back approach on Heavy Sugar works for the band, as mid-tempo highlights like "The Engineer", "Knife Fight" and "Thrown In The Universe" come off completely effortless and make repeat plays for Calhoun more enjoyable every time you spin it!

Key Tracks: "Knife Fight", "The Engineer", "Horsefeathers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Grandaddy
Crowded House
Josh Rouse

Calhoun Website
Calhoun MySpace
Calhoun Facebook
Idol Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Art Brut: Brilliant! Tragic!

Art Brut
Brilliant! Tragic!
Cooking Vinyl/The End Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another venomous record from London's Art Brut!

Album Review:
There are not many artists out there that can produce the style of humorous but raw in your face lyrical assault like Art Brut's frontman Eddie Argos. He is arrogant, nasty and a man that says how he feels and all through the groups fourth record, Brilliant! Tragic!, you get more of the same over the solid punk rock the rest of the band brings together. The record was again produced by Black Francis (Pixies) but this time Art Brut spent more time writing the songs and had more time in the studio with Francis. This allowed for more developed tracks and Argos more time to get comfortable actually singing here which works really well into his more standard banter. Of course, it wouldn't be an Art Brut record if it didn't contain catchy lines as "Axel Rose" has Eddie telling everyone that nobody understands him or comes close but Axl Rose, as he exclaims again and again "I want to give the world the finger with the exception of my favorite lead singer" or how a guy signs his name in Comic Sans referring to his ex's new man on "Bad Comedian". At a nice running time of 40 minutes, covering 10 tracks, Brilliant! Tragic! stays just long enough to be consistently fun and features some of Art Brut's hardest hitting material as the band is in top form along with the sharp tongue of the extremely talented Argos!

Key Tracks: "Lost Weekend", "Bad Comedian", "Axl Rose"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Johnny Rotten
Jarvis Cocker
Frank Black

Art Brut: Art Brut Vs. Satan [Fire Note Review 4/22/09]
Art Brut: It's A Bit Complicated [Fire Note Review 6/22/07]
Art Brut: Bang Bang Rock & Roll [Fire Note Review 5/10/06]

Art Brut Website
Art Brut MySpace
Art Brut Facebook
Cooking Vinyl Records
The End Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony