Wilco: I Might [Single]

Wilco
I Might [Single]
dBpm Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Wilco debuts first song on their own new founded label!

Album Review:
The new single from Wilco, "I Might", has a loose and free vibe to it that fits perfectly with the fact that it is the first material released on Wilco's own label dBpm Records. Its jangly and loose song structure has a warmth to it that will remind you of some of their earlier work but really combines elements from throughout their career. The b-side on the single is a superb cover of Nick Lowe's "I Love My Label", which clearly is appropriate and sounds like it has been a Wilco song for a long time. "I Might" does what any good single should and gets our anticipation going for their new full length The Whole Love due out on September 27.

Wilco: Wilco (The Album) [Fire Note Review 7/1/09]
Wilco & Fleet Foxes: I Shall Be Released [Single] [Fire Note Review 10/21/08]
Wilco: Sky Blue Sky [Fire Note Review 5/17/07]

Wilco Website
Wilco Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Coldplay: Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall [EP]

Coldplay
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall [EP]
Parlophone Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Like em or not the new Coldplay single has some staying power.

Album Review:
"Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" once again finds Coldplay looking for a new sound and direction as they gear up to release a fifth album sometime in the fall. The song is a slow burner that lets Chris Martin do most of the work up front as the band, piece by piece, steps in and finishes big. Lyrically the song works, as I believe many will easily identify with different aspects of it but I think this is a song that the rest of the band shines on like the repetitive catchy guitar riff and the drums when they hit high gear near the songs conclusion. The b-sides on the EP won't woo you but also do not disappoint as "Major Minus" has a swooping quality to it that lets Coldplay experiment more and has a very U2 quality to it. "Moving To Mars" is probably the closest thing to a "traditional" Coldplay tune on the EP with its soft start and musical sprawl as it closes. Everything here points towards another successful full length and will be the perfect transition as the end of the year gets closer.

Coldplay: LeftRightLeftRightLeft [Fire Note Review 5/18/09]
Coldplay: Prospekt's March [EP] [Fire Note Review 12/3/08]
Coldplay: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends [Fire Note Review 6/18/08]

Coldplay Website
Coldplay Facebook
Parlophone Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Niki & The Dove: The Fox [EP]

Niki & The Dove
The Fox [EP]
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Swedish duo Niki & The Dove release a well rounded 3 song EP that showcases their talents.

Album Review:
Niki & The Dove are a duo from Stokholm, Sweeden that have created a very intriguing 3 song art pop offering on their Sub Pop label debut The Fox EP. The group has a very Bat For Lashes / Fever Ray sound as the tracks are driven by the commanding siren vocals of Malin Dahlström and propelled by her multi-layered vocals, drums and synthesizers. "The Fox" single capitalizes on all of these components and is very complex as "Gentle Roar" is based on an undertone of tribal rhythms that has a very dark groove. The last track is a live version of "Somebody" that features a pulsing drum machine and once again shows another side of Niki & The Dove as it is the most poppy sounding track on the EP. The Fox shows real potential for what should be a stellar full length due to hit the shelves later this year or early 2012.

Niki & The Dove Website
Niki & The Dove Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Demos: Lovely

The Demos
Lovely
Young Lion Of The West Recording Company [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Demos provide some fresh power pop to get you through the day!

Album Review:
I fully admit that I am a sucker for solid guitar power pop like the 12 tracks offered here by Rochester duo The Demos on their full length Lovely. Jason Milton and Callan Saunders have the classic indie story, as the two have been performing together since 2002 and name The Beatles, Beach Boys and The Strokes as several influences on their music. That sounds about right, as those bands can all be heard in the background on Lovely but The Demos really carve their own niche with their harmonizing vocals and bouncing energy, which runs throughout the record. You can't spin this album and not foot tap along with the all sparks flying "Nervous" or jump right in with the group in singing the catchy "Tell Me How It Feels". The Demos also have a very good mid-tempo sway on tracks like "I Need It" and the standout closer "My City" that gets a memorable background vocal from Anna Dana. The Demos give you a confident 32 minutes of power pop on Lovely that showcases all of their hard work over the last 9 years and will have you reaching again for the repeat button before you even recognize what you are doing - can't wait to hear where they go from here!

Key Tracks: "Nervous", "Tell Me How It Feels", "Impossible"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fountains Of Wayne
The Grays
Brendan Benson

The Demos Website
The Demos Facebook
Young Lion Of The West Recording Company

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Set Your Goals: Burning At Both Ends

Set Your Goals
Burning At Both Ends
Epitaph Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Set Your Goals stays the course with another round of pop punk with an edge.

Album Review:
The duel vocal attack of Matt Wilson and Jordan Brown are back in full force on the new pop punk record from Set Your Goals. It follows the same path as their 2009 record, This Will Be The Death Of Us, as it leaves most of their earlier hardcore moments on the sideline, although they appropriately creep out on power songs like "Illuminated Youth" and "Exit Summer". Set Your Goals still surrounds these tracks with catchy hooks and deliver memorable lines on each song that will leave them in your head. This style works well for Set Your Goals, as they still retain an "edge" to them and still drive home their pop punk core. There is nothing here that most listeners of this genre have not heard before but the presentation is solid and places Set Your Goals at the top among their peers. Burning At Both Ends does not quite have the transitional cohesion that made This Will Be The Death Of Us so great but tracks like the catchy single "Certain", the hard riffs on "Trenches" and even the comical lyrics in "Product Of The 80's" make Set Your Goals a nice change to listen to and will have you believing that pop punk is alive and well.

Key Tracks: "Certain", "Trenches", "Exit Summer"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Crime In Stereo
Sum 41
Anberlin

Set Your Goals: This Will Be The Death Of Us [Fire Note Review 7/31/09]

Set Your Goals Website
Set Your Goals Facebook
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Wooden Birds: Two Matchsticks

The Wooden Birds
Two Matchsticks
Barsuk Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Sophomore outing from The Wooden Birds finds the group expanding their sound for positive results.

Album Review:
Andrew Kenny has always been well respected in the indie world with his American Analog Set releases but the more folk offering of his side project, Wooden Birds debut Magnolia, only seemed to meet the listener half way. Two Matchsticks is the sophomore record for The Wooden Birds and it aims to change your perception of the group, as it now is a fairly steady quartet that along with Kenny includes Leslie Sisson, Matt Pond (Matt Pond PA) and Sean Haskins (American Analog Set). The record expands on the groups overall sound and arrangements which truly embraces the more band vibe and lets the electric guitar and drums out of their cage. Vocally, Leslie Sisson takes a bigger role and has more presence during Two Matchsticks, like with the lead vocal on catchy "Baby Jeans" being a great example. Also having Matt Pond chiming in on vocals helps Two Matchsticks succeed with more full harmonies plus the addition of longtime friend Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) never hurts either. This advanced sound goes a long way for Two Matchsticks, as it is a much more cohesive and entertaining record compared to the debut Magnolia. Lastly, with more work and time together, The Wooden Birds have real potential to take this project to the next level as Two Matchsticks only scratches the surface but is definitely a step in the right direction and worth your time to check out.

Key Tracks: "Folly Cub", "Baby Jeans", "Be No Lie"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Eulogies
Carissa's Wierd
Earlimart

The Wooden Birds: Magnolia [Fire Note Review 5/8/09]

The Wooden Birds Website
The Wooden Birds Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Go Sailor: Go Sailor

Go Sailor
Go Sailor
Slumberland Records [1996; re: 2011]









Fire Note Says: Solid reissue of straight up female lead power pop from the short-lived Berkley group Go Sailor.

Album Review:
Indie listeners of today probably do not know much about the short-lived Berkley band Go Sailor that released three 7" records in the mid-90's and featured Rose Melberg (The Softies, Tiger Trap) on vocals. This vinyl only release from Slumberland collects all three singles and several compilation tracks for this full length that mirrors (in slightly different order) a CD released by Lookout! Records back in 1996. What makes Go Sailor so appealing is their short and tight music structures that typically just cross the two minute mark but succeed in neatly packing plenty of jangly guitar chords, steady drums and catchy hooks into every composition. It was a simple approach to music and very 90's indie rock but the songs still stand tall today. Go Sailor is not going to change your life but if you missed out on them, like I did, then this self-titled reissue will catch you up and make you an instant fan for some time to come!

Key Tracks: "Long Distance", "Every Day", "Ray Of Sunshine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Velocity Girl
that dog.
Blake Babies

Go Sailor Facebook
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Centro-matic: Candidate Waltz

Centro-matic
Candidate Waltz
Undertow Music Collective [2011]









Fire Note Says: It has been 5 years and Centro-matic feel fine!

Album Review:
Candidate Waltz marks the first album in five years from the once prolific Denton, Texas band Centro-matic. It is a 30 minute fun ride of an indie album that covers many genres from its more straight out rockers like "Iso-Residue" to the hook filled foot stomper and memorable "Only In My Double Mind", while still bringing something new like the slower strolling "Estimate x3". This indie genre bending has always been a successful trick for Centro-matic, as frontman Will Johnson has the ability to adjust with his somewhat husky vocals. This style is especially evident on stand out track "All The Takers" with its catchy riffs and over 5 minute length that consistently changes things up and allow for peaks and valleys that succeed on both ends. The more than usual time off for the band absolutely did not hinder any output here, as Candidate Waltz ranks up there with Centro-matic's best when compared to their catalog and should make longtime fans happy. It is an indie record that does not stay in one spot but has a good transitional flow that moves, shakes and has wide appeal as Candidate Waltz benefits from repeat plays and will not disappoint!

Key Tracks: "Only In My Double Mind", "All The Takers", "Mercedes Blast"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spoon
Ryan Adams
Sebadoh

Centro-matic Website
Centro-matic Facebook
Undertow Music Collective

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mercury Rev: Deserter's Songs [Deluxe Edition]

Mercury Rev
Deserter's Songs [Deluxe Edition]
Co-Operative Music [1998; re: 2011]









Fire Note Says: Reissue spotlights a stand out record from Mercury Rev that should entertain a new generation!

Album Review:
When Deserter's Songs released in 1998, Mercury Rev surprised both critics and fans as the group's fourth record was full of lush harmonies, atmospheric arrangements and fragile song structures. It is a record that not only uniquely stood out from their earlier releases but also from the music scene itself. What is interesting now as you reflect back and listen to this record again, is how newer groups of today, such as Fleet Foxes, Band Of Horses and My Morning Jacket, have adapted and morphed some of the same sounds found on Deserter's Songs into their own identity. The new deluxe edition comes with a bonus disc of 13 rarities that are mostly unreleased mixes, early rough versions and cassette tape demos of album tracks. This was a little surprising that the record's more standard b-sides are nowhere to be found here but my only assumption is that since they were included on the 2006 2 CD compilation hits/rarities record Stillness Breathes, it was more important to give fans everything else in the Mercury Rev vault. Deserter's Songs propelled Mercury Rev into the UK's mainstream and even though it did not have the same commercial success stateside it is nice to see a modern classic get another push because it is a record that surely will be enjoyed as a new generation gets its opportunity!

Key Tracks: "Opus 40", "Goddess On A Hiway (1998 Cassette Tape Player Demo)", "Hudson Line"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Flaming Lips
Grandaddy
My Morning Jacket

Mercury Rev: Snowflake Midnight [Fire Note Review 9/23/08]

Mercury Rev Website
Co-Operative Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Various Artists: Rave On Buddy Holly

Various Artists
Rave On Buddy Holly
Fantasy/Concord Music Group [2011]









Fire Note Says: Buddy Holly would have been proud that 52 years after his death his music has held the test of time as it gets the royal treatment here on this solid tribute record!

Album Review:
Rave On Buddy Holly is a celebration of the icon's short career and enduring legacy just in time for what would have been his 75th birthday. This compilation stands out because of the high caliber contributions from big names like Paul McCartney, The Black Keys, Cee Lo Green, Lou Reed, Nick Lowe, Patti Smith, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Florence + The Machine, Kid Rock, Julian Casablancas and more. This cover record separates itself out a bit from other albums of this nature because it is very faithful to the originals and never seems to go to overboard with changing things up but lets the talented roster here still make it there own. Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas shakes it up a little with some added reverb while Justin Townes Earle gives "Maybe Baby" a nice twang that is easy to foot tap along with. One of the best tracks here is from Sir Paul McCartney and his rambunctious romping take on "It's So Easy" that is fun, fresh and takes him back to his early rock n roll days. The delicate and superb Black Keys cover of "Dearest" once again shows their growth, while "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" from Karen Elson has a perfect retro sound complete with Jack White on drums. My Morning Jacket gives a daunting vocal performance on the graceful "True Love Ways" while Kid Rock turns in a solid performance as he goes Motown on the fun "Well All Right". I always have a hard time giving tribute records high grades because we already know the quality of music so the evaluation comes down to what the artists do with the tracks. Here, I don't believe the selected talent go too extreme but in the case of Rave On Buddy Holly this more simple approach completely works and highlights how well written songs can live forever. Most of the time tribute albums for me are one listen and move on but Rave On Buddy Holly had me coming back for more and will be in my shuffle playlist for some time to come!

Key Tracks: "Dearest" - The Black Keys, "True Love Ways" - My Morning Jacket, "It's So Easy" - Paul McCartney

Rave On Buddy Holly Website
Buddy Holly Facebook
Concord Music Group

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Fat Possum Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Cool retro and fresh sounding debut from Unknown Mortal Orchestra!

Album Review:
In the world of music releases different is usually good and typically a uniqueness can propel a band to the top of critical praise in a heartbeat. Unknown Mortal Orchestra is one of those such bands, as their debut is full of complex song mixes that scream lo-fi meets 70 psychedelic. Within these song structures there are memorable hooks, which will have you singing along after just one listen and instantly get your foot tapping. Also supporting this movement are plenty of funk grooves that surround the intricate guitar work that all come at the listener if a full retro sound. This vibe and rawness is what gives Unknown Mortal Orchestra its uniqueness and drive, as it feels so old school but yet so very fresh. With the critical praise there will also come the backlash and Unknown Mortal Orchestra won't be for everyone, as it may be too experimental for some to get into but I warn everyone not to quit on this record too soon. It gets more addictive after every spin and the lower production takes some time to warm up to but after that, Unknown Mortal Orchestra will have you drawn in and soon adding these 9 songs into every playlist you can find!

Key Tracks: "FFunny FFrends", "How Can You Luv Me", "Boy Witch"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sleigh Bells
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Cults

Unknown Mortal Orchestra Website
Unknown Mortal Orchestra Facebook
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Laura Cantrell: Kitty Wells Dresses (Songs Of The Queen Of Country Music)

Laura Cantrell
Kitty Wells Dresses (Songs Of The Queen Of Country Music)
Diesel Only Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Laura Cantrell shines on her tribute to the great Kitty Wells!

Album Review:
Some might be scratching their heads figuring out who Kitty Wells is but Americana darling Laura Cantrell gives you a solid lesson here on her new, mostly covers, record Kitty Wells Dresses. At 91, Wells is the oldest living member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and in her day proved that a female country singer could make it in the business and basically paved the way for the likes of Dolly Parton and Wanda Jackson. Cantrell's approach here is very respectful and skillfully handles Wells classics like her biggest hit "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and pens her own tribute song in the lead track "Kitty Wells Dresses". Musically this record sounds great, as Cantrell recruits a solid backing group of musicians to help her out that includes members of BR549 and Calexico. At the end of the day, Kitty Wells Dresses is still just a covers record but it does an excellent job introducing an entire new generation to the songs of Wells. Laura Cantrell's voice is perfect here and keeps the spotlights on her as one of the best current vocalists in the Americana genre!

Key Tracks: "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels", "Kitty Wells Dresses", "Making Believe"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Nora Jane Struthers
Carolyn Mark

Laura Cantrell Website
Laura Cantrell Facebook
Diesel Only Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Gomez: Whatever's On Your Mind

Gomez
Whatever's On Your Mind
ATO Reocrds [2011]









Fire Note Says: For better or worse, Whatever's On Your Mind stays the course for the UK's Gomez.

Album Review:
Whatever's On Your Mind represents Gomez's seventh studio record and it also stays the same course they have been on for the last decade. If you have been a fan for that long, then you know the drill on this Gomez record, as it has plenty of tempo shifts, similar soft lead vocals split between the three singers that hum along and pleasant melodies that lift each song up. With that said, the same formula also holds Whatever's On Your Mind back from being anything more than just a good record from Gomez. Once again, there are songs that really shine like first single "Options" and the cool morphing "The Place And The People" that features all of their experimenting wrapped into a neat 5 minute track. Gomez will never make a bad record, as Whatever's On Your Mind is still better then most of the music out there but I still would like to see Gomez release another Mercury Prize winner before its all over because even in this record their talent just wants to burst out!

Key Tracks: "Options", "The Place And The People", "I Will Take You There"

Bands With Similar Fire:
My Morning Jacket
Travis
Spiritualized

Gomez: A New Tide [Fire Note Review 4/8/09]
Gomez: How We Operate [Fire Note Review 5/6/06]

Gomez Website
Gomez Facebook
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Gold-Bears: Are You Falling In Love?

Gold-Bears
Are You Falling In Love?
Slumberland Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Indie lo-fi pop never gets old especially when the Gold-Bears know how to do it right!

Album Review:
Buzzing by in a quick noisy 30 minute indie pop run, Atlanta group Gold-Bears makes their entry into the lo-fi game with their debut Are You Falling In Love?. It is a high spirited record that lets its melodies burst out of the fuzz and takes such a simple concept to the next level. With two minute diddies like the catchy super sing-a-long "Tally" and the ability to keep the vocals separate with all of the crashing instruments creating support around them, Gold-Bears have made an indie record that exceeds expectations. This especially happens on the ballad "Besides You", which is not the best song on the album but its delicate approach by the band showcases their care for their craft and gives them a multi-dimensional depth that goes a long way. Little nuisances like this and how the closing track "Yeah, Tonight" starts oh so softly, only to finish off its last 2 minutes rocking out is what separates Gold-Bears from the crowd. This is an easy album to absorb and it gets better after every spin, as the band has way more talent then you might initially think as Are You Falling In Love? is all the proof Gold-Bears needs!

Key Tracks: "Record Store", "Totally Called It", "Tally"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wavves
Boyracer
Graham Repulski

Gold-Bears Website
Gold-Bears Facebook
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

City And Colour: Little Hell

City And Colour
Little Hell
Vagrant Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: City And Colour release a solid third LP that plays like a fitting soundtrack to life.

Album Review:
Little Hell is the third long player from City And Colour and I still have a hard time believing that these smooth flowing indie grooves come from Dallas Green, which is better know as the frontman/guitarist of post-hardcore Canadian band Alexisonfire. This mostly acoustic side project has grown by leaps and bounds since its 2005 debut Sometimes. Little Hell is the most produced sounding of his catalog thanks to Alex Newport (Death Cab, Mars Volta), as each track musically swirls around Green's soft sung vocals and sonically sounds great with a very intense depth. This new direction in the studio allows Green to spotlight his songwriting regardless if the track takes on an Americana vibe complete with pedal steel or some bluesy rock. Of course, there are still plenty of acoustic bits here, as Little Hell lets Green's best instrument steal the show - his vocals. The confidence found here overflows right from the opening track "We Found Each Other In The Dark" as Green's vocals float softly over the guitar strums. The passionate call out found on "O' Sister" will grab your attention quickly while quicker tunes like "Natural Disaster" and "Weightless" have driving choruses to make them memorable. City And Colour is a band that has done very well up North in Green's homeland of Canada but Little Hell just may be the record to widen his audience, as it is solid on several likable levels and if played in the right place could break big!

Key Tracks: "O' Sister", "We Found Each Other In The Dark", "Sorrowing Man"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Patrick Watson
Jeff Buckley
Chuck Ragan

City And Colour Website
City And Colour Facebook
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dark Mean: Dark Mean

Dark Mean
Dark Mean
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: A nice debut that shows real promise from Canadian indie folk trio Dark Mean.

Album Review:
Canadian indie folk trio Dark Mean have been cultivating this self-titled debut for about four years as it builds on the group's previous EP offerings. The album ranges from polite and catchy acoustic numbers to larger more rock anthems that get big quickly. It is this unpredictability that makes Dark Mean infectious because the listener is never quite sure which direction a song will take you. The soft "Lullaby" explodes near the middle into a full sing-a-long only to quickly crawl back into its enjoyable shell, while "Happy Banjo" is a foot tapper that has a strong drum beat while letting the banjo pick away in the background before several horns kick in. Dark Mean still are developing as a band and several tracks here still sound a little rough around the edges but as a whole, this album contains all the right components to propel this group to a bigger audience with its songs that hook you and sound even better upon repeat listens. Dark Mean are a band to watch as this solid debut is clearly only the beginning!

Key Tracks: "Happy Banjo", "Lullaby", "Finland"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Rural Alberta Advantage
Ra Ra Riot
The Avett Brothers

Dark Mean Website
Dark Mean Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Bon Iver: Bon Iver

Bon Iver
Bon Iver
Jagjaguwar Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: I guess lightning can strike twice as Bon Iver's sophomore record is equally as infectious as their debut!

Album Review:
Like his debut, Justin Vernon's Bon Iver sophomore record is an album to just let play and listen as its majestic sounds unfold before your ears. Bon Iver is a record that avoids any chances of the second album slump by maintaining Vernon's signature soft falsetto vocals but still shows incremental growth and expansion within each track. Some of this growth is Vernon's fearlessness to make this record sound more refined and polished with the inclusion of saxophone, synthesizers and carefully manipulated space. Bon Iver also perfects bringing songs to a spectacular boil, as tracks like first single "Calgary" and "Towers" both have a finish to remember, as the band chimes in at full capacity. Both of these tracks work well and are memorable but the little tweaks found on opener "Perth", "Holocene" and "Wash." push Vernon into new territory, as the multiple vocal layers bend around the lyrics and delicate song structures which require repeat listens just to absorb and catch them all. Bon Iver is much more of a grower, as it is not near as immediate grabbing as For Emma was but it rides the perfect line of using Bon Iver's best assets while successfully expanding them into something new and fresh for another great record!

Key Tracks: "Perth", "Calgary", "Towers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
TV On The Radio
James Vincent McMorrow
How To Dress Well

Bon Iver: Blood Bank [EP] [Fire Note Review 1/22/09]
Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago [Fire Note Review 2/15/08]

Bon Iver Website
Bon Iver Facebook
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Brian Olive: Two Of Everything

Brian Olive
Two Of Everything
Alive Natural Sound Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Brian Olive is back with an excellent sophomore record produced by The Black Keys Dan Auerbach.

Album Review:
Two Of Everything is the second solo album from the ex-Greenhornes guitarist and Soledad Brothers multi-instrumentalist Brian Olive that was not only produced by himself but Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys. The record has a throwback sound that combines 70's classic rock with a little rhythm, psychedelic fuzz, garage groove and memorable harmonies. Olive has a swagger to him that comes out of each track with confidence, while he once again has talented musicians supporting the effort such as Jared McKinney (Greenhornes), Mike Weinel, (Heartless Bastards), Dan Allaire (Darker My Love, Brian Jonestown Massacre), and David Shettler (The Sights). Olive also has an array of female backing vocals that gives Two Of Everything more depth, while also getting Auerbach to join the show on stand out track "Strange Attractor". Brian Olive's effort here is not going to change the music scene nor create a new genre but Two Of Everything is completely entertaining to listen to, as it not only idolizes great musical movements from the past but brings them forward into the current era that will instantly spark you interest and keep you coming back for its timeless appeal!

Key Tracks: "Traveling", "Strange Attractor", "Left Side Rock"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Christian Bland & The Revelators
Arthur Brown
The Black Keys

Brian Olive: Brian Olive [Fire Note Review 6/30/09]

Brian Olive Website
Brian Olive Facebook
Alive Natural Sound Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony