The Horrors: Skying

The Horrors
Skying
XL Recordings [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Horrors complete their modern shoegaze transition on third long player Skying!

Album Review:
On 2009's Primary Colours, The Horrors shifted into a shoegaze mode that made some scratch their heads, as their earlier garage goth rock already had made them a band to watch. The upside to the story was that The Horrors made a really good shoegaze record and it almost seemed to come naturally. Fast forward to 2011 and with the release of their new album Skying, the transformation is complete. The record is a sprawling 53 minute synth heavy rock record that incorporates plenty of mid-song transitions that really grab the listeners attention. On "Endless Blue" this takes place in the form of a riveting guitar attack that comes at you out of nowhere after its pleasant spacey horn filled intro and really makes this song an album highlight. The Horrors are also not afraid to stretch their songs, as the over eight minute "Moving Further Away" goes into spacey wilderness sounds before the song builds back up with a strong and memorable guitar. Skying benefits from the rising confidence in singer Faris Badwan, as he is in full command here like how "I Can See Through You" could easily be mistaken for a Psychedelic Furs track with his perfect Richard Butler impression or how he paces the first single "Still Life" and lets the music just surround and embrace his impressive croon. Overall, Skying is a very retro sounding UK record in every good sense of the comparison. With its consistent infusion of catchy mid number transitions, a continued presence of their earlier rock beginnings and a soaring production and vocal, The Horrors take this style into the present decade and have easily made one of the best records in the shoegaze category for the year!

Key Tracks: "Endless Blue", "Moving Further Away", "Still Life"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Psychedelic Furs
Pulp
Echo & The Bunnymen

The Horrors: Primary Colours [Fire Note Review 5/26/09]
The Horrors: Strange House [Fire Note Review 5/10/07]
The Horrors: The Horrors EP [Fire Note Review 11/14/06]

The Horrors Website
The Horrors Facebook
XL Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Men: Leave Home

The Men
Leave Home
Sacred Bones Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Get ready to feel the sheer power of The Men!

Album Review:
The Men are a four piece post-punk group from Brooklyn NY and on their debut Leave Home, the record takes the mentality of "get out of the way or we are going to fucking roll you over". Right from the opening, over 7 minute track, "If You Leave..." the band hits you with an insane wall of sound that keeps going until several vocal lines start floating in. The track's length is not a typical size for The Men although songs like the 3 minute "Lotus" are equally a nonstop assault. The rest of this record falls in line with some of the loudest but yet catchy post-punk out there and should be played that way, so, open up the windows, turn up the volume and let Leave Home rip because The Men take no prisoners here and it is one completely addictive hard hitting record that I am sure you will enjoy!

Key Tracks: "Lotus", "Bataille", "Night Landing"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Stooges
Fucked Up
Sonic Youth

The Men Website
Sacred Bones Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Features: Wilderness

The Features
Wilderness
Serpents And Snakes/ Bug Music [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Features shoot straight on third LP Wilderness and come up with a winner of a rock record!

Album Review:
There is something to always be said about good ol' honest rock n roll and Nashville's The Features third full length, Wilderness, is all about it! The album does not throw new tricks at you but instead revisits what has worked for others in the past and executes those pieces to perfection. Wilderness has big memorable hooks, pounding drums, crowd participating hand claps, solid story lyrics and an indie spirit that drives these eleven rockers. What makes this record so catchy is that The Features do not spend time with large intricate song structures, as Wilderness is over in a tidy 36 minutes with songs averaging just over 3. There are plenty of foot tapping sing along tracks here, like the rebel rousing "How It Starts" or a little psych power pop as found in album opener "Content", especially when the organ rolls. Singer/guitarist Matthew Pelham shows off his vocal range throughout Wilderness as he stretches lyrics out and hits big notes with ease on "Another One" or croons with a mellow swagger during the ballad "Fats Domino". The bottom line is that The Features are a band that simply gets it and Wilderness is not only their best album to date - it may be one of the best rock records released this year!

Key Tracks: "How It Starts", "Another One", "Content"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kings Of Leon
The Jam
Manchester Orchestra

The Features: Some Kind Of Salvation [Fire Note Review 9/1/08]

The Features Website
The Features Facebook
Listen @ Spotify

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

King Louie's Missing Monuments: Painted White

King Louie's Missing Monuments
Painted White
Douchemaster Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: King Louie provides a raw rock experience with his Missing Monuments project.

Album Review:
King Louie Bankston has a long storied career in the garage rock scene as he was a member of The Exploding Hearts, The Bad Times, The Persuaders, drummed in Jay Reatard's band and was a huge influence for the Black Lips and King Khan. On his new project, Missing Monuments, King Louie slides a bit to the right as Painted White takes a more pop rock sound approach with his throaty vocals and plenty of gritty guitar. King Louie has a definite presence on Painted White as its loose flow and raw production sounds just like it should from a record of this nature. Painted White is edgy, a little dirty and a whole lot of musical fun as the guitar work is spectacular and the "I don't give a shit what you think" mentality takes over. The Missing Mountains may not be Louie's best band to date but his energy helps propel this album beyond mediocre and with such a loose vibe going on, Painted White is very listenable and one big party of a time.

Key Tracks: "The Girl Of The Nite", "(It's Like) XTC", "Nite Fall"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Exploding Hearts
The Figgs
Urge Overkill

King Louie's Missing Monuments Facebook
Douchemaster Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fair Ohs: Everything Is Dancing

Fair Ohs
Everything Is Dancing
Lefse Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Fair Ohs debut, Everything Is Dancing, is fueled by West African funk, Psychedelic Rock and a whole lot of soaring melodies!

Album Review:
Three and half years ago Vampire Weekend successfully fused indie rock and Afro pop into something mainstream and since that time, bands have appeared here and there with similar offerings but have not necessarily had the same success or hit the same chords. Well, England's Fair Ohs have taken the best shot on their debut Everything Is Dancing, as they include plenty of Afro beats throughout the record with a hyped up vocal and interlaced surf guitar. This is how Fair Ohs separate themselves out, as Everything Is Dancing is much more rambunctious and spazzy in places, while the band interjects plenty of punk chord progressions with their loud and soaring harmonies. The Fair Ohs also dabble with some more experimental pieces here as the super catchy "Almost Island" uses its last two minutes for a space out session and "Katasraj" floats in an earthly instrumental space for its first minute before exploding into a flurry of guitar and vocals for its concluding minute. For most, this infusion of World music into indie song structures may seem like older news but the Fair Ohs confidently bring the skill back into the spotlight as their raw energy, passion for the unique and catchy rhythms make for a great debut and one that still gives back after a multitude of plays!

Key Tracks: "Baldessari", "Almost Island", "Summer Lake"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Vampire Weekend
Harlem Shakes
Princeton

Fair Ohs Website

Listen @ Spotify
Lefse Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Heartsounds: Drifter

Heartsounds
Drifter
Epitaph Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Heartsounds sophomore record runs on tight punk mechanics and soaring harmonies!

Album Review:
Drifter is Heartsounds quick sophomore follow up to the groups debut, which was just released last year. This may seem too fast but after taking Drifter for a spin you will eat your thoughts, as this record well exceeds their debut and completely resets the bar for Heartsounds. The group plays a very fast, melodic, and technically sound punk rock style that soars vocally and possesses solid songwriting. There is only so much you can do with this genre but Heartsounds hits it at high octane and comes out a winner as each of these 12 tracks feel and sound fresh compared to some of their current peers. The tight mechanics that exist within Heartsounds enables Drifter to succeed because it strikes the perfect balance of being melodic, playing punk rock and sticking in your head. Heartsounds is not anything new or shiny when it comes to the punk scene but with the help of Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion, Epitaph) producing, the band sounds light years ahead of their debut and should entertain any power punk loving soul out there that still exists!

Key Tracks: "Every Second Counts", "Drifter", "Uncomfortably Numb"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Black Pacific
Bad Religion
No Use For A Name

Heartsounds Website
Heartsounds Facebook

Listen @ Spotify

Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dex Romweber Duo: Is That You In The Blue?

Dex Romweber Duo
Is That You In The Blue?
Bloodshot Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: I guarantee that the Dex Romweber Duo will give you one good psycho-surf-garage-rockabilly of a time!

Album Review:
Dex Romweber returns with his sister Sara for the Dex Romweber Duo's sophomore album Is That You In The Blue? and it represents some of his most consistent work since his Flat Duo Jets days. Dex instantly brings the psycho-surf-garage-rockabilly swagger into this record, as the lead off scorcher "Jungle Drums" hits hard and hits fast. In a two minute instance, he easily reclaims his iconic status in the American music underground and gets you ready for the 36 minute ride he has planned for you. The mix of music found on Is That You In The Blue? changes nicely within Romweber's comfort zone like the snarling instrumental surf rocker "Gurdjieff Girl" to the bluesy "Homicide" that is raw and fresh. Romweber also does not miss the chance to let out his inner crooner as the title track, "The Death Of Me" and "Nowhere" all benefit from his smooth delivery and engaging presence. Is That You In The Blue? is the best solo work Dex Romweber has released and it highlights why he was such a dominant figure in the past with the Flat Duo Jets because all it takes is his voice to command your attention, which happens quite frequently, throughout the Duo's sophomore record!

Key Tracks: "Jungle Drums", "Gurdjieff Girl", "Homicide"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nick Curran And The Lowlifes
Jerry Lee Lewis
The Stray Cats

Dex Romweber Duo Website
Dex Romweber Duo Facebook
Bloodshot Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Widowspeak: Gun Shy 7"

Widowspeak
Gun Shy 7"
Captured Tracks Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Time to get on board with the excellent Widowspeak!

Album Review:
The Gun Shy 7" is an excellent preview of the stylistic Widowspeak and their soon to be discovered lush arrangements when their debut LP hits August 9th. Front woman Molly Hamilton has a sultry and addictive vocal, much like Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval, that breezes along in the single as the song builds. Not only is "Gun Shy" a great song but the b-side here is a cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", which is a Widowspeak live favorite and the group nails it in the studio. Once again, Hamilton's vocals shine as they emote all the emotion of the original and create a prefect listening aurora for Widowspeak. Along with the band's earlier released 7", Harsh Realm, the Gun Shy 7" reaffirms that Widowspeak's debut is high on our anticipation list when it hits in a couple weeks!

Key Tracks: "Gun Shy", "Wicked Game"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Mazzy Star
The Sundays
Mojave 3

Widowspeak Website
Widowspeak Facebook
Captured Tracks Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band: Peyton On Patton

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
Peyton On Patton
SideOneDummy Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band provide a solid Delta Blues education.

Album Review:
Peyton On Patton almost serves as its own revival for the "Father of the Delta Blues", Charlie (Charley) Patton who passed away in 1934. This record covers 13 tracks of one of the oldest known figures in American popular music and Peyton carefully handles each track in the full spirit of the era and with the utmost of respect. His strong vocals easily take control of the music here as most songs feature very little accompaniment than his acoustic guitar. The Reverend Peyton even lives up to his title, as he launches a quick sermon in the middle of "You're Gonna Need Someone (When You Come To Die)", which is one of Peyton On Patton's highlights. Overall, this record is a great introductory to Patton's collection of music for all the newbies out there but the respect for the artist also limits the album's total impact, as it is well done but is not necessarily the record you are going to go back to for more. That issue is what is, as Peyton On Patton is definitely worth a stop and listen and these tracks are so pure that this is honestly the way they should be presented.

Key Tracks: "Mississippi Boweavil Blues", "You're Gonna Need Someone (When You Come To Die)", "Jesus In A Dying-Bed Maker"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Robert Johnson
Howlin' Wolf
John Lee Hooker

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band: The Wages [Fire Note Review 5/21/10]
The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band: The Whole Fam Damnily [Fire Note Review 8/13/08]

Official Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band Website
The Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band Facebook
SideOneDummy Records

Graham Repulski: Into An Animal Together

Graham Repulski
Into An Animal Together
Shorter Recordings [2011]









Fire Note Says: Graham Repulski offer an entertaining 4-track recording that will surprise you around every lo-fi corner!

Album Review:
New Jersey lo-fi group Graham Repulski continue to pick up steam as Into An Animal Together represents the groups fifth release in the last twelve months and third full length. Into An Animal Together is 31 minutes of 4-track recorded bliss, as it frames catchy pop gems within its short track lengths and lo-fi feedback. The record continues the positives found on their early 2011 release, Electric Worrier, and improves their craft with more developed song structures and flowing transitions. Their sound is impossible not to compare to early Guided By Voices because frankly, that is Graham Repulski's style and considering long-time Pollard collaborator/producer Todd Tobias is back again mastering the tracks, I am not sure the group could separate themselves even if they wanted to. Now, last time I checked the GBV reunion tour was going well, so I think Graham Repulski will be alright, especially if they can keep creating ear-catching tracks like the memorable ballad "Mongrel Pie" or the rocking "Heavy Metal Ally". At 24 tracks, there is plenty of sounds and melodies to find within Into An Animal Together, as it is a fun fuzzed up pop joy of a record that not only starts to really pave Graham Repulski's path but is easily their best record to date!

Key Tracks: "Mongrel Pie", "Heavy Metal Ally", "At The Pain Olympics", "Hullabaloo", "Burnt Bootleg Antiquity"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Guided By Voices
Gold-Bears
Chad VanGaalen

Graham Repulski: Electric Worrier [Fire Note Review 1/6/11]

Graham Repulski Website
Shorter Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Delicate Cutters: Some Creatures

Delicate Cutters
Some Creatures
Skybucket Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Delicate Cutters provide an excellent blend of indie folk that will capture your ear immediately.

Album Review:
Some Creatures is Birmingham, Alabama's Delicate Cutters sophomore record of folk driven music that is lead by the gorgeously haunting vocals of frontwoman Janet Simpson. Regardless of tempo, Simpson's vocals soar, as in the chorus on "Los Angeles" that sticks in your head or on the more upbeat tracks like "Me And The Birds" and "Warm Beer And Sympathy" their sound reminded me of the classy indie pop found on early 10,000 Maniac records. Delicate Cutters separate themselves out from that scene a bit, as their tracks employ the superb and intense fiddle playing of Kevin Nicholson. It is this blend of voice, complex song structures and beautiful accompaniment that makes Some Creatures shine and Delicate Cutters a band that could easily emerge and rise quickly on the NPR scene, which after just one listen through you will know it would be much deserved.

Key Tracks: "Picture Of Health", "Los Angeles", "Warm Beer And Sympathy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Civil Wars
10,000 Maniacs
The Head And The Heart

Delicate Cutters Website
Delicate Cutters Facebook
Skybucket Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

They Might Be Giants: Join Us

They Might Be Giants
Join Us
Idlewild/Rounder Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Join Us is the quirky and fun return to indie rock from the always entertaining They Might Be Giants.

Album Review:
I can totally respect the children albums They Might Be Giants have been releasing over the last 4 years but I will admit it is nice to see the quirky duo of John Flansburgh and John Linnell get back to some straight up alternative fun on their new long player Join Us. This 18 track record once again hits all the genres and shines in some areas while falling a bit flat in others. The peppy opening track "Can't Keep Johnny Down" is classic sounding TMBG while "Dog Walker" sounds like the guys sucked down some helium and then decided to sing a song. "Old Pine Box" is a snappy hand clapping almost acoustic jangle that is a catchy winner while "When Will You Die" is a standard sounding TMBG track which could appear on any record and seems to almost be an afterthought. That is the way Join Us plays out over its 46 minutes with plenty of goofball but engaging songs that only TMBG could release and longtime fans will enjoy. Join Us is not a TMBG classic but after almost 30 years the guys seem to be in a very comfortable place as this spirit transcends into the music and ultimately turns this album into a fun listen all the way through.

Key Tracks: "Can't Keep Johnny Down", "Old Pine Box", "The Lady And The Tiger"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Dead Milkmen
Camper Van Beethoven
Weezer

They Might Be Giants: The Else [Fire Note Review 8/15/07]

They Might Be Giants Website
They Might Be Giants Facebook
Rounder Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

GIVERS: In Light

GIVERS
In Light
Glassnote Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: GIVERS are a new player on the world-indie pop scene that offer plenty of promise on their musically interesting debut In Light.

Album Review:
The GIVERS are a five-piece from Lafayette, Louisiana whose debut is a world-influenced indie pop record that brings tons of energy to the table, contains bright sing a long moments and possesses intricate song structures that will have you guessing around every corner. The band gives each track plenty of time to develop with an average song length almost hitting 5 minutes. This works in the band's favor most of the time but might require the listener to take a break, as this album feels long. At this amount of time, In Light also has moments that seem similar to other tracks on the record. This occurrence is still far and few between and overall the layered harmonies, big beating songs and party atmosphere carry In Light and the GIVERS a long way. This also means that repeat plays are a must for any listening experience, which will ensure hearing new pieces every time through and a greater respect for all the intricate movements that make In Light shine in so many places!

Key Tracks: "Meantime", "Noche Nada (A Lot From Me)", "Up Up Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Vampire Weekend
Architecture In Helsinki
Dirty Projectors

GIVERS Website
GIVERS Facebook
Glassnote Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Basement: I Wish I Could Stay Here

Basement
I Wish I Could Stay Here
Run For Cover Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: UK group Basement get the whole emotional punk rock thing right on debut I Wish I Could Stay Here!

Album Review:
Sometimes when you listen to tons of music, as I do, it is easy to get a little buried in the media blitz that surrounds the scene and there are times I simply prefer simple quiet. What always snaps me out of this temporary funk is a band like the UK's Basement. The emo/post-hardcore group from across seas wraps this record up in under 30 minutes but never hurries to get there as each track possesses a perfect balance of grinding and mixing nicely paced guitars with micro-bursts of punk that flare up and then smooth back down. It is this swagger style that makes I Wish I Could Stay Here infectious, as the Basement lads are musically tight. Lead singer Andrew Fisher has a throttling growler of a vocal that powers through these 10 tracks but then in the same breath can take all the wind out and crawl the lyrics along in a cool manner till the next explosive moment like in album highlight "Earl Grey". Basement definitely do not redefine this genre on I Wish I Could Stay Here but with their high energy, stylistic song structures and confident deliveries, they are a band that knows exactly what they want and how to get there which I must admit - is completely refreshing!

Key Tracks: "Plan To Be Surprised", "Earl Grey", "March"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jawbox
Title Fight
Seaweed

Basement Website
Basement Facebook
Run For Cover Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Alkaline Trio: Damnesia

Alkaline Trio
Damnesia
Heart & Skull/Epitaph Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Alkaline Trio celebrate 15 years and unplug for Damnesia.

Album Review:
I don't know that I ever thought that Alkaline Trio would release an semi-unplugged album but that is exactly what Damnesia represents, as it offers two new songs, twelve reworked fan favorites covering their 15 year career and a cover of "I Held Her In My Arms" originally released by the Violent Femmes. Alkaline Trio have included more acoustic driven tracks on their previous records so Damnesia is not a stretch for the band by any means and for most of the record's 50 minute running time, this album will entertain current fans. This format really pulls you into Alkaline Trio's lyrics, which are stronger than you probably ever thought and when the band includes an explicative you really know they mean it hearing it acoustic. The Violent Femmes cover is perfunctory but the new songs work and some of the classics like "Private Eye" sound very fresh. Overall, Damnesia was a good idea but I would have liked to seen some of these tracks really re-worked and possibly deconstructed down to almost nothing. I don't think many will argue that Damnesia is too long and Alkaline Trio would have benefited from trimming several of the tracks out but some of the upbeat snappiness found on songs like opener "Calling All Skeletons" and the peppy "You've Got So Far To Go" go a long way and still prove this was not a bad idea as fans should still enjoy this outing.

Key Tracks: "Calling All Skeletons". "You've Got So Far To Go", "Olde English 800"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Saves The Day
Face To Face
The Get Up Kids

Alkaline Trio: This Addiction [Fire Note Review 2/23/10]
Alkaline Trio: Agony & Irony [Fire Note Review 9/25/08]

Alkaline Trio Website
Alkaline Trio Facebook
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Peter Bradley Adams: Between Us

Peter Bradley Adams
Between Us
Mishara Music [2011]









Fire Note Says: Peter Bradley Adams fourth record Between Us is another pleasant offering of folk-pop that quickly becomes addicting.

Album Review:
Singer/songwriter Peter Bradley Adams voice is immediately infectious as his soft delivery hits you with impact on the opening track "I May Not Let Go", which was co-written by Garrison Starr. Adams fourth long player Between Us is a very smooth and quiet type of folk-pop record that works best when you have some free time to just sit down and absorb its 42 minutes. The album highlights just how far Adams songwriting has advanced since his 2006 debut Gather Up, as just about each and every track here can hit an emotional heart string. This record also generates positive energy as it reunites Adams with his old Eastmountainsouth bandmate Kat Maslich Bode and her pleasant complementary vocals on "Mother Don't Look Down". They made a great band before and hearing their voices together again works well on Between Us. Peter Bradley Adams has already had extreme success with his songs showing up in movies and on television and the 11 tracks on Between Us should have the same destination. The slight folk undertones, Adams gentle approach and the strong songwriting found here should once again help propel Peter to the masses and after checking out Between Us, I am sure he might even be your new favorite!

Key Tracks: "I May Not Let Go", "Full Moon Song", "Be Still My Heart"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Josh Rouse
Leeroy Stagger
Israel Nash Gripka

Peter Bradley Adams: Leavetaking [Fire Note Review 9/4/08]

Peter Bradley Adams Website
Peter Bradley Adams Facebook
Mishara Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Underground Railroad To Candyland: Knows Your Sins

The Underground Railroad To Candyland
Knows Your Sins
Recess Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Underground Railroad To Candyland bring one crazy punk surf fun ride on their sophomore record Knows Your Sins!

Album Review:
Are you up for a cool little punk surf record from San Pedro California band The Underground Railroad To Candyland? If the answer is yes, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of their new sophomore record Know Your Sins because it is a high energy, carefree and riot of an album that will entertain you from beginning to end. Everything from the repetitive la la la's in "We Aren't The World (LALALALALALALALALA)" to the killer instrumental surf rockers "Animals! RUN!!!" and "Run! Chicken! Run!", Knows Your Sins never takes its foot off the gas and sweats attitude. If you are looking for a band with clean production, perfect harmonies and thought provoking lyrics, URTC is not for you because they offer none of those things but if balls to the wall punk rock is your thing that includes plenty of sing-alongs, scorching guitar, call outs and 15 songs that wrap up in just over 36 minutes, then The Underground Railroad To Candyland is exactly the band you need to fill your current void!

Key Tracks: "Jimmy V", "Bus", "We Aren't The World (LALALALALALALALALA)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Rocket From The Crypt
Deadbolt
Gas Huffer

The Underground Railroad To Candyland Website
The Underground Railroad To Candyland Facebook
Recess Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Handsome Furs: Sound Kapital

Handsome Furs
Sound Kapital
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Handsome Furs release their most energized and excellent LP yet with Sound Kapital!

Album Review:
The married duo of Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry are back with Handsome Furs third LP, Sound Kapital, and it represents their best work to date. With Wolf Parade now officially defunct, Boeckner now can turn his complete focus to Handsome Furs and Sound Kapital is its beneficiary. The record not only highlights Perry's keyboards but was exclusively written on them. This is a shift from Boeckner's guitar work but don't mistake Sound Kapital as a fun electro-pop record because it is much more electro-rock, as everything here hits with attitude and a knock out punch. Each beating rhythm and pulsing synth have a warm and embracing quality to them which is impressive considering this is a genre that can typically feel distant and cold. Most of this can be credited to the songwriting here and controlled panic in Boeckner's voice. On "Damage" he puts in 110% and sounds like each breath might be his last. Mixed in with the keyboards intensity the song is instantly memborable. This stylistic vocal delivery repeats itself throughout Sound Kapital and offers plenty of tracks with an edge that you can still tap your foot along with. This energy carries over the record's 40 minute play time and right down to the excellent seven minute closer "No Feelings", Handsome Furs continue to challenge themselves as mid track features a crazy amount of feedback before Boeckner takes back over to wrap things up. This song is just another reminder of how talented Boeckner is and if Handsome Furs keeps releasing albums like Sound Kapital, this once side project may reach well beyond the ceiling that Wolf Parade hit.

Key Tracks: "Damage", "What About Us", "No Feelings"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Arcade Fire
Depeche Mode
White Rabbits

Handsome Furs: Face Control [Fire Note Review 3/10/09]

Handsome Furs Website
Handsome Furs Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony