Hotel Lights: Girl Graffiti

Hotel Lights
Girl Graffiti
Bar/None Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Hotel Lights offers a catchy and familiar formula as they create their best record to date with Girl Graffiti!

Album Review:
Hotel Lights third long player, Girl Graffiti, is once again proof that all it takes for a good record is strong songwriting and a smooth voice. With these two components, everything else falls right into place as singer/songwriter Darren Jessee (former drummer and co-songwriter of Ben Folds Five) has created his best batch of songs to date. His soft vocal delivery is comparable to an Elliott Smith, as it immediately grabs your ear upon the first strums of the mid-tempo "Falling Down" and by the time you hit the foot tapping track number three, "Dave Sharkey To The Dance Floor", you have already been drenched in rich melodies that consistently pop from your speakers. This of course slows down on the quiet ballad "Super 8mm", which lets Jessee's voice soar and remain the focal point throughout as the song is completely engaging. Girl Graffiti succeeds because it pushes beyond just being another singer/songwriter record with its lush instrumentation and quality supporting band members that consistently add value to the album. The violins in the title track give it depth, while the array of horns on "All My Assholes Friends" make the track stand out as an album highlight. The record also features plenty of Jessee's piano and keyboard playing throughout, which helps create a balance to some of the more electric guitar moments that round out Girl Graffiti's pop perfection. I think that most people probably don't know that Jessee co-wrote some of Ben Folds Five's greatest hits including “Brick” and "Song For the Dumped", so there is no reason that Hotel Lights should not have a larger following as this record is so accessible that given a chance - a wider audience should eat this up!

Key Tracks: "Falling Down", "Dave Sharkey To The Dance Floor", "All My Assholes Friends"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elliott Smith
Death Cab For Cutie
Tobin Sprout

Hotel Lights: Firecracker People [Fire Note Review 9/15/08]

Hotel Lights Website
Hotel Lights Facebook
Bar/None Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Vandaveer: Dig Down Deep

Vandaveer
Dig Down Deep
Supply & Demand Music [2011]









Fire Note Says: Vandaveer continue to develop their sound on the engaging Dig Down Deep.

Album Review:
Vandaveer and frontman Mark Charles Heidinger are really hitting a stride on their third LP, Dig Down Deep, as the album finds the group embracing a slightly larger sound on their entrenched classic folk vibe. Right on the first and title track, Vandaveer explodes with a loud almost Southern choir type chorus that fills a room with a full and bright energy. Rose Guerin once again returns vocally to pair off and double up tracks with Heidinger, which has many positive results and makes a track like "Concerning Past & Future Conquests" shine with its Wallflowers sound. The rest of Dig Down Deep follows this upbeat folk style that adds to its guitars and percussion by incorporating plenty of violin, cello, mellotron, organ, synthesizer, and piano into the mix. This makes big sing a longs like "The Nature Of Our Kind" and the mostly acoustic closer "The Waking Hour" equally engaging. Vandaveer have matched their last effort Divide & Conquer [2009], if not surpassed it, with their spirited confidence on Dig Down Deep that not only pays homage to Heidinger's Kentucky roots but the entire Americana genre.

Key Tracks: "Dig Down Deep", "Concerning Past & Future Conquests", "The Nature Of Our Kind"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jakob Dylan
The Civil Wars
Justin Townes Earle

Vandaveer : Divide & Conquer [Fire Note Review 8/31/09]

Vandaveer Website
Vandaveer Facebook
Supply & Demand Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Devil Whale: Teeth

The Devil Whale
Teeth
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Devil Whale provide good old fashioned indie rock.

Album Review:
Salt Lake City holds a bit of an indie secret that is slowly getting out, which is the band The Devil Whale. The now 5 piece has recently released their sophomore album Teeth and it is a smooth indie record that is full of vivid melodies, thought stirring lyrics and plenty of memorable hooks to keep you coming back for more. The band plays their most rock moments with a nostalgic 60's and 70's approach, as they site acts like The Animals, The Kinks and Harry Nilsson as influences, while being grouped by some into the current indie folk movement. There is proof for all of these descriptions on Teeth, that includes the appearance from The Head And The Heart on "Magic Numbers", but what made the record an interesting listen for me was the modern flare of lead vocalist Brinton Jones and his soaring vocals that give tracks like "The Road To Hell" and "Golden" an honest and likable delivery. The Devil Whale is not a group that immediately grabs you because of the bands subtle approach but as Jones croon really sinks in upon multiple listens, Teeth is a record that is easy to go back too and gives rewards with each spin.

Key Tracks: "Golden", "Standing Stones", "Magic Numbers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Head And The Heart
The Kinks
Horse Feathers

The Devil Whale Website
The Devil Whale Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Red Hot Chili Peppers: I'm With You

Red Hot Chili Peppers
I'm With You
Warner Bros. Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Red Hot Chili Peppers return with another batch of mid-tempo rockers.

Album Review:
No one ever knows what a new Chili Peppers album will bring and I'm With You is no different. It represents the bands 10th studio album, longest stretch between records, as it has been 5 years since Stadium Arcadium [2006], and the first album without John Frusciante since One Hot Minute [1995]. That is tons of days off and change but really that has been the Red Hot Chili Peppers operational method for some time now. Josh Klinghoffer (Warpaint) is Frusciante's replacement and he absolutely does fine but the bigger impact to I'm With You is that Anthony Kiedis, Flea, and Chad Smith have an even greater responsibility than before. The record does not bring anything new to the table and runs almost 60 minutes long, so some longtime fans might sigh but the record should also appeal to the same group, as its maturity is well developed. The tracks are well penned and sung from an honest perspective that makes I'm With You engaging and more of a grower. It is not a record that pops out like some of the bands earlier work because it lacks the big hooks that previous were the Red Hot Chili Peppers gravy train onto rock radio. This combined with the mostly mid-tempo range found on I'm With You keeps you in the same foot tapping mood most of the way through. At the end of day, I'm With You is a safe record from the Red Hot Chili Peppers that neither offends nor excites as it represents good work from a veteran act that will keep everyone interested until the boys come back around again.

Key Tracks: "Happiness Loves Company", "Ethiopia", "Look Around"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Pearl Jam
U2
Foo Fighters

Red Hot Chili Peppers : Stadium Arcadium [Fire Note Review 5/11/06]

Red Hot Chili Peppers Website
Red Hot Chili Peppers Facebook
Warner Bros. Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

JEFF The Brotherhood: We Are The Champions

JEFF The Brotherhood
We Are The Champions
Infinity Cat Recordings [2011]









Fire Note Review: Who needs a bass player as the duo JEFF The Brotherhood offer a vital explosion of rock n roll on their sophomore outing We Are The Champions.

Album Review:
Nashville's JEFF The Brotherhood consist of brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall covering vocals, guitar and drums. It is a rather simple garage rock setup that pushes straight ahead, as their songs are high energy, somewhat fuzzy and filled with little surprises around every corner. Some of these surprises hit you right away like on album opener, "Hey Friend", that is more Weezer than garage rock, while the psychedelic vibes on "Health And Strength" add another dimension to the duo. For most of the album, Jake's vocals sound like they are out of the Ramone camp minus the 1,2,3 as JEFF The Brotherhood cover many angles of the rock spectrum, which gives them a wider appeal then just sticking around in one genre. The guys bring some indie experience to the table, as they both previously played in Be Your Own Pet and We Are The Champions is their sophomore album. When comparing to their debut, JEFF The Brotherhood shows a confidence growth here but hints at an even bigger potential moving forward. Besides already running the Infinity Cat Recordings label with their father, the Orrall brothers seem to be on the front edge of a bigger success with their version of rock and after the solid effort here, I think JEFF The Brotherhood will definitely be a band we hear from in the future!

Key Tracks: "Ripper", "Wastoid Girl", "Diamond Way"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Eagles Of Death Metal
Jay Reatard
Dinosaur Jr.

JEFF The Brotherhood Website
JEFF The Brotherhood Facebook
Infinity Cat Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Male Bonding: Endless Now

Male Bonding
Endless Now
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Male Bonding make a quick return with their second Sub Pop release Endless Now.

Album Review:
Endless Now finds the UK's Male Bonding coming out of their shell a bit on their second release for Sub Pop records. On their stellar Nothing Hurts release last year, Male Bonding came at you fast and fuzzed up but Endless Now has a much more refined sound in that aspect, as the vocals are tuned up a tad and the fuzz is lowered. This brings out a more hook filled record that takes on a slightly different vibe for the band. Going in this more mature direction, Male Bonding lose some of their uniqueness but do build several catchy numbers like the memorable hook filled rockers "What's The Scene?" and "Seems To Notice Now". "Can't Dream" takes on a very Nirvanaish feel to it, while lead track "Tame The Sun" has the smooth vocal delivery of a Teenage Fanclub. The only real factor holding Endless Now back from the comparable greatness of Nothing Hurts is that after taking the album for a ride, several of the songs become a little hard to differentiate as they have the same style musically and vocally. This still does not hold Male Bonding back too much here because on the songs that catch your ear the bands talent really shines. This is also a promising record for what the future holds because Male Bonding continues to evolve and what comes next might just be great!

Key Tracks: "Seems To Notice Now", "What's That Scene?", "Tame The Sun"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Teenage Fanclub
Wavves
Hüsker Dü

Male Bonding: Nothing Hurts [Fire Note Review 5/18/10]

Male Bonding Website
Male Bonding Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Scream: Complete Control Sessions EP

Scream
Complete Control Sessions EP
SideOneDummy Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Scream return with 7 solid songs of punk rock!

Album Review:
"Life is a whore, time is a bitch" says it all in kick off track "Stopwatch", which welcomes back Scream after nearly 30 years since first emerging from DC's punk underground. The Complete Control Sessions is a seven song EP recorded live in Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 back it February and it picks right up where the group left off on their 1993 Dischord Records release Fumble. From the more sing a long tracks like "Elevate" to the visceral attack of "Jamin At 606", Scream comes off completely energized and fresh, as this EP will definitely surprise new fans checking the band out and have longtime followers finding their old t-shirts. Scream represents a style of music that is harder to find in today's scene but bands could take a lesson here, as the Complete Control Sessions showcases a standard punk rock model well done with the original lineup of vocalist Pete Stahl, guitarist Franz Stahl, bassist Skeeter Thompson, drummer Kent Stax and newcomer guitarist Clint Walsh that will give you a revved up 20 minute listen again and again!

Key Tracks: "Stopwatch", "Elevate", "Move (All Alone)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Exploding Hearts
Foo Fighters
Bad Brains

Scream Website
Scream Facebook
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Stephin Merritt: Obscurities

Stephin Merritt
Obscurities
Merge Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Obscurities peels back a layer and finds Stephin Merritt more relaxed than ever.

Album Review:
Considered one of the great indie singer songwriters, Stephin Merritt has enthralled critics and fans alike with some of his Magnetic Fields work, so it should be no surprise that he has a trunk full of songs just waiting to see the light of day. Obscurities starts the treasure hunt, as it is a collection of Merritt’s hard-to-find recordings dating back to his time on Merge (1994–1999) and prior. The record has five previously unreleased songs, three of which are from The Song From Venus (the unfinished science fiction musical written by Merritt and Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket), four songs from The Magnetic Fields Merge-era 7 inches, two from Merritt's guest vocals with The 6ths, one from a Merge compilation, one from an audio book and a track from a K Records cassette only release. For fans, Obscurities is a must, as it helps close the loop on Merritt's material they probably don't have but even for the casual listerner, this record gives insight into Merritt's mind, as these tracks are much more loose compared to his completly focused albums. I do question Obscurities replay value, although a song like “The Sun And The Sea And The Sky”, that was intended for 69 Love Songs [1999], is from Merritt's strongest songwriting point while the upbeat "Yet Another Girl" is memorable. At the end of the day, this album wouldn't be titled Obscurities if it was not a little rough around some of its edges but overall it is a solid and interesting listen that is well worth taking the time to spin.

Key Tracks: "I Don't Believe You (7" Version)", "Yet Another Girl", “The Sun And The Sea And The Sky”

Bands With Similar Fire:
Richard Butler
Jarvis Cocker
David Byrne

The Magnetic Fields: Realism [Fire Note Review 1/28/10]
The Magnetic Fields: Distortion [Fire Note Review 1/25/08]

Stephin Merritt Website
Stephin Merritt Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Chocolate Horse: Beasts

The Chocolate Horse
Beasts
Stable Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Chocolate Horse offer up another skilled sonic experience that is both reserved and intense.

Album Review:
Cincinnati group The Chocolate Horse have been a staple on the towns indie scene since the summer of 2003 and on the groups third long player, Beasts, they once again tackle an array of musical experimentation that has a dense melodic indie edge that will grab your attention. The group supports 6 members that helps give Beasts depth with guitar, banjo, keyboards, horns, bowed saw, vibraphone, bass, alto flute, ocarina, drums and other miscellaneous percussion instruments. This vast roster of instruments helps create the sonic experience you get with The Chocolate Horse as Beasts is a slow grower all the way to the finish line. Most of the songs are in the mid-tempo range that are driven by the burning instrumentation and Jason Snell's calm and sturdy vocals. It creates an intensity that runs throughout Beasts and always has you anticipating the next big change or layered instrument switch. A perfect example of this can be found on "Fool's Gold" half way though, as the entire song picks up the pace and increases its musical thickness with both instruments and Snell's commanding voice. The Chocolate Horse won't instantly take you over because Beasts is a record that needs repeat spins but after you sit with the album for a bit, it is a record that has a little something for everyone without ever losing its intensity, focus or ability to rock out!

Key Tracks: "Fool's Gold", "Make It Up Tonight", "Found Another Way"

Bands With Similar Fire:
DeVotchka
The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
Alexander

The Chocolate Horse Website
The Chocolate Horse Facebook
Stable Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The War On Drugs: Slave Ambient

The War On Drugs
Slave Ambient
Secretly Canadian Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The War On Drugs shine on their sophomore record Slave Ambient!

Album Review:
I am always looking for that perfect record to take on long drives - you know the one - the record that puts your mind at ease so that you can concentrate on the road but just block everything else out that seems like noise, such as bills, relationships and work. The War On Drugs sophomore long player, Slave Ambient, is the record that fits the description. Its slick meld of past, present and future will grab your attention as the group sounds like the pairing of Dylan and Spiritualized or Spaceman 3 and Tom Petty. The start of this of course is the somewhat nasally vocal from Adam Granduciel but then the band swirls the music around the lyrics which allows songs to simply float. On tracks like "Brothers" and "I Was There", Slave Ambient has a very straightforward folkish vibe but with an undertone of synthesizers that gives each track a modern edge. This prepares you for the six minute "Your Love is Calling My Name" that bursts along with beats and keyboards driving the number but still relying on Granduciel's vocals to keep it grounded. The War On Drugs successfully keep this back n forth up as Slave Ambient contains atmospheric instrumental tracks that propel it forward while containing rockers like "Baby Missiles" that will have your feet tapping instantly. The War On Drugs have created a record that has a seamless flow which gets better every time you spin it. It is an album that absorbs you with its 47 minutes and will have you coming away from it feeling rejuvenated and ready to take it for another ride!

Key Tracks: "I Was There", "Come To The City", "Baby Missiles"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Verve
Tom Petty
Spirtualized

The War On Drugs: Future Weather EP [Fire Note Review 10/27/10]
The War On Drugs: Wagonwheel Blues [Fire Note Review 7/23/08]

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

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Widowspeak: Widowspeak

Widowspeak
Widowspeak
Captured Tracks Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Brooklyn trio combine the grace of Mazzy Star with the edge of The Geraldine Fibbers for an infectious debut!

Album Review:
Some things that you need to know about the new Widowspeak debut. 1) It is a grower - don't just give it one spin because its intimate intricacies will slowly take over your musical brain and won't leave, as it is also a killer headphone record. 2) Yes - lead vocalist Molly Hamilton sounds like Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval. This is a quality that is unmissable but hard to reproduce as Hamilton is a natural and she uses her talented chords here full on with its sultry and addictive qualities. She makes songs like "Gun Shy" sway and lead off track "Puritan" rock with a punishment that keeps you coming back. Trust me when I say Hamilton's voice is habit forming, as her smooth delivery engages you on every verse. 3) Don't mistake Widowspeak for a bedroom pop group. The band is on Captured Tracks, which should tell you something, as the trio brings plenty of edgy rock moments like the fuzz filled "Nightcrawlers" and upbeat "Fir Coat". Guitars, drums and voice is all it takes to form Widowspeak's world and with its perfect 10 songs in 33 minutes the group leaves no excuse not to get on board. 4) Widowspeak's debut has all the right qualities and is infectious. They are under the radar right now but I urge you to seek them out because this is one indie record this year that shouldn't get away!

Key Tracks: "Harsh Realm", "Gun Shy", "Puritan"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Best Coast
Mazzy Star
Mojave 3

Widowspeak: Gun Shy 7" [Fire Note Review 7/25/11]

Widowspeak Website
Widowspeak Facebook
Captured Tracks Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Grandaddy: Sophtware Slump [Deluxe Edition]

Grandaddy
Sophtware Slump [Deluxe Edition]
Universal Music Group UK/V2 [2000; re: 2011]
(2 CD Set)








Fire Note Says: Do yourself a favor and discover Grandaddy's Sophtware Slump!

Album Review:
I know that everyone has their favorite albums that they go back to regardless of the year or current state of the music scene because these albums offer a timeless excellence that always seem hard to replicate. For me, Grandaddy's Sophtware Slump has been one of those records since it released back in 2000.

It is an album that I believe gets stronger as the days pass because Grandaddy were a bit ahead of their time and, more so today, the frailness of the song structures here shine, as frontman Jason Lytle steers the ship with his engagingly soft vocals. This deluxe edition is the perfect way to catch up to the group and features two discs with the first being the album and the second disc offering up non album singles, b-sides, EP tracks and two previously unreleased demos for "Beautiful Ground" and "Hewlett’s Daughter" plus the original intro, discarded before release, of the album's opening track "He's Simple, He's Dumb, He's The Pilot".

The deluxe edition is an undertaking at an almost 2 hour running time but proves well worth it upon completion, as the bonus material is much more than throwaways and almost as entertaining as the record itself. The rocking "Street Bunny" is one of these examples of a bonus song that absolutely does not fit in with the album but its high energy displays an excellent side of Grandaddy that is not heard from very often at this time. This is the reissue treatment that I wish many of my other modern favorites would follow, as the Sophtware Slump once again not only proves itself as a champion but Grandaddy showcases how talented they really were with all the included stellar extras!

Key Tracks: "Street Bunny", "The Chrystal Lake", "Broken Household Appliance National Forest"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Flaming Lips
Mercury Rev
The Shins

Jason Lytle: Yours Truly, The Commuter [Fire Note Review 5/18/09]

Grandaddy Website
Grandaddy Facebook
Universal Music Group
V2 Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mister Heavenly: Out Of Love

Mister Heavenly
Out Of Love
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: This is not your grandparents doo-wop!

Album Review:
I am sure you don't know the band name Mister Heavenly but you might know the players, as the group is comprised of Nick Thorburn (Islands/The Unicorns), Ryan Kattner (Man Man) and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse, Shins). This talented indie group brings forward the 1950s R&B vocal-based sounds of classic Doo-wop groups like The Platters, The Turbans and The Moonglows into 2011 with an interesting sway and swagger that is quite unique. It is a concept that could have went absolutely awful but the trio totally pulls off an album that is engaging, fun and memorable. Mister Heavenly accomplishes this feat by injecting a little dark grit into each tune, like on the grinding opener "Bronx Sniper" that literally gets your pulse going, while yet the band still shows the ability to pull back and have fun such as on the foot tapping "Reggae Pie". Out Of Love really wins when the group pushes the envelope and turns song structures upside down, which "Harm You" fully represents, as the group vocals come off retro, the majority of the track is mellow and then Thorburn's vocals slap you in the face with strength. At other times, sticking too close to the 50's vibe may receive a yawn like on the strolling "Your Girl" that feels too simple all the way around. Overall, Mister Heavenly give you an entertaining 36 minutes of unrivaled music that screams indie and is much different than anything out there currently. It is an album that maintains its individualism from beginning to end and is perfect for past Unicorns fans. The simple bottom line on Mister Heavenly is that the record is pretty good and Out Of Love should be given a spin!

Key Tracks: "Harm You", "Bronx Sniper", "Pineapple Girl"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Suckers
Yeasayer
Nurses

Mister Heavenly Website
Mister Heavenly Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Gold Leaves: The Ornament

Gold Leaves
The Ornament
Hardly Art Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Gold Leaves is a simple straightforward indie-folk record that will keep you thinking.

Album Review:
Gold Leaves is the creation of Grant Olsen, which is one half of the Seattle indie folk outfit Arthur & Yu. His collection of tracks were four years in the making, as the record reflects on many of his personal happenings that include everything from birth to death. It is a mellow thought stirring type of listen that takes a multitude of spins to get into but Olsen's warm vocals make it easy. His voice sounds just like Ian McCulloch of Echo & Bunnymen fame, which for me was a positive as Olsen comes off completely sincere and honest throughout the records 9 songs. Gold Leaves also features some solid musical help as The Ornament has Jason Quever of Papercuts serving as co-producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist, while percussionist Ben McConnell (Beach House, Brightback Morning Light) provides the perfect backdrop. Vocally, Thao Ngyuen (Thao And The Get Down Stay Down, Thao & Mirah), Amy Blaschke, and members of The Moondoggies all contributed backing vocals that help create the full band vibe even though Gold Leaves is clearly an Olsen vehicle. The Ornament represents a great effort from Grant Olsen as his Gold Leaves moniker provides many headphone moments and is a real grower. Hopefully we see more from this project, as The Ornament only scratches the surface of Olsen's talents and lets hope that next time it is way sooner than the 4 years we waited here.

Key Tracks: "Cruel/Kind", "The Ornament", "Futures"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bon Iver
Ian McCulloch
M. Ward

Gold Leaves Facebook
Hardly Art Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks: Mirror Traffic

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Mirror Traffic
Matador Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The always entertaining Stephen Malkmus finds a nice balance of honoring his Pavement days while still progressing sonically with the Jicks!

Album Review:
I don't know about you but Stephen Malkmus always seems like the super talented guy next door that has the great lawn, great family and great car. This is especially the case, as he ages gracefully and when you match him up with the skilled Jicks, his laid back musical approach carries a high swagger and instantly earns respect. On his fifth long player, Mirror Traffic, I believe most will be wondering, as they let this 50 minute set play, will last years Pavement reunion have some influence here. The quick answer is absolutely yes, as I believe more so then before, Mirror Traffic has plenty of infused "Pavement" moments. It possesses spirited indie spurts that have spunk, like on the short rocking "Tune Grief" and catchy first single "Tigers". The record also contains the Malkmus sharp tongue that has not been as prevalent on his last several solo outings. Now to call this a Pavement record would be going too far because as fun as Pavement arrangements can be, Mirror Traffic has a noticeable sophisticated song structure, courtesy of the Jicks, that separates the work. Songs like "Long Hard Book" have a musical stroll in the backdrop that is completely tight, while "No One Is (As I Are Be)" has a softness to its instruments that engages the listener within the track. Some of the stylings on Mirror Traffic should be credited to its producer, Beck, as you can hear his imprint on several songs that would fit right in on some of his most recent work. Mirror Traffic is a solid record from Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks that gets better after every spin and for fans of Pavement that have never quite got on board with Malkmus's solo work - this album just might be the one to fall back into the fold!

Key Tracks: "Tigers", "Spazz", "Forever 28"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beck
Mike Doughty
Ben Kweller

Pavement: Quarantine The Past - The Best Of Pavement [Fire Note Review 3/5/10]
Pavement: Brighten The Corners [Nicene Creedence Edition] [Fire Note Review 12/10/08]
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks: Real Emotional Trash [Fire Note Review 3/11/08]

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Website
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Facebook
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Leafs: Space Elevator EP

The Leafs
Space Elevator EP
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Leafs lo-fi rock is catchy, rowdy and quick!

Album Review:
It usually takes more than 13 minutes for me to get excited about a band but after checking out the Australian duo called The Leafs, I was completely sold. The Leafs consist of Michael Pulsford (Singing, Guitar) and Gus Kemp (Drums, Singing) that became tired of playing in instrumental post-rock bands Down Under so they got together and created their 8 song debut Space Elevator, that thrives on its somewhat lo-fi pop and short as hell tracks. With the longest song running 2:40 and the shortest clocking in at 36 seconds you get the picture that The Leafs don't mess around and grab you immediately as the title track takes off with its guitar strums and Pulsford's calm but throaty vocals. It would be one thing if this more post-punk style would continue but the following 1 minute track is the quiet "Forget All You Know", that just sings the refrain as it transfers into the even shorter but powerful rocker "Figs" for all of its glorious 55 seconds. If you listen to The Leafs tracks independently you will miss out and may not get it, as Space Elevator works better as a whole because its transitions are so important. The graceful ballad "Terrible Sun" is catchy by itself but when it is paired with the following foot tapping "Fields And Fences" it takes on a different role and has even more intensity upon repeat listens. Considering the band is giving this EP away for free, there should not be any reason people shouldn't check out The Leafs because at 13 minutes, Space Elevator will definitely entertain!

Key Tracks: "Space Elevator", "Fields And Fences", "Figs"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Clean
Guided By Voices
The Thermals

The Leafs Website
The Leafs MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fruit Bats: Tripper

Fruit Bats
Tripper
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another layer of Fruit Bats is exposed on fifth long player Tripper.

Album Review:
The Fruit Bats and leader Eric Johnson have been a staple on the indie scene since their 2001 debut Echolocation. Album after album, Johnson has always supplied a competent set of songs that always contain some pop gems that make the album worth checking out and repeat plays a necessary action. So far, every record always seems to take on a different personality and with Tripper, it is a record that pulls back, quiets down and shifts the spotlight directly to Johnson as a musician and songwriter. On Fruit Bats last record, The Ruminant Band [2009], Johnson broke out the rock but here on Tripper, synthesizers and loops are brought in while Johnson handles many of the instruments himself. This also subdues the hooks on this record and gives it a much more solo vibe, like on the folkish "Shivering Fawn" or even the short instrumental "The Fen". There is the dreamy "So Long" that just floats along while the driving soft rocker "Tangie And Ray" could have been a Wings tune. With Tripper, Eric Johnson once again shows another side of the Fruit Bats and with repeat listens this record can become as infectious as his earlier work!

Key Tracks: "Heart Like An Orange", "Tony The Tripper", "Tangie And Ray"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Vetiver
The Tallest Man On Earth
The Shins

Fruit Bats : The Ruminant Band [Fire Note Review 8/3/09]

Fruit Bats Website
Fruit Bats Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony