Blink-182: Neighborhoods

Blink-182
Neighborhoods
DGC/Interscope Records









Fire Note Says: You may need to search a bit harder here but Blink-182 can still put out the pop punk with style.

Album Review:
I recommend going back and listening to Blink-182's early records Cheshire Cat [1994] and Dude Ranch [1997] before taking Neighborhoods for a spin. I say this because as Blink-182 return from an 8 year hiatus, I think it is important to remember where they started, because those two early records posses some great punk pop songs that still today sound great today. Moving into the current status of Blink-182 you will instantly notice the more mature emo approach Neighborhoods emotes. In fact, the 2nd song "Natives" does well bringing back the band's old spirit but it is not really until the 7th track, "Heart's All Gone" where the band lets their old punk vigor totally out of the box. Now, I never expected Neighborhoods to relive Blink's early years because let's face it - everyone gets older, people have kids (yeah they change you) and drummer Travis Barker almost died in a 2008 plane crash. With that said, some of the songs on Neighborhoods just don't fit, such as the keyboard driven bouncy "This Is Home" and even the first single, "Up All Night" that feels like it tries too hard to be serious and radio friendly. The bottom line here is that I am glad to see Blink-182 back but Neighborhoods only brings them back in pieces, as the band needs to realize that they can still be totally serious while cranking out the pop punk they are known for. This is where Neighborhoods stumbles because this trio stands out when they bring the punk and nobody in the genre is any catchier!

Key Tracks: "Heart's All Gone", "MH 4.18.2011", "Natives"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Green Day
New Found Glory
Sum 41

Blink-182 Website
Blink-182 Facebook
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

WATERS: Out In The Light

WATERS
Out In The Light
TBD Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: A nice guitar driven indie rock debut from WATERS.

Album Review:
It seems lately that the indie genre has been leaning more towards the rock side of things with the new crop of bands coming onto the scene and WATERS fits that bill. This may be a surprise if you are familiar with lead singer Van Pierszalowski, as his last band Port O'Brien played a much mellower lo-fi pop but here on WATERS debut, Out In The Light, the band brings thundering drums, soaring melodies and plenty of lead grungy guitars. The best part about Out In The Light is that the "rock out" moments are very controlled in the way Pierszalowski carries a mid-tempo pace until the big soaring choruses kick in on tracks like "Take Me Out To The Coast" or how the guitars simmer with power on "O Holy Break Of Day". WATERS may not be offering anything new on Out Of The Light but there is always something to be said for quality and this debut is not only catchy but has a timeless appeal that stands up to repeat plays and only gets better.

Key Tracks: "For The One", "Take Me Out To The Coast", "Out In The Light"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Replacements
Sleeping Bag
Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social

WATERS Website
WATERS Facebook
TBD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Matthew Sweet: Modern Art

Matthew Sweet
Modern Art
Missing Piece Group [2011]









Fire Note Says: Matthew Sweet returns with his engaging 11th record Modern Art.

Album Review:
Matthew Sweet is back with his 11th studio record Modern Art which is his first in three years. As you might expect, Modern Art is full of power pop gems but also contains several new sounding avenues driven by Sweet's discarding of his normal songwriting process and letting his spontaneous musical output dictate the tracks direction. If you have been a fan, you will immediately notice a slight change right on the opening song "Oh, Oldendaze!", which has catchy vocal effects and a bit more guitar trickery. Sweet's psychedelic "Ivory Tower" is a short burst of spiraling vocals that is very rhythmic, courtesy of guest actor/drummer Fred Armisen, that ultimately is just unique to the Sweet catalog in its just over 2 minute length. Then there is "She Walks The Night", which is classic Sweet with its big pleasant sweeping hook and melody. Modern Art also has several ballads like "Baltimore", "When Love Lets Go I'm Falling" and the graceful title track which for Sweet, are effortless so it is also nice to see him tackle the blues driven rocker "Ladyfingers" and the attitude mood changing "Late Nights With The Power Pop", that has plenty of stylistic changes within its 3 and half minute running time. The interesting thing here as we are at the 20th anniversary of his breakout album Girlfriend [1991], Modern Art is more about layers than memorable power pop rockers. With longtime drummer Ric Menck (Velvet Crush) back on the skins, guitarist Dennis Taylor and the solid mastering from Glenn Schick, Modern Art shines out of the stereo, as everything swirls and surrounds Sweet's always solid vocals and contains a depth that has not been heard on a Sweet record for some time. Overall, Matthew Sweet fans should really enjoy Modern Art, as it is all him through and through, complete with new ideas and plenty of signature guitar. It is a record that gets better with time and once again showcases Sweet as a true talent and expert in his genre!

Key Tracks: "She Walks The Night", "Oh, Oldendaze!", "Late Nights With The Power Pop"

Bands With Similar Fire:
George Harrison
Tommy Keene
The Byrds

Matthew Sweet And Susanna Hoffs: Under The Covers Vol. 2 [Fire Note Review 7/17/09]
Matthew Sweet: Sunshine Lies [Fire Note Review 8/21/08]
Matthew Sweet And Susanna Hoffs: Under The Covers Vol. 1 [Fire Note Review 6/2/06]

Matthew Sweet Website
Matthew Sweet Facebook
Missing Piece Group

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Meg Baird: Seasons On Earth

Meg Baird
Seasons On Earth
Drag City Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Meg Baird has a voice you will want to hear.

Album Review:
You may know the voice but not the name as Meg Baird is best recognized as the vocalist in the neo-psych folk group Espers. Now on her sophomore solo record, Baird has expanded her songwriting skills and unlike her debut Dear Companion [2007], which was mostly covers, Seasons On Earth provides eight Baird penned tunes out of the ten. The album is still entrenched in the Americana genre but Baird's atmospheric vocals are the real draw here, while together they are a true winning combination that is highlighted in "The Finder" by the gorgeous pedal steel paired with her siren vocal that turns out astounding. Listeners will also be surprised to hear the covers Baird selected because they might surprise you a bit, as she handles both Mark Almond's "Friends" and House Of Love's "Beatles And The Stones" with the upmost care while easily making them her own. Baird also does not care about length, as she weaves her poetic numbers with the album's track average at over 5 minutes with four songs individually pushing over the 6 minute mark. This allows the listener plenty of time to live with these compositions and leads to a true captivated feeling with Baird's voice. Meg Baird shines as a solo artist on Seasons On Earth and if given the right time and space, it is a record that easily might become your new favorite.

Key Tracks: "Babyon", "Beatles And The Stones", "The Finder"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beth Orton
Marketa Irglova
Joni Mitchell

Meg Baird Website
Drag City Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Wilco: The Whole Love

Wilco
The Whole Love
dBpm Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Whole Love represents a true mix of all Wilco's talents!

Album Review:
The Whole Love is Wilco's eighth studio record and first for their own label dBpm. It is almost fitting that now on their own, Wilco releases an album that relies on both their Americana and experimental past to create one nice cohesive piece of work. That describes The Whole Love in a nutshell as the record challenges you on the opening seven minute track "Art Of Almost" with its bleeps and blips, quick tempo changes, and speeding guitar frenzy towards its conclusion. It represents one of the most daring songs from Wilco we have heard in awhile and it transitions nicely into the bouncy second track "I Might", that just sounds like classic Wilco. The band offers up plenty of diversity as there are rockers like "Born Alone" and songs that stroll along peacefully, such as the title track. It is a balance that is well designed and executed on The Whole Love with it all coming to a pinnacle conclusion on the twelve minute closer "One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley's Boyfriend)". This song, although long, is a timeless classic from Wilco, as it comes off naturally and flows effortlessly. It is a song that could have appeared on any one of their previous seven records and is the perfect exclamation point on why Wilco has achieved a highly regarded status among fans and critics. It is exactly the type of song, on exactly the type of album, that always makes us come back, as well as ensuring The Whole Love will live forever because it is another must hear in the Wilco catalog!

Key Tracks: "I Might", "Born Alone", "One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley's Boyfriend)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Beatles
Big Star
My Morning Jacket

Wilco: I Might [Single] [Fire Note Review 6/30/11]
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

Veronica Falls: Veronica Falls

Veronica Falls
Veronica Falls
Slumberland Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Pop, reverb and power guitars equals one fun debut from London's Veronica Falls!

Album Review:
Right from the opening track, "Found Love In A Graveyard", you realize that London group Veronica Falls are the real indie rock deal as the scorching guitar reigns throughout the song. Singer/guitarist Roxanne Clifford drives the tracks, as her siren like vocals float above the dueling reverb guitars but leave the listener confident that she can expand her range at any moment. Veronica Falls offers the best of both worlds, as they combine the sweet jangly pop of male/female harmonies with an indie rock force that brings a full band sound right at you with no brakes. This style makes songs like "Bad Feeling" and "Beachy Head" succeed and impress the listener with a formula that may not be completely unique but executed to perfection. The other piece that separates Veronica Falls from some of the other bands in this reverb genre is how the instrumentation remains crystal clear. The guitars are exciting and flawless, the drums hit with a purpose on every beat and even the tambourine is distinct. This all assembles for an energizing debut from Veronica Falls that gives great replay value and for sure will designate them a band to keep an ear on moving forward!

Key Tracks: "Bad Feeling", "The Fountain", "Come On Over"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Throwing Muses
Crystal Stilts

Veronica Falls Website
Veronica Falls Facebook
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Shimmering Stars: Violent Hearts

Shimmering Stars
Violent Hearts
Almost Musique/Hardly Art Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Shimmering Stars modernize the innocent music of the 50s and 60s with their hazed melodies and retro swoon.

Album Review:
The Shimmering Stars are a three piece dream pop band from British Columbia that can credit the Everly Brothers as much as they can Deerhunter for their retro-modern sound. The group relies on classic sounding harmonies like they are straight out of the 50's but drench them in reverb for a 2011 sound. This makes an interesting listen, while songs like "I'm Gonna Try" totally stroll along in a good way especially when the song slows and isolates Rory McClure's vocals until the chorus hits complete with several "whoa whoas". This slower moving undertone carries throughout the record as the idle marching pace on "Into The Sea" is catchy as McClure's voice increases in volume and the song hits a memorable peak. The only piece here that may set some listeners back is that the Shimmering Stars keep in the one mode throughout on Violent Hearts, as each song takes on the same structure with tempo and melody placement differentiating the tracks. Now, at 14 songs in fewer than 30 minutes there is never too much time spent on one idea here which does help erase some of Violent Hearts sometimes monotone feel. I think there is plenty of promise on the Shimmering Stars debut that not only makes repeat plays rewarding but the group is very good at creating their "sound", so it will be exciting to hear where they go next!

Key Tracks: "I'm Gonna Try", "Into The Sea", "Dancing To Music I Hate"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Deerhunter
Del Shannon
Frankie Rose And The Outs

Shimmering Stars Website
Shimmering Stars Facebook
Hardly Art Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Bridge And Tunnel: Rebuilding Year

Bridge And Tunnel
Rebuilding Year
No Idea Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: New post-punk from New York band Bridge And Tunnel does not disappoint.

Album Review:
New York post-punk band Bridge And Tunnel returns with their sophomore album Rebuilding Year that not only offers more of their interplaying guitars and hard edged melodies but shows growth. One noticeable difference here is song length as the band kicks the record off with the almost 6 minute "Synchronized Swimming", which ebbs and flows and allows for a more musically intense development. Regardless of song length, Bridge And Tunnel carry their intensity throughout Rebuilding Year as every chord, every rhythm and every lyric have a true passionate drive behind them that is hard to match. The record was produced by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Small Brown Bike) which automatically gives the album an edge that his projects typically carry in this genre and once again guitarist Rachel Rubino adds in her excellent supporting vocals that help Bridge And Tunnel stand out. Rebuilding Year offers both aggressive tracks such as "Outgrowing Pains" and brooding burners like "As Twelve Deer Run" that all combine to make it a solid record from beginning to end. Bridge And Tunnel have made a grower of an album that works because you can tell that the band enjoys their craft and gives 110%. With those two factors it is hard to find any other current post-punk to compare!

Key Tracks: "Synchronized Swimming", "As Twelve Deer Run", "Cooked Books"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fugazi
Burning Airlines
Cursive

Bridge And Tunnel: East / West [Fire Note Review 11/18/08]

Bridge And Tunnel Facebook
No Idea Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Nirvana: Nevermind [Super Deluxe Edition]

Nirvana
Nevermind [Super Deluxe Edition]
Geffen/Universal Music Group [1991; re: 2011]
4CD/1DVD Set








Fire Note Says: Happy 20th Birthday!

Album Review:
September 24, 1991 will always be a date that is remembered in rock history as it represents the release date of Nirvana's Nevermind. It is a record that completely shifted musical tastes by ending a long era of hard rock/hair metal and was the overnight introduction to grunge. This new reissue comes at you in all shapes and sizes but the Super Deluxe Edition is the one that is the most extensive and probably the most interesting. The first of four discs contains the album remastered with its b-sides. The remastered sound is vibrant and the b-sides are nice to have all together. Disc two collects all the demos that were recorded at Smart Studios, The Boombox Rehearsals and a couple live BBC tracks. The interesting thing about the Smart Sessions is that only "Polly" made it to the record pretty much as is and the other actual Nevermind songs represent original ideas for "Lithium" and "In Bloom", while longtime fans will recognize tracks like "Pay To Play" that have showed up elsewhere. The Boombox Rehearsals sound like you might think - muffled and messy. I will say that 20 years later, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" still sounds great even in this early form. Disc three brings the listener the Devonshire Mixes which is producer Butch Vig's take on Nevermind before having Andy Wallace polish it up for its final version. Legend has it that the band preferred this mix because it is truly grittier, although, I think after all this time the final version for me is still too perfect and ingrained in me to argue in the direction that the mix is better. Lastly, disc four offers up Nirvana's 1991 show from the Paramount Theatre, which is a great early hour long concert that kicks off with their now famous cover of The Vaseline's "Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam" and has the energy of an eager young group. Most won't be able to justify the price tag for the Super Deluxe Edition but if you have been a fan, it is most certainly something you will want to hear. There is no question that Nevermind changed music forever and at the very least, this release pays the salute it should to an album that will always put 1991 on the map and live on forever!

Key Tracks: "Smells Like Teen Spirit - Boombox Version", "Drain You - Devonshire Mixes", "Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam - Live"

Nirvana: Live At Reading [Fire Note Review 12/2/09]
Nirvana: Bleach [Deluxe Edition] [Fire Note Review 11/2/09]

Nirvana Website
Nirvana Facebook
Universal Music Group

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Blitzen Trapper: American Goldwing

Blitzen Trapper
American Goldwing
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Take a road tour with Blitzen Trapper on their sixth full length American Goldwing.

Album Review:
American Goldwing is Blitzen Trapper's sixth album and it continues their retro trip backward to the classic 60's folk movement and smooth country-fried rock of the 70's that they started on last years Destroyer Of The Void. The record feels and sounds almost like part two but distinguishes itself as it really settles into an even more laid back Americana rock vibe. This description is not meant for you to believe that there are no foot stompers here because both opening track "Might Find It Cheap" and the catchy guitar driven "Street Fighting Sun" bring plenty of rock to table. What it does mean is that all of these tracks still have a very classic organic sound. Some of these songs, like the flowing sing along "Love The Way You Walk Away" sound anthematic, much like what the Eagles or Buffalo Springfield used to pull off on every record. This is the struggle fans and some critics will have with American Goldwing because Blitzen Trapper never really does anything "modern" to pull this record into 2011. With front man Eric Earley's falsetto and all the skilled piano, guitar solos, shimmering cymbals and memorable melodies that American Goldwing possesses, it is hard not to finally come around to enjoy American Goldwing because it does get better with repeat plays. The album may still not be the bands best but it also is a solid representation of where the band is today, and even though it sounds like yesterday - it still sounds pretty good.

Key Tracks: "Astronaut", "Street Fighting Sun", "Your Crying Eyes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Band
The Flying Burrito Brothers
The Jayhawks

Blitzen Trapper: Destroyer Of The Void [Fire Note Review 6/4/10]
Blitzen Trapper: Black River Killer [EP] [Fire Note Review 8/25/09]
Blitzen Trapper: Furr [Fire Note Review 9/19/08]

Blitzen Trapper Website
Blitzen Trapper Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Halloween, Alaska: All Night The Calls Came In

Halloween, Alaska
All Night The Calls Came In
Amble Down Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Halloween, Alaska offer up some solid indie rock from Minneapolis.

Album Review:
Halloween, Alaska are an indie rock band from Minneapolis that stirs elements of guitar, electronic and pop into their own blend of uniqueness. The group has been a well-kept secret, as their debut was released back in 2004. All Night The Calls Came In is the band's fifth release and one of its best, as the group changed up their recording process and completed this album live in a single room with all four members playing together. The result is a record that comes to life out of your speakers and contains an intense depth that is hard to replicate. All Night The Calls Came In also represents a new tension free lineup that you can tell on record because you can hear the band gel. It started back several years ago with the addition of Jacob Hanson on guitar, as he gets credit for infusing a much heavier guitar structure than on previous Halloween, Alaska releases. With All Night The Calls Came In, ex 12 Rods bassist William Shaw joined the ranks and completely filled the last needed piece. As complex as some of the compositions initially sound, repeat plays reveal the pop song undertones that make them complete. This component is why you will like Halloween, Alaska and the reason you will stay for more.

Key Tracks: "Empire Waist", "You Are Not Well", "Dead Air"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Say Hi
Death Cab For Cutie
Geggy Tah

Halloween, Alaska Website
Halloween, Alaska Facebook
Amble Down Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Slow Club: Paradise

Slow Club
Paradise
Moshi Moshi Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Sophomore album Paradise is a big positive step forward for the UK duo Slow Club.

Album Review:
The best thing about a young band is that there is always tons of potential for growth. That is exactly what has happened to the UK duo Slow Club, as Rebecca Taylor and Charles Watson come back with their sophomore album Paradise with an intensely new focused direction. Their debut, Yeah So, was catchy in its own sense with its upbeat nature but the group really tones down their giddiness here and takes a much more controlled and centralized approach both lyrically and musically on Paradise. This style change starts right away on opening track "Two Cousins" that lets Taylor's voice hit hard and shine using all of her powerful upper range. The focus on Taylor's vocals continues throughout Paradise, as where Watson shared more vocal duties on Yeah So, here he keeps most of his focus on guitar and harmonies. This change automatically creates a different record and a different band vibe for Slow Club. It is a move that should pay future dividends because Taylor has a star quality to her vocal that flourishes here as the group also tackles much tougher material lyrically. Fans of Yeah So will still recognize the band on Paradise but I think their evolvement is a positive fork in the road that should create more opportunities for Slow Club moving forward and I can't wait to see what they do next!

Key Tracks: "Two Cousins", "Where I'm Waking", "Hackney Marsh"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tennis
Angus And Julia Stone
Cults

Slow Club: Yeah So [Fire Note Review 3/26/11]

Slow Club Website
Slow Club Facebook
Moshi Moshi Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Wavves: Life Sux EP

Wavves
Life Sux EP
Ghost Ramp Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Life Sux EP features friends and energy for another quality Wavves release.

Album Review:
Last years King Of The Beach release from Wavves was a spectacular record of punk chords, perfect indie rhythms, and plenty of fuzzed up power pop, so the anticiapaton for new material has been high. Well, Nathan Williams is back with the new Life Sux EP and it is well worth checking out for any fan as it gives you more of the same quality, while also adding in some talented artists helping out. The first person contributing is none other than Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino on backing vocals who helps take "Nodding Off" to the next level, as it is easily the best track on the EP. The second companion vocal is from Damian Abraham of Fucked Up that helps rip "Destroy" to pieces. The Life Sux EP is a must for Wavves fans because it is a fun listen but it is a 6 song EP that is very front loaded, as the first three songs are its best. This release is the first on Williams on label, Ghost Ramp, and he has said that a full length will be out by end of this year still. The bottom line here is that even though this release it is not Williams best, it is still a solid listen that easily will get you hyped for whatever Wavves has planned next.

Key Tracks: "Bug", "Nodding Off (feat. Best Coast)", "I Wanna Be Dave Grohl"

Bands With Similar Fire:
No Age
Cloud Nothings
Gold-Bears

Wavves: King Of The Beach [Fire Note Review 7/7/10] (#13 Top 50 2010)
Wavves: Wavvves [Fire Note Review 3/13/09]

Wavves Website
Wavves Facebook
Ghost Ramp Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Thrice: Major/Minor

Thrice
Major/Minor
Vagrant Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Thrice make a stellar return on album number 7 with the sonically bombastic Major/Minor!

Album Review:
If you are in the mood for a good driving rock record that cuts no corners then the seventh long player from Thrice will fill your void. Major/Minor follows the style of their 2009 release, Beggars, but is much more developed and melodic, as it has an increase in presence, energy and passion. While it was great to see Thrice rev up their rock side before it is even better how they incorporate it with some more of their progressive work that appeared in both the Alchemy Index EPs [2007/2008] and Vheissu [2005]. Major/Minor is the first time the band has worked with an outside producer since 2005 and I believe the outside feedback from David Schiffman (Bayside, Weezer, Bronx) worked, as his oversight comes through on the record's cohesion. With songs like the heavy thundering "Blur" balanced with the over 6 minute slow burner "Words In The Water", Thrice are back in top notch form with an album that not only sounds great upon repeat plays but is easily one of their best in years!

Key Tracks: "Call It In The Air", "Yellow Belly", "Blinded"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Hot Water Music
Sunny Day Real Estate
Thursday

Thrice: Beggars [Fire Note Review 9/23/09]

Thrice Website
Thrice Facebook
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Devon Williams: Euphoria

Devon Williams
Euphoria
Slumberland Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Devon Williams shows growth on his sophomore record Euphoria.

Album Review:
On Devon Williams sophomore record Euphoria he brings lush chamber pop arrangements together with his honest storytelling to create an album that is both engaging and memorable. The record is full of strings, flutes and keyboards that help sculpt the bouncy free flowing pop that Williams presents, which allows his soft vocals to rise above the instrumentation and lead each track. His sound and approach will evoke memories of several 80's staples like The Church or New Order with Euphoria's controlled pace and accompaniment, while vocally having characteristics that scratch the surface of both the Elephant 6 and twee pop genres. Considering that Devon Williams started off in the pop-punk Epitaph trio Osker and then played guitar with Lavender Diamond, Williams has had quite the musical journey. It all has lead up to the relaxed vibe on Euphoria that is an enjoyable listen which still may not appeal to the masses but should play well on the indie circuit if just given the chance!

Key Tracks: "Your Sympathy", "Right Direction", "Sufferer"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Church

Of Montreal

The Teardrop Explodes

Devon Williams Facebook
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

St. Vincent: Strange Mercy

St. Vincent
Strange Mercy
4AD Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Third record Strange Mercy is another gem in the St. Vincent catalog!

Album Review:
Strange Mercy is the third record from Annie Clark's St. Vincent and it once again presents a mesmerizing piece of musical art. It is a record that holds an earthy gracefulness on each song as each of the album's 11 tracks possess a multitude of dimensions and depth. This automatically makes repeat listens a must because there is just too much to catch on one spin. This dynamic starts immediately on opening track "Chloe In The Afternoon", as Clark's flawless vocals are surrounded with crashing drums, swirling backgrounds and a driving riff. This strong interlaced guitar work continues throughout Strange Mercy, which gives the record a creative edge while using Clark's voice as part of the arsenal always works well, like when the big hook explodes out of "Cheerleader" it brings the song to life. Moments like this happen all over Strange Mercy, as St. Vincent offers electro-jazz, fuzz feedback, and simple pop to make other tracks memorable. St. Vincent has already been established as an artist to consistently respect but now the excellent Strange Mercy presents the statement loud and clear that St Vincent is an artist that should be followed!

Key Tracks: "Cheerleader", "Northern Lights", "Cruel"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bjork
Glasser
Feist

St. Vincent: Actor [Fire Note Review 5/6/09] (#12 Top 50 2009)

St. Vincent Website
St. Vincent Facebook
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Capstan Shafts: Kind Empires

The Capstan Shafts
Kind Empires
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another batch of solid lo-fi from The Capstan Shafts!

Album Review:
Dean Wells, aka The Capstan Shafts, has been keeping lo-fi alive for 12 years now and on his new record Kind Empires, he once again gives you sharp and short bursts of blissful pop that will keep your feet tapping the whole time. With most of The Capstan Shafts songs clocking in under the two minute mark, Wells has a knack for placing something catchy in all his compositions so that they stick in your head. These pieces come in all shape and sizes, like the memorable guitar line in "Like Theme From 'Arthouse Floozy'" or the feedback explosion on "Come Wilder". Sometimes the album title is all you need to grab your attention, such as "Porn Name Equations" or "The Deli Girls Give Me What I Ask For...". Kind Empires follows the same full band sound that was found on last year's excellent Revelations Skirts [2010] and is a true testament to how lo-fi can come alive. At 14 songs in 22 minutes, there is no filler here on Kind Empires and The Capstan Shafts make it easy to get lost in their world. Dean Wells is a talented individual that keeps perfecting his sound, as Kind Empires once again showcases his knack for the lo-fi and is just another reason why you should definitely check this project out!

Key Tracks: "Come Wilder", "Porn Name Equations", "The Onetime Milwaukee Suicide", Less Together"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Gifted Children
Guided By Voices
The Beets

The Capstan Shafts: Revelation Skirts [Fire Note Review 8/26/10] (#23 Top 50 2010)
The Capstan Shafts: Her Versus The Sad Cold Eventually [Fire Note Review 2/7/07]

The Capstan Shafts Facebook
The Capstan Shafts Bandcamp

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Drums: Portamento

The Drums
Portamento
Frenchkiss Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Drums return quickly with their sophomore effort Portamento.

Album Review:
Brooklyn's The Drums are back already with their sophomore effort Portamento and the record employs the theory if it ain't broke don't fix it. The band once again brings The Smiths, Strokes and surf pop blend on Portamento that works on some tracks but finds the band treading water on others. When they hit their mark, like on first single "Money", the Drums sound in full force, as lead vocalist Jonny Pierce so simply sings "I want to buy you something but I don't have any money". The song becomes instantly memorable as the band softly chimes in on the melody and represents why we liked their debut so much. The hum along "Days" could have been included on their debut and is all Drums, as it just has a nice flowing swagger that is quickly likable. What made The Drums a success on the first round also holds Portamento back a bit because some of their repetitiveness becomes just that and as you hit the second half of the record, differentiating tracks becomes more difficult. The band also drives a synthesizer as its main instrument on "Searching For Heaven" that just seemed disruptive to the records flow. Overall, Portamento has its moments but still seems a bit rushed to release since their last record just came out last year. The Drums are a band that can make a snazzy single and if you liked their debut you will still dig Portamento but it may leave you still wanting more.

Key Tracks: "Days", "Money", "If He Likes It Let Him Do It"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beach Fossils
The Smiths
The Wake

The Drums: The Drums [Fire Note Review 7/20/10] (#17 Top 50 2010)

The Drums Website
The Drums Facebook
Frenchkiss Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony