Tom Waits: Bad As Me

Tom Waits
Bad As Me
ANTI- Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Tom Waits creates another timeless record that features his voice sounding at the top of its game!

Album Review:
Bad As Me is the first album of all new material in 7 years from veteran icon Tom Waits. The record highlights how Waits has aged gracefully and how he has actually worked on his "singing" voice. If you have been listening for either a long time or just a short while, I believe that most are familiar with the gruff artistic tool Waits has in his voice but on Bad As Me there is a true focus on showing off his falsetto, hitting the hooks with style and injecting the ballads with emotion. Bad As Me is a record that sounds current but also could trick listeners into believing it is from the 70's. His voice sounds great, the production is sharp, the tracks are concise and there is still plenty enough of his eclectic blood running through it to make an entertaining record from beginning to end that is memorable around every corner. This timeless vibe makes Bad As Me another classic in Waits collection and just another accolade in a long storied career.

Key Tracks: "Talking At The Same Time", "Pay Me", "Bad As Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nick Cave
Leonard Cohen
Bob Dylan

Tom Waits: Glitter And Doom Live [Fire Note Review 11/23/09]

Tom Waits Website
Tom Waits Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Rob Crow: He Thinks He's People

Rob Crow
He Thinks He's People
Temporary Residence Limited [2011]

Fire Note Says: Pinback frontman Rob Crow makes another infectious solo record that is one of his most focused to date.

Album Review:
If you have ever listened to Pinback, then you already know that lead singer Rob Crow has a very unique and smooth delivery. On his fourth solo record, He Thinks He's People, Crow shines a bright light on his Elliott Smith type vocals but also incorporates the layered melodies that Pinback are so well known for. This combo makes for a great listen all the way through He Thinks He's People and even though most of the record is more subdued as it keeps it simple with Crow and his guitar, the album has a sincere emotion behind it.

The only real misstep here is that several songs are very short and just when they rev up into something they end. For some bands this style works, but Crow is better when his songs build. Overall, He Thinks He's People is one of Rob Crow's best solo works and will build plenty of excitement for the next Pinback record - hopefully that will be early next year!

Key Tracks: "Sophistructure", "Prepare To Be Mined", "So Way"

Band With Similar Fire:
Elliott Smith
Ben Gibbard
Earlimart

Pinback: Autumn Of The Seraphs [Fire Note Review 9/10/07]

Rob Crow Facebook
Temporary Residence Limited

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Coldplay: Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay
Mylo Xyloto
Capitol Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another radio friendly record that most certainly will get in your head.

Album Review:
Mylo Xyloto is Coldplay's fifth studio outing and like Viva La Vida [2008], it sets out to prove why this band is currently one of the biggest draws on all continents. The record takes a step back from the seriousness of Viva but still allows Coldplay to showcase their artistic focus, while keeping the ability to make rock radio hits.

There is nothing over the top or pretentious on Mylo, which is always something I think Coldplay gets unfairly blamed for. Instead, Coldplay have no shame in their success, they have no shame in the fact that they can write big stadium anthems like "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" and "Paradise", they have no shame that solid ballads like "U.F.O." and "Up In Flames" rank among their best and they certainly have no shame that they can create a catchy duet with Rihanna called "Princess Of China".

Mylo Xyloto sounds like a Coldplay that is enjoying themselves, as the record offers many new avenues for the band but still retains their signature sound. This cultivates an entertaining listen and even though Coldplay are never going to be that great indie band nobody has heard before, they are one of the biggest rock acts out there right now and Mylo Xyloto lives up to the "big time" hype.

Key Tracks:
"U.F.O.", "Don't Let It Break Your Heart", "Paradise"

Bands With Similar Fire:
U2
R.E.M.
Snow Patrol

Coldplay: Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP [Fire Note Review 6/30/11]
Coldplay: LeftRightLeftRightLeft [Fire Note Review 5/18/09]
Coldplay: Prospekt's March [EP] [Fire Note Review 12/3/08]
Coldplay: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends [Fire Note Review 6/18/08]

Coldplay Website
Coldplay Facebook
Parlophone Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Surfer Blood: Tarot Classics [EP]

Surfer Blood
Tarot Classics [EP]
Kanine Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Surfer Blood return with four new tracks that shine.

Album Review:
The Tarot Classics EP is the first new output from Surfer Blood since their excellent debut released back on January 10, 2010. The four new songs on the EP continues the energized straightforward instruments, memorable hooks and catchy lyrics found on their debut but also adds in a more brooding groove on "Voyager Reprise" before gearing up into the track. It is a small progression but one that works for Surfer Blood and hopefully will see more exploration on their next full length. The last two tracks are track remixes by Totally Sincere (Connor from The Drums & Peggy from TPOBPAH) and San Francisco based Speculator. These two extra songs fall into the category of interesting but not something you need in your collection. Overall the Tarot Classics EP is worth your time and a good warm up to a new full length by Surfer Blood out next year.

Key Tracks: "Miranda", "I'm Not Ready", "Voyager Reprise"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Interpol
Fang Island
The Stills

Surfer Blood: Astro Coast [Fire Note Review 1/22/10]

Surfer Blood Website
Surfer Blood Facebook
Kanine Records

-Reivewed by Christopher Anthony

The Strange Boys: Live Music

The Strange Boys
Live Music
Rough Trade Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Strange Boys continue their move to the folk side of things.

Album Review:
Live Music ("live" rhymes with "give") continues the evolution of Austin band The Strange Boys, as their third record finds the group sinking into a laid back roots driven rock that still shows undertones of British Invasion but mostly hovers in a mid-tempo folk. A noticeable difference on Live Music is that the production is much cleaner compared to their previous records, which allows Ryan Sambol to showcase more of his vocals out front and in many cases, "sell" the song. Depending on which side of the fence you sit on, Sambol's Dylan like vocals either work for you or not but his delivery for this type of record is spot on. The album continuously dives into new territory but the revved up harmonica track "Punk's Pajamas" will remind you of The Strange Boys early beginnings, as it has a very Strokes vibe. The jam psychedelic song "Omnia Boa" is a good time from beginning to end and keeps your feet tapping while showing off the band's musicianship. More than ever before, Live Music is a grower for The Strange Boys, as it starts to really sink in after the third listen. The only real component that holds Live Music from being the bands best outing is that it holds itself back too much. Too many songs are reserved instead of just letting the band loose. More laid back might be the current stage of The Strange Boys but don't mistake that for settled as their other pieces grow here which should produce a great record in their future!

Key Tracks: "Punk's Pajamas", "Saddest", "Omnia Bar"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Tallest Man On Earth
The Animals
The Band

The Strange Boys: Be Brave [Fire Note Review 3/19/10]
The Strange Boys: ...And Girls Club [Fire Note Review 4/10/09]

The Strange Boys Website
The Strange Boys Facebook
Rough Trade Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Russian Circles: Empros

Russian Circles
Empros
Sargent House Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Russian Circles fourth record packs a serious wallop!

Album Review:
Instrumental group Russian Circles pulled back from their in your face post-rock/post-metal attack on Geneva [2009] for a much more mature and refined sound that completely smoldered. This new path worked well and now on the group's fourth LP, Empros, the Chicagoans evolve their patience and push the pedal back down as each track here creates a sonic visceral noise that will ring out of your speakers in spectacular glory but literally will still feel like the compositions float. This controlled and precise combination of big metal rock and slick layered grooves compels the listener to just sit back and absorb the skilled musicianship assault while not only recognizing Empros as a great piece of work but Russian Circles best record to date!

Key Tracks: "Mladek", "Batu", "309"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Red Sparowes
Explosions In The Sky
Pelican

Russian Circles: Geneva [Fire Note Review 10/21/09]
Russian Circles: Enter [Fire Note Review 6/22/06]

Russian Circles Website
Russian Circles Facebook
Sargent House Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Jane's Addiction: The Great Escape Artist

Jane's Addiction
The Great Escape Artist
Capitol Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Jane's Addiction is back with The Great Escape Artist that has its moments along with its struggles.

Album Review:
With Jane's Addiction making another run at it since the underwhelming 2003 release Strays, I believe that there was no real expectation for this new release The Great Escape Artist. I mean, sure, everyone wants the Jane's Addiction that released Nothing's Shocking [1998] and Ritual De Lo Habitual [1990] back in full form but like most bands trying to recapture that historic energy, Jane's Addiction is in a different place. So what does that leave for The Great Escape Artist? It leaves Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, and Stephen Perkins with the addition of TV On The Radio's bassist Dave Sitek looking for direction. This internal struggle happens again and again on The Great Escape Artist, as it dabbles in rock, electronic and psychedelia but never seems to pick a path. This holds the record back, as it lacks cohesiveness which ultimately lowers the replay value. I also think the first half of the record is much stronger, as opener "Underground" contains some strange but good Jane's swagger and single "Irresistible Force" becomes quite catchy after several listens. The problem with the rest of The Great Escape Artist is that with an awkward balance it is just ok and in some parts - forgettable. Like most, I expect more from this group and hopefully now that the rust is gone after an 8 year break, Jane's Addiction can make a record that progressively rekindles their best parts into something solid!

Key Tracks: "Underground", "End To The Lies", "Irresistible Force (Met The Immovable Object)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Love And Rockets
Spiritualized

Jane's Addiction Website
Jane's Addiction Facebook
Capitol Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Quaker City Night Hawks: ¡Torquila Torquila!

The Quaker City Night Hawks
¡Torquila Torquila!
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: Bring your own beer and plan to stay awhile with The Quaker City Night Hawks!

Album Review:
Fort Worth's The Quaker City Night Hawks have everything you want from a Saturday night of rock n roll. The Texas quartet offers up a tough as nails, whiskey driven roots rock debut record in ¡Torquila Torquila! that not only relies on a long history of classic Southern rock but has a devilish blues undertone that gives it its swagger. It is a volatile combination that works well because it really makes every track on ¡Torquila Torquila! insanely hard not to like. The pulsing rhythm on "Some Of Adam's Blues" is memorable, while the grinding mid-tempo sing along, "Ain't No Kid", forces you to reach for the volume instantly on the chorus, as the rocker "Bible Black Lincoln" will have you thirsting for another drink with its intensity. Much of this energy is created from the throaty vocals of Sam Anderson and David Matsler as they pour 110% into every line, while the band handles each note like it was its last. I am not sure how much press The Quaker City Night Hawks have received outside of Texas but I will tell you that ¡Torquila Torquila! is well worth seeking out and is the perfect rowdy record for any night of just hanging out which makes it great!

Key Tracks: "Bible Black Lincoln", "Like Old Cain", "Ain't No Kid"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Black Keys
Drive-By Truckers
Blackfoot

The Quaker City Night Hawks Website
The Quaker City Night Hawks Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Gaslight Anthem: iTunes Session

The Gaslight Anthem
iTunes Session
SideOneDummy Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: This is an EP that fans will not want to miss!

Album Review:
The new iTunes session from The Gaslight Anthem showcases the band's influences and gives fans an excellent studio copy of tracks that they may have caught live. It probably is no surprise that Brian Fallon and the boys cover The Who, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam and The Animals here with a fairly straightforward attack that is injected with Gaslight mojo. Each track is handled with precision and care as you can hear the band's respect on each track. This EP also provides one unreleased original song in "Our Father's Sons" which has been hanging around since The '59 Sound days but is a reminder of how good that record was. "Boxer" from American Slang makes an appearance here although it is a much more mellow version that works for the track and maybe is even better than the original with this tempo. It is great to see The Gaslight Anthem taking advantage of their iTunes Session and offering a solid EP that every fan should not only hear but want. This record also shows that the band is still on top of their game, which clearly starts to get us excited just thinking about new material.

Key Tracks: "Baba O' Riley", "House Of The Rising Son", "Our Father's Sons"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Replacements
Bruce Springsteen
The Hold Steady

The Gaslight Anthem: American Slang [Fire Note Review 6/11/10] (#34 Top 50 2010)

The Gaslight Anthem: The '59 Sound [Fire Note Review 8/15/08] (#3 Top 50 2008)

The Gaslight Anthem Website

The Gaslight Anthem Facebook

SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Gauntlet Hair: Gauntlet Hair

Gauntlet Hair
Gauntlet Hair
Dead Oceans Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Gauntlet Hair may not totally live up to the Internet hype - but they come close!

Album Review:
Andy R. (guitar, vox) and Craig Nice (drums, triggers) make up the Denver duo of Gauntlet Hair and their self-titled debut is full of reverbish experimental numbers that will definitely appeal to a certain niche. The two have been playing together since they were teenagers and this familiarity can be heard as Gauntlet Hair sounds experienced. With that said, the group has so many ideas that they flood this record with them and at only nine songs and just over 30 minutes, Gauntlet Hair sounds like it still has more to say. Everything from post-punk guitars to echo effects are used throughout this debut in order to give it depth, as the big chorus lines will have you believing Gauntlet Hair is more than a duo. The five minute and excellent "Lights Out" is the true example of Gauntlet Hair's capability, which finds the band offering up a catchy beat that sways with an edge as it mixes with Andy's tunnel like vocals before it concludes in two minutes of looping noise that slowly floats away. It is this type of creativity that happens again and again on Gauntlet Hair as more times than not, Gauntlet Hair can grab your ear. Moving forward there is no reason that Gauntlet Hair should not excel as they clearly are a band to watch what is next!

Key Tracks: "Lights Out", "Top Bunk", "Mop It Up"

Bands With Similar Fire:
No Age
Animal Collective
Passion Pit

Gauntlet Hair Website
Gauntlet Hair Facebook
Dead Oceans Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Radiohead: TKOL RMX 1234567

Radiohead
TKOL RMX 1234567
XL Recordings [2011]









Fire Note Says: If you got time - Radiohead has a remix.

Album Review:
I will warn you that even if you proclaim yourself as a huge Radiohead fan, TKOL RMX 1234567 may not be for you. The album is a 2 disc set, 19 track compilation, that has a total running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes which sees many of The King Of Limbs tracks being reinterpreted more than once. "Bloom" gets tackled on 5 different occasions and all of them left me a little parched but all is not lost as many of these tracks take a life of there own. Some of the more popular names to the common indie listener do very well here, like the opening "Little By Little" by Caribou and the closer "Lotus Flower" by SBTRKT. I will fully admit that TKOL RMX 1234567 is probably not a record that I will go back to very much but it can be respected, especially if you are into this more electronic scene and neo-rave ensemble. If that is the case then TKOL RMX 1234567 might be your best find.

Key Tracks: "Feral (Lone Remix)", "Lotus Flower (SBTRKT Remix)", "Little By Little (Caribou Remix)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Zomby
SBTRKT
Lone

Radiohead: The King Of Limbs [Fire Note Review 2/22/11]
Radiohead: Collector's Edition Reissues (Round 2) [Fire Note Review 9/2/09]
Radiohead: Collector's Edition Reissues (Round 1) [Fire Note Review 3/27/09]
Radiohead: The Best Of [Fire Note Review 6/26/08]
Radiohead: In Rainbows [Fire Note Review 10/22/07]

Radiohead Website
Radiohead MySpace
Radiohead Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Circus Devils: CAPSIZED!

Circus Devils
CAPSIZED!
Happy Jack Rock Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Circus Devils once again will surprise you around every corner on their cohesive 9th record CAPSIZED!

Album Review:
I bet that even the most die-hard Robert Pollard fan will be surprised that CAPSIZED! represents the 9th album from his long standing band, Circus Devils, with the talented Tobias brothers, Todd and Tim. Like previous outings from this trio, I will tell you to expect the unexpected, unconventional is actually really conventional, and if you think something sounds a bit odd, then you definitely have the right record playing. With that said, CAPSIZED! is one of the most cohesive records in the bands catalog and it all begins with the smooth opening instrumental "To England The Tigers" before the title track crashes onto your speakers with plinking noises and Pollard letting out a strong "Capsized" howl. This of course transitions into one of the most pop tracks Circus Devils has ever released in "Cyclopean Runways" that is an instant classic and a song that for sure will get repeat plays. Now before you think Circus Devils is swinging for the radio friendly fences on CAPSIZED!, think again, because the fun and noisy just over a minute "Nully Scully" will start to prep you for the more eclectically solid stuff that lies ahead. For Circus Devils fans, the mid-section of CAPSIZED! is the real treat, as "Leave The Knife Curtis" is a catchy spoken verse song with a foot stomping beat that sticks in your head, while the slow and creepy piano driven "Vampire Playing A Red Piano" once again, has spoken lyrics but creates its own eerie indie genre as Pollard whispers to his audience with a very ghostly tone. "Double Vission" is next on the unique list as it features actual puking noises mid-song and whirlwinds out of control to a noisy conclusion while setting up "Plate Of Scales" which simply just sings about feeling like throwing up. With a total of four instrumentals, plenty of mind twisting lyrics, a countless array of mesmerizing soundscapes and plenty of smooth transitions, CAPSIZED! stands up tall as one of the Circus Devils best to date. Masaru Ibuka once said "Creativity comes from looking for the unexpected and stepping outside your own experience" - I feel that Circus Devils execute this idea with every track they put on record and CAPSIZED! is not only the proof but a necessary alternative to the norm that is simply stellar!

Key Tracks: "Vampire Playing A Red Piano", "Cyclopean Runways", "The Matter Of Being Good", "Aerial Poop Show (Inst)"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Crystal Antlers
Ween
King Missile

Circus Devils: Mother Skinny [Fire Note Review 3/25/10]
Circus Devils: A Riot Of Gold Teeth 2001-2010 [Fire Note Review 3/5/10]
Circus Devils: Gringo [Fire Note Review 4/7/09]
Circus Devils: ATAXIA [Fire Note Review 9/24/08]
Circus Devils: Sgt. Disco [Fire Note Review 9/17/07]

Circus Devils Website
Circus Devils Facebook
Happy Jack Rock Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Chuck Ragan: Covering Ground

Chuck Ragan
Covering Ground
SideOneDummy Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Another heart on the sleeve offering from Hot Water Music frontman Chuck Ragan!

Album Review:
Hot Water Music frontman, Chuck Ragan, returns with his third solo outing, titled Covering Ground, which follows the same working man folk style found on his previous records. This "man against the road" setting found on Covering Ground is a perfect fit for Ragan's gravely voice, as he sells each track with a passionate delivery that demands your attention. When he sings "Say what you want I don't mind" on opening track "Nothing Left To Prove", Ragan lays his emotion on the table and his sincerity behind a peace offering to his brother on "Come Around", is something that not only catches your ear but is a song you can respect. This is the type of personal stories that Ragan delivers on Covering Ground and with the guest backing vocals of Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem), the soulful Audra Mae, and singer/songwriter Frank Turner, the album only gets better after every spin. Covering Ground also never tries to mask itself as anything other than a solid folk outing with the instrumentation including fiddle, mandolin, harp, upright bass, banjo, lap steel, pedal steel, tambourine and the dobro. Chuck Ragan will always go down as a punk legend with his Hot Water Music material but quickly he has risen to the top of this genre with his consistent passionate offerings that consistently are great, as Covering Ground continues this trend!

Key Tracks: "Nomad By Fate", "Wish On The Moon", "Come Around"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Horrible Crowes
William Elliott Whitmore
Frank Turner

Chuck Ragan: Gold Country [Fire Note Review 9/2/09]

Chuck Ragan Website
Chuck Ragan Facebook
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin: Tape Club

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Tape Club
Polyvinyl Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: The 26 b-sides found on Tape Club highlight why you should be checking out Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

Album Review:
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is one of those bands that I have always expected to break out but never seem to achieve a larger success with their catchy power pop. Tape Club puts an exclamation point on my first statement, as it is the new double album that features 26 unreleased and hard to find tracks from SSLYBY that didn't make it onto one of the band's three full lengths. The album offers material that showcases that SSLYBY is more than just a one trick pony with acoustic, lo-fi and completely memorable songs that also show the Springfield, Missouri band's progression into the more developed indie pop sound they have today. You may not think that Tape Club is the best starting place for new fans but this material actually tells you everything you need to know and should easily steer listeners back into their richer sounding catalog. From the hush opener "The Clod And The Pebble" to "Cardinal Rules", the track written for their hometown minor-league baseball team, the Springfield Cardinals, SSLYBY show a side to them that is vulnerable, honest and talented. This is exactly the musical side everyone needs to hear, which should start earning Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin the respect they deserve!

Key Tracks: "Cardinal Rules", "Half-Awake (Deb)", "The Clod And The Pebble"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Matt Pond PA
Beulah
A.C. Newman

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin: Let It Sway [Fire Note Review 8/17/10]

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Website
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Facebook
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Ben Folds Retropective Giveaway!

Attention Fire Note Readers:

Here is your chance to win the new single disc version of Ben Folds compilation - The Best Imitation Of Myself courtesy of Epic/Legacy Recordings!







Entry is simple:
Make sure you "Like" The Fire Note on Facebook then send us an email to thefirenote@gmail.com with the subject: Underground.

Please include your name and mailing address. Last day for entry is October 23. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Contest limited to US addresses only.

Ben Folds: The Best Imitation Of Myself - A Retrospective [Fire Note Review 10/12/11]

Bonnie "Prince" Billy: Wolfroy Goes To Town

Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Wolfroy Goes To Town
Drag City Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Wolfroy Goes To Town is another solid record in the large catalog of Will Oldham and latest under Bonnie "Prince" Billy.

Album Review:
Wolfroy Goes To Town is one of Will Oldham's most simplistic records that brings all the focus to his vocals, as he offers up another ten stories under his Bonnie "Prince" Billy moniker. Even though there is a much more quiet vibe here, Oldham takes the opportunity to include his now regular backing musicians that includes guitarist Emmett Kelly, multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily and singer-songwriter Angel Olsen. This trio of musical talent has been touring with him, played on his latest records and even premiered most of these tracks back in May at a show in Chicago's Millennium Park. All of this leads to a natural cohesion, as everyone gets an opportunity to add in the vocal harmonies and with such sparse instrumentation, they are highlighted. "Cows" is especially unique in this regard, as its last 30 seconds features a vocal circle of voices that is engaging, interesting and refined. These moments pop up all through Wolfroy Goes To Town and gives this record its niche compared to Bonnie "Prince" Billy's more recent fuller sounding albums. Wolfroy Goes To Town is another must hear for Oldham fans, as it is more of a grower but just as rewarding as anything he has released!

Key Tracks: "New Tibet", "Cows", "Quiet And Dumplings"

Bands With Similar Fire:
William Elliott Whitmore
Mark Kozelek
Alasdair Roberts

Bonnie "Prince" Billy: Beware [Fire Note Review 3/31/09]
Bonnie "Prince" Billy: The Letting Go [Fire Note Review 10/31/06]

Bonnie "Prince" Billy Website
Bonnie "Prince" Billy Facebook
Drag City Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Loney Dear: Hall Music

Loney Dear
Hall Music
Polyvinyl Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Loney Dear expands their sound on sixth release Hall Music.

Album Review:
Emil Svanängen has been tweaking his sound since we last heard him on 2009's Dear John, as he returned to his home country of Sweden and was playing shows with a chamber orchestra. This clearly impacted his sixth album, Hall Music, as it has a musical grandiosity to it that is much more adventurous than his previous records. First single "My Heart" features church bells ringing into the rhythm of the track, which to maybe your surprise works out alright. It succeeds because Svanängen's vocals still steer the tracks here and is a consistent factor that always has been the focus of his recordings. Considering Loney Dear albums in the past mostly consisted of Svanängen's voice, guitar and some keyboard, Hall Music sounds light years ahead of his catalog but with the bigger musical production, Loney Dear sometimes loses the special connection with their audience on several tracks. You still need to pat Loney Dear on the back for keeping things interesting and new as parts of Hall Music will grow on you over time. Not sure where Loney Dear go from here but if they were to mix the highlights on this record and bring back a more intimate guitar setting - album number 7 will be something to look forward too.

Key Tracks: "My Heart", "Durmoll", "Loney Blues"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Death Cab For Cutie
Bon Iver
I'm From Barcelona

Loney Dear: Dear John [Fire Note Review 1/26/09]
Loney Dear: Loney, Noir [Fire Note Review 3/1/07]

Loney Dear Website
Loney Dear Facebook
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

I Build Collapsible Mountains: The Spectator & The Act

I Build Collapsible Mountains
The Spectator & The Act
Burning Building Recordings [2011]









Fire Note Says: I Build Collapsible Mountains full length debut The Spectator & The Act builds on their likable EP and is completely infectious!

Album Review:
Earlier this year, we raved about the self-titled EP from Scotland's I Build Collapsible Mountains, which had us anticipating this debut with a hopeful ear. The good news is that the solo project and moniker of Luke Joyce, I Build Collapsible Mountains, absolutely does not change a thing on The Spectator & The Act. Instead, we find IBCM expanding his acoustic guitar into 37 minutes that once again is delivered with on the sleeve emotion, raw song structures and a total sincerity. It would have been easy to recycle the songs off the EP here but instead, ICBM presents 11 new tracks that proves that the EP was not a fluke. Right from the opening track, "Face Of Thunder Grin", you can hear the slight tremble in Joyce's gravelly voice that pulls you in, as the song's omnichord presents you something different than his more familiar acoustic guitar. The next track, "Quickest Exit" also marks an expansion for IBCM, as its speedier tempo stands out from some of his previous more subdued compositions found on the EP and is a sure album highlight. The remaining tracks on the record fall back more into Joyce's quieter comfort zone, as they tell stories about chasing dreams, love and escaping from the normal routine. The songs once again show off his talents as a song writer and will easily have you reaching for the repeat button upon The Spectator & The Act's conclusion. In the current sea of singer-songwriter albums, I Build Collapsible Mountains stands tall and hopefully will find its audience, as it is a record of honesty, experiences and memorable lines that should be heard!

Key Tracks: "Face Of Thunder Grin", "Trail Song", "Quickest Exit"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bon Iver
Glen Hansard
Ben Lee

I Build Collapsible Mountains: I Build Collapsible Mountains [EP] [Fire Note Review 5/2/11]

I Build Collapsible Mountains Website
I Build Collapsible Mountains Facebook
Burning Building Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

We'll Go Machete: Strong Drunk Hands

We'll Go Machete
Strong Drunk Hands
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: We'll Go Machete returns with a powerful full length debut Strong Drunk Hands.

Album Review:
We last heard from Austin, Texas band We'll Go Machete back in 2009 on their self-titled EP. The group returns here with a full length debut of in your face post-hardcore fun titled Strong Drunk Hands. The record explodes right from the opening track "Miser" with strong guitars, bass, and a drum attack that never really lets up until the final song plays. This is a genre that has moved more underground over the years but We'll Go Machete resurrects this 90's style and gives you a blistering 32 minutes of loud and speaker rattling riffs that hold their presence while vocalist Paul Warner leads the charge. Strong Drunk Hands is a solid record and represents the post-hardcore scene with honors. We'll Go Machete may never reach the heights of some of their influences but with their commitment and pure energy, there is no reason that one by one they can't reintroduce a younger generation as they fill a void in a much needed area of rock.

Key Tracks: "Number 13", "Miser", "Good Morning Munro"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Quicksand
These Arms Are Snakes
Helmet

We'll Go Machete: We'll Go Machete [EP] [Fire Note Review 6/17/09]

We'll Go Machete Website
We'll Go Machete Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Ryan Adams: Ashes & Fire

Ryan Adams
Ashes & Fire
PAX-AM Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Sit down with the most focused record from Ryan Adams in years!

Album Review:
Ashes & Fire represents Ryan Adams first legitimate solo record since 2007's Easy Tiger. There are no sci-fi metal moments, no Cardinals twang, no covers, and no straying away from the task at hand. It is a record that finds Adams truly progressing from Whiskeytown, Heartbreaker and everything in between, as Ashes & Fire is focused on offering good songs, good melodies and plenty of memorable lyrics. Compared to his earlier work, Ashes & Fire maintains a primary slower tempo that relies on Ryan's voice to carry each track, while still planting that catchy hook in your head to keep you coming back. It is an honest singer-songwriter type of record that allows you to ease into the music and live it for a bit before you pass judgement because Ashes & Fire is a grower. There are not many songs here that pop out at you immediately but by the second spin you will be singing along with the refrain on first track "Dirty Rain", foot tapping with the title track and anticipating the surprising electric guitar during "Do I Wait". For longtime fans still looking for Adams next Heartbreaker [2000], Ashes & Fire is hard to compare because he is in such a different place now. That record will always be the high bar for Adams but Ashes & Fire has a likable maturity to it that is great all on its own. "Kindness" is a duet with Norah Jones that is superb, Benmont Tench (Tom Petty) helps out which just adds style points, wife Mandy Moore makes an appearance and to top it all off, he worked with producer/engineer Glyn Johns (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Who) that is a true legend. Sure, Ashes & Fire may not go down as a classic but it is a record that Adams should be proud of and I think will please much of his current audience plus it has real potential for an entire new set of fans!

Key Tracks: "Lucky Now", "Dirty Rain", "Ashes & Fire"

Bands With Similar Fire:
A.A. Bondy
Tim Easton
Patrick Park

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals: III/IV [Fire Note Review 1/5/2011]

Ryan Adams: Orion [Fire Note Review 6/10/10]
Ryan Adams: PAX-AM Series [Fire Note Review 12/11/09]

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals: Cardinology [Fire Note Review 10/28/08]
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals: Follow The Light EP [Fire Note Review 10/31/07]
Ryan Adams: Easy Tiger [Fire Note Review 6/28/07]

Ryan Adams Website
Ryan Adams Facebook
PAX-AM

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony