Howler: America Give Up

Howler
America Give Up
Rough Trade Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Looking for some fun sounding rock n roll? Look no further as the debut from Minneapolis's Howler will make your feet tap.

Album Review:
I will fully admit that I love when music comes back around to the rock basics and that is what we get with the Minneapolis group Howler. Their sound will and has been compared directly with The Strokes - in fact frontman Jordan Gatesmith could be related to Julian Casablancas as their vocals are very similar.
Now really is this a bad thing? Absolutely not. Howler come at you with street-smart angular riffs and a youthful attitude that screams rock n roll. It also is fitting that the band is already gaining steam in the UK and signed to Rough Trade (the same label that signed The Strokes).

After you get done reminiscing about the good times and comparisons, Howler does offer up their own nuances here which keeps America Give Up (personally love the title) fresh and moving at a total 30 minute running time. The group has an undertone punk timing of the Ramones but balance the straightforwardness of that scene with catchy hooks that are almost throwback '50s melodies with swaying guitars.

For me, the teenage rockers like "Beach Sluts" and "Free Drunk" hit with an irresistible fun vigor while the grooving "This One's Different" and the whooshing foot tapper "Back Of Your Neck" will keep me coming back. Howler's America Give Up is not the next best or greatest rock album ever released nor does it necessarily offer up anything new but I will tell you that it is a fun ride from beginning to end and as for the young band's debut - Howler should be one to watch because it is still pretty damn good!

Key Tracks: "This One's Different", "Back Of Your Neck", "Black Lagoon"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Strokes
The Libertines
The Drums

Howler Website
Howler Facebook
Rough Trade Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sonic Avenues: Television Youth

Sonic Avenues
Television Youth
Dirtnap Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Sonic Avenues sophomore album represents another quality punk release from Canada.

Album Review:
Canada seems to be pumping out the punk rock lately and Sonic Avenues's sophomore record, Television Youth, is another strong statement that they have got it right. This go around the band has pushed their songs in both a more punk and pop direction compared to their self-titled debut.

This approach gives Television Youth a much wider appeal as tracks like "Waste Away Alone" soar with big hooks, while other songs like album opener "Givin' Up On You" add in more grit and vocal distortion. The Sonic Avenues succeed because they balance both of these catchy components from beginning to end which makes Television Youth a rewarding record to check out and an equally great album to play again!

Key Tracks: "Television Youth", "OCD Vibes", "Throw It All Away"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Exploding Hearts
The Dickies
The Only Ones

Sonic Avenues Website
Sonic Avenues Facebook
Dirtnap Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Matt Pryor: May Day

Matt Pryor
May Day
Nightshoes Syndicate Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: The Get Up Kid, Matt Pryor, once again ventures out with a solid acoustic driven solo set which shines around every corner!

Album Review:
The Get Up Kids frontman Matt Pryor returns here with his sophomore solo outing titled May Day that is another exciting success story from a Kickstarter campaign. Having your record funded by fans must make an artist feel appreciated so it only makes sense that a high level of quality is returned. With May Day, Matt Pryor definitely will make his followers and backers proud!

May Day follows the same simple acoustic guitar steps found on his solo debut Confidence Man [2008] and once again shines a light on Pryor's songwriting talent. With that said, the listener will know if they are on board with Pryor right away because there is no place for him to hide and that is what makes May Day the bright and engaging listen that it is.

Opening track "Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down" is a motivating warm song that kicks the record off right by sending the message to hold your head high no matter what while the stand out song "Where Do We Go From Here" is a nice upbeat foot tapper that incorporates piano and hooks you with its catchy chorus.

Pryor's ability as a songwriter continues to just get better as May Day offers an in depth personal look that every listener can relate to on some level or some point in their life. This is the connection that made Confidence Man work so well and it is the same resurrected connection here that makes May Day a success. In a music scene that is deep with all sorts of singer/songwriter types, Matt Pryor takes a seat at the head of the class with May Day and it easily represents one of the best items Kickstarter has funded so far in 2012!

Key Tracks: "Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down", "Where Do We Go From Here", "Your New Favorite"

Bands With Similar Fire:
I Build Collapsible Mountains
Eulogies
Rocky Votolato

The Get Up Kids: There Are Rules [Fire Note Review 1/27/11]
The Get Up Kids: Simple Science [EP] [Fire Note Review 5/13/10]
Matt Pryor: Confidence Man [Fire Note Review 7/25/08]
The New Amsterdams: At The Foot Of My Rival [Fire Note Review 9/25/07]

Matt Pryor Website
Matt Pryor Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Victor Villarreal: Invisible Cinema

Victor Villarreal
Invisible Cinema
Joyful Noise Recordings [2012]









Fire Note Says: Indie innovator Victor Villarreal steps out on his own with the engaging Invisible Cinema.

Album Review:
Victor Villarreal has always been considered a groundbreaking guitarist in the modern indie rock world with his captivating previous work in the bands Cap'n Jazz, Owls, Ghosts & Vodka, and more recently, Joan Of Arc. Invisible Cinema represents his first fully realized solo material and the 30 minute record absolutely does not disappoint.

Right from the album opening intricate guitar strums on "Enters" you know that Victor is going to give a lesson that impresses. The song peacefully moves along until the 2 minute mark when a full band kicks in and Villarreal's vocals join into the musical outpouring. This leads you into the almost six minute "Darts In The Dark" that feels like you are the only one in the audience as the quiet guitar once again shows the way with a backdrop trumpet while the vocals occupy less than a minute of its running time.

What makes Villarreal such a talent is his ability to make so much out of time and space. He fills perfect voids in song structures with spiraling rhythms and by utilizing different percussion instruments such as a clave, a casaba, congos and of course drums. This gives Invisible Cinema a very worldly vibe and almost pushes elements to the experimental side but then enables Victor to bring them back in with his calm vocal delivery.

Invisible Cinema does not present anything that is too far out there which might disappoint some of Villarreal's long time followers but Victor makes up for it with his playing talent. If there was ever an album to introduce a wider audience to Villarreal's skills, Invisible Cinema should be that record as you get a little bit of everything he does great here and it plays nicely upon repeat listens!

Key Tracks: "Enters", "Strings Attached", "Out Of My Hands"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tortoise
Jim O'Rourke
Smog

Victor Villarreal Website
Victor Villarreal Facebook
Joyful Noise Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Buxton: Nothing Here Seems Strange

Buxton
Nothing Here Seems Strange
New West Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Third album from folk-rock group Buxton is a grower that pays off!

Album Review:
Buxton are a five piece folk-rock outfit out of Houston, Texas that offer up an energetic record full of lush harmonies, mandolin, banjo, piano and good old guitar. Nothing Here Seems Strange is the groups third record overall and first LP for New West as their style is a perfect fit for the label's roster.

Buxton succeed here as their music has a winning timeless appeal right from the opening banjo strums in album opener "Wolves And Owls" and record highlight "Blown A Fuse". This track has an upbeat old school Wilco bounce to it that has a catchy pop chorus and a stand out guitar solo which drives the track home.

These types of Americana blend reoccur on Nothing Here Seems Strange which helps give the record a high replay value. Lead singer/guitarist Sergio Tervino also raises the bar here as his distinct vocal stays out in front but always comes across a bit fragile. This vulnerability lets the band twirl the music around the vocals as both components work hand in hand to build the record's solid song structures. Nothing Here Seems Strange is an album that deserves several listens as it is a true grower but in a genre that is full of options, Buxton stand out and are a band to watch in 2012!

Key Tracks: "Blown A Fuse", "Boy Of Nine", "Oh My Boy"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Gram Parsons
Wilco
Clem Snide

Buxton Website
Buxton Facebook
New West Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

First Aid Kit: The Lion's Roar

First Aid Kit
The Lion's Roar
Wichita Recordings [2012]









Fire Note Says: Sophomore album from Americana duo First Aid Kit delivers with complete warmth and depth.

Album Review:
Swedish sisters, Klara and Johanna Söderberg make up First Aid Kit and The Lion's Roar is the young pair's sophomore record which represents their first US-recorded album. If you heard the album first you might be surprised to hear that the duo were not American born from their honest and solid style of folk Americana presented here on the album's ten tracks.

Regardless of their origin, right from the opening title track you will fully engage with the instantly likable vocal of Klara, the backing harmonies from Johanna and most certainly the warm depth that the mandolin, piano and pedal steel create. This leads you right into the best track on the record, "Emmylou", that name checks Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, June Carter and of course Harris as it strolls along with a catchy chorus that just pleads for a continued relationship with the line "just sing, little darling, just sing with me".

The Lion's Roar was recorded in Omaha and produced by longtime Bright Eyes collaborator Mike Mogis. Mogis also plays on just about every track along with other Saddle Creek family member Nate Walcott. The added talent didn't just end there either as the closing track "King Of The World" features Conor Oberst singing the last verse as well as The Felice Brothers lending some supportive instruments. The track is another highlight on The Lion's Roar and it is the most upbeat song on the album that also includes trumpet and hand claps.

Considering that First Aid Kit are in their late teens and early twenties, The Lion's Roar sounds much more mature in both their vocal talent and songwriting which gives the album its full confidence. This only makes me excited for what the duo will do next as clearly this is only the beginning and with such a strong outing in The Lion's Roar, First Aid Kit will definitely be a group that we will hear from for some time to come!

Key Tracks: "The Lion's Roar", "King Of The World", "Emmylou"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Neko Case
Fleet Foxes
Audra Mae

First Aid Kit Website
First Aid Kit Facebook
Wichita Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Graham Repulski: My Color Is Red 7"

Graham Repulski
My Color Is Red 7"
Big School Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Short and lo-fi pop sweet!

Album Review:
The My Color Is Red 7" represents the 6th release in the past 2 years from Graham Repulski and it is their very first release on wax. The four tracks included on this 7" once again embrace the band's love for lo-fi indie pop and all together give you a little over 7 minutes of music.

Now what they do in these seven minutes sets them apart as tracks like "Mommy's Dreaming" sticks in your head with its repeated lo-fi chorus and perfect balance of distorted vocals, which honestly could fit right in with early GBV records. Pollard collaborator Todd Tobias once again worked with the band and mastered the release which, as always, is the perfect pairing for what Graham Repulski like to do.

If you have checked out Graham Repulski before then the My Color Is Red 7" will certainly please your ear and is a must to pick up as it has been pressed in an extremely limited quantity of 200 hand-numbered red vinyl with each featuring unique cut-out artwork.

Key Tracks: "My Color Is Red", "Mommy's Dreaming"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Times New Viking
Guided By Voices
Sentridoh

Graham Repulski: Into An Animal Together [Fire Note Review 7/20/11]
Graham Repulski: Electric Worrier [Fire Note Review 1/6/11]

Graham Repulski Website
Graham Repulski Facebook
Big School Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Cloud Nothings: Attack On Memory

Cloud Nothings
Attack On Memory
Carpark Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Cloud Nothings evolve again on their spectacular sophomore outing Attack On Memory!

Album Review:
Sometimes it is amazing how much can change in a year as the ever evolving Cloud Nothings follows up a really good self-titled debut record released last January with the even better Attack On Memory. The once basement self recorded project of Dylan Baldi has now progressed past just getting in the studio with a producer to making Cloud Nothings a full fledged band and recording with Steve Albini in Chicago.

The transition was fast but the product is absolute quality as Attack On Memory is a lofty fused post-hardcore assault on your brain that has a multitude of layers and a 4D depth. This alive feeling comes at you with an out in front Baldi vocal that lets him hit the top of his almost scream range while his band swirls the guitars behind him.

The engaging balance of this emerging rock sound Cloud Nothings has going on is that they can still inject catchy and memorable harmonies like the sing-along tracks "Fall In" and "Stay Useless" which will have you chiming in within seconds. The three minute rock out instrumental "Separation" is also an exciting turn and new trick for the group while the almost nine minute "Wasted Days" is a riff rhythmic piece of art that doesn't even sound like the same band in every good way possible.

Attack On Memory will easily be the bar from which Cloud Nothings will be now measured as it is a rock thrill ride from beginning to end. Baldi admittedly wanted something that he could expand on during the live show and every track on here will not only allow for such manipulation but after hearing this record I believe that you will expect it!

Key Tracks: "Cut You", "Fall In", "Separation"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Drive Like Jehu
The Men
Sunny Day Real Estate

Cloud Nothings: Cloud Nothings [Fire Note Review 1/24/11]

Cloud Nothings Facebook
Carpark Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Bhi Bhiman: BHIMAN

Bhi Bhiman
BHIMAN
BooCoo Music [2012]









Fire Note Says: Bhi Bhiman gives you an honest record that will win you over with his voice alone.

Album Review:
Bhi Bhiman (pronounced "Bee Bee-men") has already been labeled The Sri Lankan Woody Guthrie which should give you some indication of what his new record BHIMAN sounds like as he moves through different genres such as soul, country and West African-influenced folk. Bhiman's unique floating pitched vocal is the first thing that will catch your ear on the opening track "Guttersnipe" which brings you into the story of a railroad hobo and secures your attention for the duration of the album.

The rest of BHIMAN relies primarily on Bhiman's vocals, guitar and stories while giving both up tempo foot tappers like the minute long instrumental "Mexican Wine", blues pickers such as "Kimchee Line" and the intense "The Cookbook".

Bhi Bhiman is a talented artist that if given the right spotlight could easily pick up a bigger following. BHIMAN does suffer a little bit from a lack of track-to-track cohesiveness but Bhiman's engaging vocals make up for that issue on most songs and ultimately leave the listener with a good feeling that will make them reach for the repeat button upon the album's conclusion!

Key Tracks: "Guttersnipe", "Cookbook", "Crime Of Passion"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Israel Nash Gripka
Bill Withers
John Prine

Bhi Bhiman Website
Bhi Bhiman Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Craig Finn: Clear Heart Full Eyes

Craig Finn
Clear Heart Full Eyes
Vagrant Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Solo debut from The Hold Steady frontman has its moments.

Album Review:
Craig Finn has released a good number of albums with Lifter Puller and The Hold Steady but Clear Heart Full Eyes represents his debut solo record. Like any other frontman spreading his wings, Clear Heart Full Eyes changes up things a bit from his normal routine and definitely gives you a honest and transparent look at Finn.

One change for Craig on this record was his travel to Austin, Texas to record with producer Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Heartless Bastards) which not only helped remove all his familiar surroundings but McCarthy also supplied the backing musicians. This new approach embraced the more laid back guitar and vocal focus on Clear Heart Full Eyes, while also giving the record a very Americana undertone. This vibe comes through loud and clear on the folk-jangly "New Friend Jesus" and the standout pedal steel on "Western Pier".

Most of the album keeps a mid-tempo pace on its tracks but noticeably finds Finn examining being alone, displacement, religion and living outside your comfort zone. This true emotion comes through on tracks like "Rented Room" when Finn sings "I know I should be getting over you, certain things are really hard to do when you're living in a rented room", or on "No Future" when he claims his best advice came from Johnny Rotten when he said "God Save The Queen - no future for you - no future for me.

Craig Finn has released a good record here that grows on you with each spin but will struggle to make a long-lasting impression. I believe Hold Steady fans will still like this record but the songs are not always memorable which ultimately holds Clear Heart Full Eyes back from being stellar.

Key Tracks: "No Future", "Terrified Eyes", "Rented Room"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Elvis Costello
Bob Mould
Jenny Lewis

The Hold Steady: Heaven Is Whenever [Fire Note Review 5/4/10]
The Hold Steady: A Positive Rage [Fire Note Review 4/13/09]
The Hold Steady: Stay Positive [Fire Note Review 7/17/08] [#13 Top 50 2008]
The Hold Steady: Boys And Girls In America [Fire Note Review 10/3/06] [#2 Top 25 2006]

Craig Finn Website
Craig Finn Facebook
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Ani DiFranco: ¿Which Side Are You On?

Ani DiFranco
¿Which Side Are You On?
Righteous Babe Records [2012]

Fire Note Says: First studio album in more than three years finds Ani DiFranco still as relevant as ever.

Album Review:
On Ani DiFranco's 17th album, ¿Which Side Are You On?, balance, as she sings repeatedly on the the fourth track "Splinter", seems to be the lens through which she recorded this record. Amidst the reworked and raucously political title track that was once popularized by Pete Seeger in the sixties and songs like "Amendment" are beautiful and intimately lyrical melodies like the "Albacore" and "Hearse", the later reinforcing the theme of balance with the honestly sung lyric "there is nothing like dancing our dance of give and take".

Fans of Ani's work are familiar with songs as rally cries for justice and human rights, however, tracks like the aforementioned "Amendment" highlight the natural progression of politics for women as our passions become fueled by our perspectives as partners, mothers and sisters in arms. The song which tackles everything from the ERA, to abortion, to the culture of birth in our society boasts the lyric "our family is so big and we're all so very small, let a web of relationship be laid over it all" this perhaps being Ani's reaffirmation that "it takes a village".

While ¿Which Side Are You On? is a solid offering from the Righteous Babe herself it remains to be seen how many new fans are drawn in by this record. As a fan of Ani D's since the early 90's, this album continues in the same vein of calling on us to be better human beings with her easily recognizable voice and well known guitar chords. So, just as she brings us out on "Splinter" - "here's to staying connected to everything"!

Key Tracks: "Splinter", "Amendment", "Hearse"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Joanna Newsom
Billy Bragg
Anaïs Mitchell

Ani DiFranco: Red Letter Year [Fire Note Review 9/29/08]

Ani DiFranco Website
Ani DiFranco Facebook
Righteous Babe Records

-Reviewed by Michelle Moore

Nada Surf: The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy

Nada Surf
The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy
Barsuk Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: A big sprawling return of an album from Nada Surf that is full of hooks, guitars and energy!

Album Review:
As Matthew Caws sings the line “This new peace - I can feel it now,” in "Waiting For Something" on Nada Surf's sixth full length The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy, it highlights that Nada Surf have returned with one of their most inspired and bright albums to date. The record brings all of the soaring hooks and melodies that fans have come to expect from the veteran indie band but on The Stars, the intensity has definitely been turned up.

This is the groups first album of new material in almost four years (If I Had A Hi-Fi [2010] was a covers album) and the approach for recording was play it faster and a little harder like the band performs live while utilizing all of their "new song" energy. The result under the guidance of producer Chris Shaw (Wilco, Bob Dylan, Super Furry Animals) is a record that comes at you with guitars and hooks blazing like the new memorable rockers "Looking Through" and "Waiting For Something".

Speaking of guitars, Nada Surf also expanded their trio for the recording process with the talented axe-man Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices, Bambi Kino, Death Of Samantha) whom Caws met several years ago. Gillard played on If I Had Hi-Fi and toured with the group which made him a natural to add his skilled guitar solos to Stars which are a bright spot on every track.

The combining of Nada Surf's focus with their high spirits makes Stars one of the most optimistic records the band has released which showcases a group that is at total peace with their indie rock status. It absolutely doesnt matter if the band is reflecting back on a track like "When I Was Young" or looking outward during "The Moon Is Calling", Nada Surf sound great doing it. The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy is an album that grows and gets better after every spin because once Nada Surf hook you here - they really hook you - which is all the feedback longtime fans really wanted to hear in the first place!

Key Tracks: "Waiting For Something", "Jules And Jim", "Looking Through"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Big Star
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Death Cab For Cutie

Nada Surf: If I Had A Hi-Fi [Fire Note Review 4/28/10]
Nada Surf: Vinyl Box Set 1994-2008 [Fire Note Review 12/8/08]
Nada Surf: Lucky [Fire Note Review 2/6/08]

Nada Surf Website
Nada Surf Facebook
Barsuk Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Cardinal: Hymns

Cardinal
Hymns
Fire Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Richard Davies and Eric Matthews reunite 18 years later for Cardinal's sophomore album Hymns.

Album Review:
18 years is a long time to wait for a sophomore outing but that is exactly the case from Richard Davies and Eric Matthews early band Cardinal. Since that time both guys have had a nice music career as Matthews has released six albums and two critically hailed on Sub Pop while Davies of The Moles fame had his own success on independents Flydaddy and Kindercore as well as working with Robert Pollard on the Cosmos collaboration.

Hymns is an interesting listen because you just have no idea what to expect going in with so much time in-between albums and considering the fact that the musical climate is ever moving. The biggest surprise here is that not much has changed at all from the self-titled debut as both Davies and Matthews personality rings through here and if you enjoyed them before you will enjoy Cardinal again.

Matthews' has always been known for his brass support in his compositions which surface again here on excellent tracks like "Carbolic Smoke Bell" and "Kal", while his soft chamber pop vocal flourishes on "Her". The contrast of course happens when Davies takes the lead as his more straightforward rock voice, with some small vocal effects, gives off a different vibe and provides the album some likable diversity.

Regardless of their evolved different styles over the years, both artists work well together again as if Cardinal never took a break. Hymns has plenty of winners if given repeat plays as the piano driven ballad "General Hospital" is solid while "Love Like Rain" is an upbeat power pop rocker that is worth hearing again.

Hymns does suffer a little from never blowing you away immediately and because of so much time in-between releases, Cardinal may not get all the attention they deserve nor pull in too many new fans. It is an album that is a good listen, especially if you were fan back in 1994, and because of the talented Matthews and Davies we can only hope another record will develop out of this reunited collaboration because it would have the potential to be stellar!

Key Tracks: "Her", "Carbolic Smoke Ball", "Love Like Rain"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Clientele
Cosmos
The Divine Comedy

Cosmos: Jar Of Jam Ton Of Bricks [Fire Note Review 6/5/09]

Eric Matthews Website
Richard Davies Facebook
Fire Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Wussy: Strawberry

Wussy
Strawberry
Shake It Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Do you remember what indie rock sounds like? Wussy do!

Album Review:
Former Ass Pony Chuck Cleaver and his partner in crime, songwriter/co-vocalist Lisa Walker are back with Wussy's fourth album Strawberry. It is another infectious batch of 11 songs that alternate the lead vocals between Cleaver and Walker while the rest of the band backs up each singer with a note for note perfection.

You might think that with age Wussy would mellow but Strawberry is the proof that their style of jangly indie rock is timeless as the group sounds just as fresh here as they did on their debut back in 2005. Strawberry succeeds most because the band keeps pushing as "Pulverized" is one of the most rocked up tracks the band has released, while songs like "Chicken" and "Magnolia" are prime examples of how Walker's vocal range continues to expand.

This winning connection continues throughout the record right down to the excellent six minute closer "Little Miami" that finds a completely new emotional chord from a band that is already great and leaves you easily wanting more!

Key Tracks: "Grand Champion Steer", "Pulverized", "Little Miami"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Heartless Bastards
R.E.M.
Superchunk

Wussy: Wussy [Fire Note Review 5/7/09]
Wussy: Rigor Mortis [EP] [Fire Note Review 10/17/08]
Wussy: Left For Dead [Fire Note Review 10/25/07]

Wussy Website
Wussy Facebook
Shake It Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Guided By Voices: Chocolate Boy 7"

Guided By Voices
Chocolate Boy 7"
Guided By Voices Inc. Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Add it to your collection now before they are all gone!

Single Review:
If you have been keeping up on the exciting return of the "classic lineup" Guided By Voices then the Chocolate Boy 7" is a must for your collection. Assuming that you have heard the excellent full length, Let's Go Eat The Factory, then you already know how catchy the single is so the strength of this 7" only increases by the non-album Tobin Sprout b-side tune “As The Girls Sing Downing.”

The track is an up tempo pop foot tapper that puts Sprout's soft vocals out front and builds right up to the end with the repeated chorus and ending harmony. The song of course is just over 2 minutes long so in GBV terms - it is perfect!

Not only is the music great here but this 7" will turn out to be one for the collectors, as it is a cool chocolate brown color and has a whopping 70 gram weight. The song says that "the summer made a chocolate boy no more" but I will tell you that the quality of this wax is superb, could survive the elements and should be on your short list to pick up now if you are a fan!

Guided By Voices: Let's Go Eat The Factory [Fire Note Review 12/9/11]
Guided By Voices: Live In Daytron ?6˚ [Fire Note Review 1/10/11]
Guided By Voices: Suitcase 3 (Up We Go Now) [Fire Note Review 11/2/09]
Guided By Voices: Live From Austin TX: Austin City Limits [Fire Note Review 7/5/07]

Guided By Voices Website
Guided By Voices Facebook
Guided By Voices Inc.

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Big Pink: Future This

The Big Pink
Future This
4AD Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Sophomore outing from The Big Pink has its moments but doesn't rival their exciting debut.

Album Review:
Trying to follow up a stellar debut is something that every successful new band struggles with and more times than not - the group misses the mark. I believe you can add London's The Big Pink to the list as their sophomore album, Future This, finds the group bringing back the same sonic approach with guitar, melody and concise song structures but with a slouching confidence.

This does not mean that The Big Pink can't come at you with huge choruses as the one-two punch of "Stay Gold" and "Hit The Ground (Superman)" play well loud and remind you of why you liked the group back in 2009. Neither come close to the memorable "Dominoes" but they go down the right path.

"Give It Up" starts the stretching, as it plays a bit tired and finds its mid-tempo feeling like retread while the next couple tracks follow suit. "Rubbernecking" shines back strong as it bounces along but may come off a bit too playful for its own good to some while "Jump Music" does try out some new sonic tricks but never totally grabs your attention.

For all the almost great ideas on Future This, The Big Pink absolutely still don't fall flat here with its strong enough singles to keep fans interested and a stellar and surprising ballad in the closer "77". This song instantly restores all faith in The Big Pink's talent and quite honestly will push you to give Future This another spin.

Key Tracks: "Hit The Ground (Superman)", "Stay Gold", "77"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Echo & The Bunnymen
M83
Depeche Mode

The Big Pink: A Brief History Of Love [Fire Note Review 9/30/09] [#34 Top 50 2009]

The Big Pink Website
The Big Pink Facebook
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels: Paint The Town EP

David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels
Paint The Town EP
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: David Newton returns to the music scene with his solid and melodic bursting Paint The Town EP!

Album Review:
If you really know your music than I expect that you might already know David Newton as the guitarist in the Wolverhampton, England band The Mighty Lemon Drops. Their heyday was in the late eighties, early nineties before they broke up as David then played briefly with The Blue Aeroplanes.

Catching up, Newton has been located in Los Angeles since 1995 and converted his garage into a recording studio where he has produced and engineered countless records that include The Little Ones, The Henry Clay People and The Soft Pack to just name a few.

Paint The Town is actually Newton's first solo work and to no surprise was self-produced, performed and recorded in California over the last year. What I like about the Paint The Town EP is that David embraces the sound he knows well and cranks out 5 tracks of modern melodic pop that build on the post-punk he did so well with The Mighty Lemon Drops.

All five songs are big and bursting with memorable choruses that instantly engage the listener and will have you singing along with ease. Paint The Town is a solid 15 minutes of everything going right for David Newton and showcases his veteran status that is entrenched with the current musical scene. Newton is planning a full length album here in 2012 and based on the strength of this outing - we can't wait to hear it!

Key Tracks: "Paint The Town", "Bittersweet", "My First Band"

Bands With Similar Fire:
John P. Strohm
Mike Viola
Tommy Keene

David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels Website
David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony