Sun Kil Moon: Among The Leaves

Sun Kil Moon
Among The Leaves
Caldo Verde Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Fifth studio album Among The Leaves is some of Sun Kil Moon's most relaxed work yet.

Album Review:
Getting old sucks and what better perspective to get that info from than Mark Kozelek's Sun Kil Moon vehicle. Right in the beginning of "Sunshine In Chicago" Kozelek reminisces about all the gorgeous girls that used to see him in his Red House Painters days which have now been replaced with dudes in tennis shoes. This second track sets the tone for his fifth studio album Among The Leaves as it is an album that does not necessarily complain about life nor is as much of a downer as several of Kozelek's previous albums but is more of an observation and dare to say it - a more lighthearted viewing of everyday trials.

This smirking at the world comes at the listener during several tracks like "Track Number 8" (which is actually track 11) that discusses the troubles of songwriting while "That Bird Has A Broken Wing" runs through a litany of problems of an ageing musician over the simple repetitive strumming in just over 2 minutes. These songs are highlights on some of the special qualities that Among The Leaves possess such as Kozelek's ability to still write songs in the 2 and 3 minute range compared to the more 6 and 7 minute songs found on both Admiral Fell Promises [2010] and April [2008]. The record also is played almost entirely on nylon string guitar which gives the album a very intimate vibe.

Sun Kil Moon is at its strongest with this more hush and intimate setting while Among The Leaves finds Kozelek in a very relaxed mode. At an hour and 13 minutes running over 17 tracks there is much to take in on Among The Leaves. This can be a good thing as the music really starts to sink in and lets your mind wander but still maybe some more editing would have enhanced the record. The other thing that is very obvious on Among The Leaves is that I don't think Mark Kozelek cares about what others think this time out. This allows him to be laid back and just sing. With just those two components Among The Leaves is another solid Sun Kil Moon outing and will please longtime fans right till the strumming end!

Key Tracks: "Among The Leaves", "Sunshine In Chicago", "Elaine"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Nick Drake
Neil Young
Elliott Smith

Mark Kozelek: Live At Union Chapel & Sodra Teatern [Fire Note Review 6/16/11]
Sun Kil Moon: Admiral Fell Promises [Fire Note Review 7/14/10]
Mark Kozelek: Lost Verses Live [Fire Note Review 5/27/09]
Sun Kil Moon: April [Fire Note Review 4/18/08]

Sun Kil Moon Website
Caldo Verde Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Pantera: Vulgar Display Of Power [20th Anniversay Edition]

Pantera
Vulgar Display Of Power [20th Anniversary Edition]
ATCO/Rhino Records [2012]
(1 CD/1 DVD Set)








Fire Note Says: Make sure all of your valuables are secure before you unleash this metal classic again!

Album Review:
Pantera's Vulgar Display Of Power released in 1992 and if you remember the moment Grunge was commercial radio's new best friend and anything metal slid to the underground so I am not sure at the time anyone would have predicted the influence that this record would have over its next 20 years. The sheer visceral attack of opening track "Mouth For War" gave everyone who listened an immediate notice that Pantera not only didn't care about current music trends but wanted to shatter speakers across the land.

What happened on Vulgar Display Of Power was and is still quite unique. The record has a perfect balance with lead singer Phil Anselmo giving a stellar strong hardcore performance that forgoes most of his previous "singing" into a very direct and authoritative command presence that combined with thundering guitar riffs and concrete rhythms totally suck you into the madness. I will fully admit that Vulgar Display Of Power was and is not my typical listening selection but its cohesive strength demands everyone's attention. Honestly even if Pantera is not even close to your taste I guarantee you can find a musical respect for how tight this album is and, like its cover suggests, a real punch to the face.

The new 20th Anniversary Edition finds the album remastered and contains the newly uncovered  track "Piss" that apparently was the only complete track from the sessions that did not make the record. Pantera fans will recognize the riff from "Piss" as it showed back up on their next record Far From Driven [1994] in "Use My Third Arm". In addition to the CD this new edition includes a DVD which contains unreleased live video of six songs from their 1992 Monsters of Rock performance in Italy and three music videos for "Mouth For War", "Walk", and "This Love". The extras are nice for fans and great from a collectors aspect but just having a remastered copy of this album is worth the revisit.

To this date Vulgar Display Of Power consistently gets accolades for being one the best metal records of all time. It doesn't even matter what the category is because Pantera brought such a perfect blend of guitar, vocals and strength that it undeniably shakes whatever system it plays on. Sure, Pantera will never be for everyone but Vulgar Display Of Power is one of those records to simply hear if you are giving a lesson - and that really says it all!

Key Tracks: "Walk", "Piss", "Mouth For War"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tool
Helmet
Korn

Pantera: Cowboys From Hell [20th Anniversary Edition] [Fire Note Review 9/9/10]

Pantera Website
Pantera Facebook
Rhino Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: Here

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Here
Vagrant Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Here has its moments but does not surpass Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros's debut.

Album Review:
I am not sure everyone believed the authenticity behind Edward Sharpe's debut Up From Below [2009] as lead singer Alex Ebert was from a much different electro punk band Ima Robot and some even thought the 11 piece collective was a bit contrived with their 60's and 70's spirited output. I never disbelieved in the record and the single "Home", with stand out vocalist Jade Castrinos, is still a catchy favorite. Now fast forward 3 years and Edward Sharpe is back with his Magnetic Zeros delivering another round of folk rock that if anything should put to rest the authentic question as Here dives even deeper into the classic sounding roots folk genre.

The opening track "Man On Fire" is actually a very expected sounding song as it slowly builds on a hush Ebert's vocal until the chorus picks up and features the band chiming in for several hand clapping moments that represents their own folk church. "That's Whats Up" continues this 70's commune vibe as it brings back Castrinos's vocals to the forefront and possesses an upbeat tempo that is easy to stomp your feet and whistle right along with the group. From this point is where Here starts down a more calm and simple tone. This is not necessarily a bad thing as "Dear Believer" is a perfect track for a lazy Sunday but the overall tranquility actually loses a little of warmth and depth that made certain aspects of Up From Below shine.

Overall, if you were a fan of Edward Sharpe's debut then Here will be an entertaining listen. The album starts off much stronger than it finishes and I don't believe the singles have a great staying power. With that said, Here is a record that will play nicely in the background and honestly holds up better as a complete package than its individual tracks. I also think that Here is a sophomore record that maybe didn't get everything right and struggles to surpass its debut but still is a solid statement that Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are no gimmick and it just might be the catalyst the collective needs for something special next time out.

Key Tracks: "That's Whats Up", "Dear Believer", "Man On Fire"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Plants And Animals
The Mamas And The Papas
Portugal. The Man

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: Up From Below [Fire Note Review 7/31/09]

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Website
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Facebook
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

King Tuff: King Tuff

King Tuff
King Tuff
Sub Pop Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: King Tuff expands their rock n roll resume on the solid self-titled sophomore record.

Album Review:
I think it goes without saying that sometimes I really like odd music. Not in the sense that it is crazy or  freaky if you would hear it but just that you might scratch your head and think to yourself "I don't get it". King Tuff is one of those records that might fall into the above mentioned category as it is the creative moniker from Kyle Thomas who was the frontman in stoner rock band Witch with J. Mascis and in the freak folk band Feathers.

Now King Tuff is a completely different outfit with its own unique sound that some are already familiar with as this self-titled Sub Pop debut is actually their sophomore album. It is a carefree rock n roll album that has elements of lo-fi, punk and garage all wrapped into its satisfying 40 minute running time. What makes this record worth checking out is that Thomas does change up some things from the 100% high energy of his Was Dead [2008] debut. This might scare some longtime fans but I hear King Tuff as a more focused progression than just this is what Kyle Thomas is doing next. This new approach is highlighted on the ballad "Swamp Of Love". That is right - a ballad from King Tuff which shows a completely different side of Thomas as an artist as he croons over a subtle piano before the song builds into a true sing along and album highlight. "Stranger" even finds King Tuff putting out a little Southern rockabilly onto his resume that totally works.

Everything from the album cover, the somewhat nasally delivery of Thomas to the furious two weeks of recording in Detroit , King Tuff screams caution but it only takes one listen to the bigger rock sound of "Bad Thing" to hook you with its simple sincerity. Upon conclusion, King Tuff also will have you hitting repeat before you realize you did it. That is always how I know I connect with a record regardless of its obscurity or weirdness and King Tuff meets all the criteria for a great listen!

Key Tracks: "Bad Thing", "Swamp Of Love", "Stranger"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Hunx
Bad Sports
Jay Reatard

King Tuff Website
King Tuff Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Walkmen: Heaven

The Walkmen
Heaven
Fat Possum Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: The Walkmen release another stellar album with the graceful Heaven!

Album Review:
One could say that The Walkmen have hit their stride but I believe this top end streak started about 4 years ago and has never halted evidenced by the excellent You & Me [2008], Libson [2010] and now the newly released six studio full length Heaven. It does not really feel like it but The Walkmen have now been in existence for 10 years and that veteran status has never felt stronger than on Heaven's 47 minutes.

The record is a patient listen as many songs evolve and build but all of them contain an important swagger that not only keeps your interest but makes you want to come right back. Right from the opening track "We Can't Be Beat" you get a full two minutes of singer Hamilton Leithauser simply singing the lines over a quiet accompaniment before the band starts to harmonize which also includes Robin Peckinfold (Fleet Foxes) in the mix. The song effortlessly marches till the end and sets you up for the swaying next track "Love Is Luck" which possesses some of the more vocal outbursts from Leithauser that has always been an endearing staple for the band.

Heaven's "its not a sprint but a marathon" attitude can be attributed to producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Band Of Horses, Sea Wolf) as its overall sound mirrors his successful ventures and the band admittedly trusted him to try new things. The very silent "Southern Heart" is one of those tracks that just features Hamilton telling its story and as the song just falls off at the end he politely sings "Tell me again how you loved all the men you were after". The following track "Line By Line" finds Leithauser once again hovering his vocals over a guitar line which shows off a new vulnerability to the band that has not necessarily been explored.

Now before you start to think that Heaven is more of a slow burn there are plenty of tracks on here that represent The Walkmen's old style such as the upbeat foot tapper "Heartbreaker" and the upbeat single "Heaven". Both of these tracks are highlights and both still have a confident sparkle to them that will be familiar to long time followers even though it does not have the reckless abandon vibe that filled their earlier records. For The Walkmen this was never bad thing but on Heaven you can hear their evolvement and can respect their current place because it is nothing but quality. This quality is what makes Heaven so dynamic and it really does not matter if it is a new avenue or old tricks The Walkmen have once again released a record that will earn some attention at the end of year and play masterfully way past 2012!

Key Tracks: "Heartbreaker", "Heaven", "Southern Heart"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fleet Foxes
Okkervil River
Arcade Fire

The Walkmen: Libson [Fire Note Review 9/20/10]
The Walkmen: You & Me [Fire Note Review 8/25/08]

The Walkmen Website
The Walkmen Facebook
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Archie Powell & The Exports: Great Ideas In Action

Archie Powell & The Exports
Great Ideas In Action
Good Land Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Archie Powell & The Exports perfect their good time rock out on sophomore outing Great Ideas In Action!

Album Review:
Sometimes it is best to not change a thing when you have a winning formula and that is exactly the way I feel about the sophomore outing from Chicago's Archie Powell & The Exports titled Great Ideas In Action. In fact, the band expands on their catchy rock formula found on Skip Work [2010] and comes at you with another batch of modern day Elvis Costello that is tighter, even more focused and perfects their verse chorus verse approach.

What I like about Great Ideas In Action is that the songs never candy coat anything and easily resonate with the listeners as first song "Metronome" captures this with the line "Life is a bitch for me and for all the folks you know". The storming rocker "Crazy Pills" speaks to the dangers of going down the drug path while "Job Fair" seems to be a timely track about how tough the job market is right now even if you have a four year degree. The key here is that even though the subject matter may not paint the prettiest picture of the everyday grind, Archie Powell & The Exports make it feel 110% times better with their peppy tempos and memorable lines.

Great Ideas In Action is a fairly straightforward old school power pop rock album but there are plenty of songs that keep the formula interesting like the quick sinister vocal delivery switch in "Bend Over Backwards" that makes it memorable and an album highlight while the slower hum along "You Might Be Cruel (Or I Might Be Dumb)" showcases Powell's likable vocal tone.  The entire record has an undertone of urgency to it that drives Great Ideas In Action right to the top as the band comes off confident, carefree and dedicated to rocking out whomever is listening. Personally this is a record I easily gravitate towards and if you are looking for a quality album that just gets better with each spin do yourself a favor and discover Archie Powell & The Exports now starting with Great Ideas In Action - you won't be sorry!

Key Tracks: "Bend Over Backwards", "Crazy Pills", "Sticky Buttons"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Replacements
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Weezer

Archie Powell & The Exports: Skip Work [Fire Note Review 10/18/10] [#35 Top 50 2010]

Archie Powell & The Exports Website
Archie Powell & The Exports Facebook
Good Land Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Happy Memorial Day

The Fire Note is off today for the holiday and would like to say thank you to all veterans and all those currently serving. Check back tomorrow for new album reviews and have a great Memorial Day!

Cleaners From Venus: Reissues

Cleaners From Venus
Reissues
Captured Tracks Records [2012]

Fire Note Says: Lo-fi tales of Swinging London from 80’s cult legends Cleaners from Venus!

Album Review:

The Cleaners from Venus are a pioneering lo-fi recording project featuring the talents of Martin Newell and Lol Elliott on the first three albums, issued here by Captured Tracks for the very first time on cd and vinyl.  The three albums presented here, Blow Away Your Troubles, On Any Normal Monday, and Midnight Cleaners, were originally recorded at home and distributed by cassette only and thru mail order, totally bypassing the music industry machine completely. The production values are actually better than what often was classified as lo-fi in the 90’s. Occasionally the drum sound is a bit thuddy, but the arrangements are clean, the vocals are clear and the guitars ring and chime throughout.

Blow Away Your Troubles, the first Cleaners from Venus lp, is 22 tracks of good old fashioned brit-pop, reminiscent of the Kinks. Opening track “Swinging London”, sets the tone for the entire album. It’s upbeat, the melodies are sunny, it’s catchy and you immediately want to hear it again. "Winter in the Country" sounds like an unreleased demo from one of the early great Joe Jackson records. Main songwriter and vocalist Martin Newell seems to have emerged from out of nowhere, with his skills fully formed. The mood of the album veers from sunny to offbeat, to amusing, to experimental, and back again. This is a solid start to an eccentric and interesting career for the Cleaners.

On Any Normal Monday tightens things up. The production is sharper, the lyrics are more biting, the hooks are stronger, and it’s more concise and overall more fully developed at a mere eleven songs.  This isn’t to say that the band isn’t experimental; they play with dub rhythms on several tracks, slowing things down a bit. This works surprisingly well, and helps to give the album a solid pacing. In that sense it reminds me a little of the early Bad Brains stuff, where they would mix in reggae songs in between their blistering hardcore songs to mix it up. That’s exactly what Cleaners from Venus are doing here, mixing it up, pacing the album so that it’s not just 11 perfect pop songs, it’s still a bit fractured, and quite interesting. “Night Starvation”,” Marilyn on a Train”, and “Be an Idiot Popstar” are the highlights from this album.

On their third album, Midnight Cleaners, the band decides to open up with a weird 2 minute electronic instrumental, and my first thought was, something has gone wrong here…are they trying to be a lo-fi Kraftwerk? The second track, “Time in Vain”, is pure Cleaners from Venus pop goodness, but they quickly turn down the rabbit hole again.  This is their most eclectic of the first three albums by far, they throw in everything but the kitchen sink. It doesn’t all work, unfortunately with only 9 songs, it’s tough to say this one has a high hit to miss ratio. It’s an interesting listen, but it’s the album I listened to the least. The highs are very high, and the lows are at least interesting. Think of it as a British Captain Beefheart or Zappa record and it works a little better. I tend to prefer their straight ahead pop stuff, and for me, Midnight Cleaners is a little light on what I like.

Overall, this is a really great reissue from Captured Tracks, and a truly important historical document of this cult band. Cleaners from Venus have several more cassette only releases, here’s hoping we get another collection soon!

Key Tracks: "Night Starvation", "Swinging London", "Marilyn On A Train", "Be An Idiot Popstar"

Bands With Similar Fire:

Guided By Voices

XTC

Frank Zappa

Captured Tracks Records

-Reviewed by Kevin Poindexter

Joey Ramone: ...Ya Know?

Joey Ramone
...Ya Know?
BMG Rights Mgt. [2012]









 Fire Note Says: ...Ya Know? will remind you of how much the scene misses Joey Ramone.

Album Review:
First thing to be said about the second posthumous solo record from Joey Ramone is that I just didn't have the heart to rate it lower. Could I have? Yes. Why didn't I? Well probably out of respect and the fact that it is great to hear his voice again plus clearly Joey had no input on the final product.

The tracks on ...Ya Know? were gathered from a cache of demos and unreleased recordings that Joey had recorded during the last decade and half of his life. They songs  received a major sonic upgrade from the production room as well as help from Joan Jett, Little Steven, former Ramones drummer Richie Ramone, Bun Carlos (Cheap Trick) and Dennis Dikien (Smithereens) to just name a few. All of these adds make ...Ya Know? worthy of a listen as you get complete songs but as you might suspect the lyrics here are very simple. Remember these tracks were incomplete to start out with.

Not all of the songs come and go here unnoticed as "Going Nowhere Fast" is more rock than punk and "Waiting For That Railroad" has a surprising sentimental get your lighter out type vibe going on. It are these tracks that are very un-Ramone like that work in the traditional sense of solo album expectations. The reworkings of Ramones classics such as "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)" and "Life's A Gas" also will keep fans entertained.

I think if you want to hear Joey's voice again then checking out ...Ya Know? is worth every minute. Is it a record that you are going to keep going back to? Probably not because it understandably lacks a bit of personality. I am not sure how much of Joey Ramone's material could be left after this so ...Ya Know? could be your last chance to hear the punk master - that alone makes the album something to seek out.

Key Tracks: "Going Nowhere Fast", "Cabin Fever", "Waiting For That Railroad"

Joey Ramone Website
BMG Rights Mgt.

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Cory Branan: Mutt

Cory Branan
Mutt
Bloodshot Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Mutt is made up of all different styles but solidly driven by one Cory Branan.

Album Review:
Mutt seems to be a fitting title for Cory Branan's new LP and debut for Bloodshot Records. It is a record with an Americana spirit and a punk soul but travels down several different musical avenues and is a true mixed genre bag that makes pinning down its style a little difficult.

The album kicks off with the attention grabbing "The Corner" which is a solid acoustic number that you might think sets the tone until the rocked out "Survivor Blues" paints you a completely different picture as Branan's gruff snarl gets Mutt hoping right into the upbeat "Badman". Now you think you are on Branan's game but then the graceful "Darken My Door" takes over your speakers. Its slower tempo shines with a glowing lap steel and female backing vocals which makes it one of the best tracks on the record. Once again you think you know what is next until the more Tom Waits like tracks "Lil Heartbreaker" and "Snowman" come at you back to back.

The end result of Mutt's multiple style changes may hurt the albums overall cohesiveness but Cory Branan's confidence in each track keeps the album entertaining and its songs memorable. Regardless of style, Branan is a talent that seems to on the move up and clearly with more exposure Mutt will not be the last we hear from this under the radar veteran!


Key Tracks: "Survivor Blues", "Darken My Door", "The Corner"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Chuck Ragan
Drag The River
Patterson Hood

Cory Branan Website
Cory Branan Facebook
Bloodshot Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Downtown Struts: Victoria!

The Downtown Struts

Victoria!

Pirates Press Records [2012]

Fire Note Says: The melodic punk rock from The Downtown Struts never gets old.

Album Review:
I have always had a liking for some melodic punk rock so it really did not take very long for me to get into the debut record from Chicago's Downtown Struts with their dual vocals, soaring harmonies and 33 minute energized punk on Victoria!. The band truly gives it their all on these 10 upbeat sing along tracks.

The Downtown Struts immediatly grab your attention on Victoria! with the constant back n forth lead singers that give each track a bit more intensity and depth to these straightforward tracks. The style, delivery, and approach make for an entertaining listen that immediatly wants you back as there is not a track on here that won't get your foot tapping and reaching to turn up the volume. The only real critique I have of Victoria! is that several of the songs sound very similar and The Downtown Struts would have been better off to sprinkle in a bit more diviersity.

With that said, there are plenty of shining punk moments on Victoria! that make it notches above the rest like the pulsing bass line that runs through "Postcards". The building intensity on "Tim" makes it a highlight while the band has a very Gaslight Anthem/Springsteen moment on the heartfelt "Rocca Ave.". I still don't think the mainstream is ready to let this style of music back to the masses but The Downtown Struts have put together the right kind of album if it was possible. Victoria! not only holds up to repeat listens but is a refreshing listen to know that this style of punk is still alive and strong.

Key Tracks: "Postcards", "Tim", "Anchors"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Millencolin

Broadway Calls
Face To Face

The Downtown Struts Website

The Downtown Struts Facebook

Pirates Press Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Todd Tobias: Medicine Show

Todd Tobias
Medicine Show
Hidden Shoal Recordings [2012]









Fire Note Says: Todd Tobias unleashes a batch of instrumental soundscapes on his intriguing debut Medicine Show.

Album Review:
Welcome into the world of music manipulator, producer and long-time Robert Pollard collaborator Todd Tobias. Medicine Show is his solo debut of 16 instrumental tracks that will be very familiar and exciting to all the Circus Devils fans out there, perplexing to non-believers and absolutely intriguing for everyone else that gives this record a chance.

Right from the beginning you should understand that the instrumental offerings on Medicine Show are not perfect for date night or just hanging out by the fire but work better when you turn them up, drink some beer and simply absorb all of their odd and spectacular nuances. Circus Devils fans will easily recognize the territory on Medicine Show but it is interesting how these songs take a different life of their own without the driving force of Pollard's vocals delivering them. The album is a true testament to the individual talent of Tobias as it puts his skill sets on full display.

Medicine Show has the vibe of an intense book that you can't put down and contains new surprises around every corner. There are spaced out tracks like "Manatoc Is Born" which float along like a piece out of Close Encounters until the almost scary animal like noises abruptly interrupt the flow giving it one of the more unique listens on the record. The heavy beat clap along rhythm in "The Children Follow" is instantly addicting and will have you penning your own lyrics to the catchy track while the short stand up tall march of "Asmodaeus And The Unlucky Traveler" will quickly make you take notice. These little pieces keep Medicine Show vibrant while other songs such as the rocking "Clubfoot's Return" posses an intensity that shake your speakers.

Clearly, Medicine Show is not your typical instrumental record as Todd Tobias presents a solid piece of work that relies heavily on a cool murky groove, has plenty of time and space manipulation and builds a new age sound for a different generation. If you want original - Medicine Show is for you; if you want an instrumental record to crank next time you shoot some pool - Medicine Show is for you; if you dig the Circus Devils - Medicine Show is for you too; if you want an instrumental record to play for your girlfriend - I heard Yanni just released a new live record!

Key Tracks: "The Children Follow", "Manatoc Enters The City / The Long Fall", "Asmodaeus And The Unlucky Traveler"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Captain Beefheart
Angelo Badalamenti
Field Rotation

Circus Devils: CAPSIZED! [Fire Note Review 10/20/11] [#44 Top 50 of 2011]
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]

Todd Tobias Website
Hidden Shoal Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Violens: True

Violens
True
Slumberland Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Violens spin on a classic Dream Pop style make True an entertaining listen.

Album Review:
The Dream Pop genre is alive and well on the sophomore album from New York's Violens. The band blends its hazy guitar and drifting vocals seamlessly making True one very smooth ride. It is a record that provides plenty of sweet layers that gets highlighted in the opening track "Totally True" and on the building intensity during "Sariza Spring".

What makes True stand out a bit from other newer groups with this retro vibe going on is its hidden muscular approach behind its tracks. The surprising heavy guitar and pounding drums that cut though "Every Melting Degree" is unique as the track soars with the floating vocals of singer Jorge Elbrecht. "All Night Low" once again has a charging drum that hits you right away as the track unfolds in just a mere 2:34 running time. The record constantly has an internal struggle of what is out front - instruments vs. vocals. This fight for power and control pushes True in a positive direction because each song holds an intensity that otherwise might be lost in the politeness of the harmonies or soft lyrical delivery.

Violens may not grab you initially but True is a record that works better with multiple listens. It seems like it might be a headphone album at first but its injection of a strong drum presence makes each track here bigger and provides a depth that would be missing without this approach. Violens ultimately wins with the contrast here because by the time you get to the catchy layered closer "So Hard To See" you are ready to hear it all again.

Key Tracks: "Sariza Spring", "Totally True", "So Hard To See"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Ocean Blue
Ride
The Church

Violens Website
Violens Facebook
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Daniel Martin Moore & Joan Shelley: Farthest Field

Daniel Martin Moore & Joan Shelley
Farthest Field
Ol Kentucky Recordings [2012]









Fire Note Says: Moore & Shelley's folk collaboration is one excellent gentle ride through the field (and back)!

Album Review:
There is nothing better then when two artists join forces and create a work that truly shines based on the collaboration. Daniel Martin Moore of Sub Pop Records fame whistled on Shelley's debut and produced her second album. This led to her singing harmonies and playing banjo on Moore's tour and ultimately setting up the foundation for Farthest Field.

The album finds the two Kentucky based artists setting up the perfect day dream here as the 10 stories are about a day of leaving and then the eventual return. It is a record that is best absorbed in one setting as its reserved 30 minutes easily transcends you to another place. Farthest Field barely gets above a hushed vocal as its fragile state is its strength. The minimal vocals keep your ear on every word and its engaging acoustic accompaniment is a perfect match as Moore and Shelley's harmonies steal the show.

Clearly Farthest Field is not an album that you will be cranking with the windows down but it is a perfect record for a lazy Sunday as the duo's music will transport you to their creative landscapes which is what makes the album so memorable. The spot on vocal connection gives Farthest Field its shine and soul as the effortless delivery will keep you coming back. This is one of those albums that sneaks into your shuffle mode and just never leaves because its cohesiveness puts your ears at ease and showcases Daniel Martin Moore and Joan Shelley as grade A storytellers - I am ready for more!

Key Tracks: "First Of August", "Sweetly By", "Cedar & Ash"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Civil Wars
Bon Iver
Vashti Bunyan and Robert Lewis

Daniel Martin Moore: In The Cool Of The Day [Fire Note Review 1/21/11]
Ben Sollee And Daniel Martin Moore: Dear Companion [Fire Note Review 2/18/10]
Daniel Martin Moore: Stray Age [Fire Note Review 10/13/08]

Daniel Martin Moore Website
Joan Shelley Website
Daniel Martin Moore Facebook
Joan Shelley Facebook
Ol Kentucky Recordings

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Garbage: Not Your Kind Of People

Garbage
Not Your Kind Of People
Stunvolume Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: The times have changed but Garbage have not.

Album Review:
It has been 7 years since we heard from Garbage so naturally there is some interest in what they are going to sound like now and do they still have an edge that sets them apart from many of the other 90's alt nation. The band has always been very calculated which I believe is expected with producers Butch Vig and Steve Marker in the band so it should be no surprise that Not Your Kind Of People comes off as so.

First single "Blood For Poppies" actually rekindles their earlier successes with the always strong and confident vocals of Shirley Manson delivering the verses with a snarl until the big guitar heavy hooky chorus kicks in that certainly sticks in your head. It is a track that if embraced by rock radio (whatever that is today) could be a big comeback success. If anything, Not Your Kind Of People highlights how much Garbage have not changed and more mirrors their first two records than their later output. The music is tight, the songs all have a hook and the lyrics are somewhat dark. For fans this is exactly what they will want to hear.

For the new generation out there that has never really experienced Garbage there might not be anything on Not Your Kind Of People that really wows you. What once was more cutting edge in 1995 or 1997 has now been blended, looped and recycled a million times. That doesn't mean that a distorted balled like "Felt" can't work because it absolutely shines but the pop in closing track "Beloved Freak" is a huge misstep along with the big soaring title track ballad.

The more pop moments for Garbage are forgettable here and a bit disappointing because I have full respect for everyone in this band. The album is much better when it hits big like on the power driven "Control" complete with its crazy electronic onslaught attack and distorted vocals near its conclusion. "Battle In Me" is another classic sounding track with its big start-stop riffs and Manson's killer attitude.

Not Your Kind Of People is definitely not a bust and fans will certainly enjoy the record. I can't see too many new followers jumping on board here but if given the chance I bet Garbage could win some of them over. The record has some tracks that I would listen to again loudly but overall the album suffers from a lack of cohesion and substance. Garbage still has released a respectable record with Not Your Kind Of People and for nostalgia sake is an entertaining listen.

Key Tracks: "Blood For Poppies", "Felt", "Battle In Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Lush
Silversun Pickups
Metric

Garbage Website
Garbage Facebook
Stunvolume Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Strungs: Kings Of Kerhonkson

The Strungs
Kings Of Kerhonkson
Tinhorn Planet Music [2011]









Fire Note Says: Looking for some solid indie rock - look no further than The Strungs!

Album Review:
I am not sure why our friends over at Tinhorn Planet waited so long to send us this later 2011 debut full length from The Strungs but all is forgiven after just one spin from this Replacements meets Jay Reatard record as it is a 32 minute fun rocking lo-fi experience. The group features a part-time member of  The Gifted Children and hits you with a concise 18 tracks which always gets right to the point.

This quick attack is what makes The Strungs record so addictive as it has the recklessness of The Replacements while injecting a distinct guitar throughout its running that is right out of the Dinosaur Jr. playbook. You combine those two things with an average 2 minute track time and some Guided By Voices harmonics and you get plenty of lo-fi rock out jams that stick in your head.

Kings Of Kerhonkson is criminally under the radar along with other great Tinhorn Planet releases. I would fully recommend checking this record out even though it is now 6 months old. The Strungs will instantly grab indie listeners with their noisy uptempo rockers that put the guitar out front and then swing in the vocal hooks right behind the sound for a memorable finish. Kings Of Kerhonkson is one of those records that you pick up and it simply just won't leave your playlist making The Strungs a band to instantly seek out!

Key Tracks: "Wild Sympathy", "Everyone Wins A Prize", "You Have Been Selected", "Symbols"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jay Reatard
The Replacements
Dinosaur Jr.

The Strungs Website
The Strungs Facebook
Tinhorn Planet Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Eamon McGrath: Young Canadians

Eamon McGrath
Young Canadians
White Whale Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Eamon McGrath's third record Young Canadians is a rousing and solid expansion of his country-punk spirit that represents his best yet!

Album Review:
"My life could be a broken record by Canada's Ramones" and "Rock and roll won't ever be the same" are two disclaiming confession statements by Eamon McGrath on his excellent third record Young Canadians. They of course occur in just the opening low key first track "Eternal Adolescence" that sets the stage for the 23 year old's ever evolving style of rock.

"Instrument Of My Release" is the second track on the record that instantly kicks Young Canadians in gear with its much bigger sound of pounding drums and guitar. The track is one of McGrath's most vocally clean deliveries as he ups the ante and showcases more range of his gruff weathered voice. "Pain Of Love" slows things back down as its mid-tempo pace has both sing along moments that are true scorchers and then quickly transitions and puts McGrath's passionate vocals out front.

Young Canadians succeeds on several fronts but the most prominent has to be McGrath's balance of bigger rockers like the title track to songs that feature just him and his guitar such as the memorable "Auditorium". The other mix here is songs like the closing "Saskatoon, SK" that starts off pleasantly treading along until it absolutely explodes into big soaring rock out moments with McGrath almost blowing out his voice to an almost scream level before it settles right back into a calm guitar line and flow. This ability to quickly move tempos up and down gives Young Canadians its catchy pulse!

Eamon McGrath is still an up and comer on the music scene, especially here in the States, but with more exposure he is sure to build a bigger fanbase as Young Canadians represents his best outing yet. At such a young age his country-punk sound is continually evolving as well as his confidence in his vocals. This growth shines on Young Canadians as it incorporates more of a rock side that only gets better after every spin. Eamon McGrath is one of those artists that you can claim to your friends that you found him first and honestly you will be glad you did as each song here is just infectious!

Key Tracks: "Instrument Of My Release", "Saskatoon, SK", "Great Lakes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bruce Springsteen
Leeroy Stagger
Buffalo Tom

Eamon McGrath: Peacemaker [Fire Note Review 10/12/10]

Eamon McGrath Website
Eamon McGrath Facebook
White Whale Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Warm in the Wake: Night Wounds

Warm in the Wake
Night Wounds
Beta Cloud Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Warm in the Wake delivers the goods on their first release in four years, highly recommended!

Album Review:
As I was listening to Night Wounds, the new lp from Alabama’s Warm in the Wake, I couldn’t shake the feeling that these guys sounded like somebody, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Over repeated listenings, I put it together, they sound like Wilco, Teenage Fanclub, Neil Young, and Grandaddy and Beachwood Sparks, all mixed together. They aren’t quite space cowboys in the Gram Parsons vein like the Sparks, but they have certain elements, and certainly the same gift for songwriting and arrangements, but they lean more toward the country pop influenced Teenage Fanclub side of things. All of these qualities add up to an excellent listening experience, which draws you in, and most importantly, keeps drawing you back.

Opening track, “In A City”, sounds like Velvet Underground’s “Candy Says”, poured through a Grandaddy filter. “Stricken (Jet Stream)” could easily be an outtake from Wilco’s Summerteeth, and it would be a good outtake, one cut for length, not because of quality issues. I could play spot the influence on any number of the tracks, but it all boils down to the main influences listed in the opening paragraph.

It’s been 4 years since Warm in the Wake’s last release, 2008’s Speak Plainly, which I have not heard. In fact, Night Wounds is so good; I must now get my hands on the rest of their discography! Let’s hope it’s not another 4 years before their next release!

Key Tracks: "In A City", "Stricken (Jet Stream)", "Healer", "Bored, Blessed Or Hexed", "Sickly Sweet"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Wilco
Teenage Fanclub
Grandaddy

Warm in the Wake: American Prehistoric [Fire Note Review 9/17/07]

Warm in the Wake Website
Warm in the Wake Facebook

-Reviewed by Kevin Poindexter

Alone At 3AM: Midwest Mess

Alone At 3AM
Midwest Mess
Suburban Home/SofaBurn Records [2012]









 Fire Note Says: Veteran Cincinnati band Alone At 3AM are ready for their shot a bigger audience with the engaging Midwest Mess!

Album Review:
Right from Max Fender's weathered sounding opening line "So you're going out dancing, leaving after work" in the opening track "Another Round" you just know that Midwest Mess from Cincinnati's Alone At 3AM is going to be a brutally honest Americana rock record. This track leads us right into "A Change Is Coming" that tells the story of an ending relationship as Fender just pleads "Don't insult my intelligence."

This heart on the sleeve type of song is consistently delivered from Alone At 3AM which gives Midwest Mess its pulse. This solid output will be no surprise to the band's long time followers as the group has been around for 10 years but newcomers to Alone At 3AM will certainly be hooked as their Drive-By Truckers vibe dances with a little Gaslight Anthem undertone and makes for an entertaining 30 minute listen.

The confident swagger from Fender, along with the band, keeps Midwest Mess pushing along that gets a nice boost from the occasional backing vocal of Sarah Davis which gives the album a nice diversity.  Midwest Mess is a record that is solid solely based on its lyrical substance alone as each track easily can resonate with its listener to some degree. The superb closing ballad "I Know Someone In The City" is another example of "less is more" presented here by Alone At 3AM that is not only the perfect ending but will have you quickly reaching for the repeat button to experience Midwest Mess all over again!

Key Tracks: "Weekends At The Cape", "Another Round", "I Know Someone In The City"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Drive-By Truckers
The Gaslight Anthem
Two Cow Garage

Alone At 3AM Facebook
Suburban Home Records
SofaBurn Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony