Deerhunter: Halcyon Digest

Deerhunter
Halcyon Digest
4AD Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Deerhunter release another record that is nothing but superb!

Album Review:
Halcyon Digest is the album Deerhunter have been building up to over the last several years and easily rivals Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. [2008], as their best album to date. It is a record that once again incorporates different tempos and styles and ultimately plays out as an indie record that has great lyrics, great pace, great originality and great melodies. Even though the solid results are similar to some of their previous work, the approach on Halcyon Digest is different, as it has more isolated focus on songs and takes emphasis away from their once blistering guitars into a musical direction of opportunity. Deerhunter offer an array of sounds on Halcyon Digest which includes saxophone, banjo, autoharp, harmonica and even acoustic guitar. The other stand out component here is that the band shines a brighter light on its harmonies, which make tracks like "Don't Cry" and "Desire Lines" so memorable. The record also takes advantage of the bands own identity growth, as they breathe a confidence throughout Halcyon Digest, that just lets tracks flow and sway without any worry that they go too far or not far enough. Deerhunter sound incredibly content here and it comes out track after track making Halcyon Digest simply one of the best records released this year!

Key Tracks: "Don't Cry", "Memory Boy", "Coronado"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sonic Youth
The Walkmen
Spoon

Deerhunter: Rainwater Cassette Exchange [EP] [Fire Note Review 6/30/09]
Deerhunter: Microcastle / Weird Era Cont. [Fire Note Review 11/10/08]

Deerhunter Website
Deerhunter MySpace
Deerhunter Facebook
4AD Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Ben Folds & Nick Hornby: Lonely Avenue

Ben Folds & Nick Hornby
Lonely Avenue
Nonesuch Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
On paper, the concept may seem like it won't work, as the novelist meets the songwriter but this really is not a random get together but a meeting of creative minds that are very in tune with each other. Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About A Boy) of course is a great story teller that uses humor and never holds back nor has a problem adding in a little profanity for emphasis. Well guess what? This is also the style of Ben Folds, so as Lonely Avenue finds Hornby creating the lyrical stories and Folds fitting the music, the album feels and sounds like it should be included in the Ben Folds discography and Hornby's short stories section. This is good news for fans of both and there is more then one track here that will hold your interest. There are also some moments that don't completely work, like the over the top silly "Levi Johnston's Blues" and supplementing the piano for electronic blips in parts just does not fit Folds. Lonely Avenue is what it is and that means a payoff for Folds fans while Hornby followers most likely will fall in line with an album that holds its own upon completion.

Key Track: "Your Dogs"

Band With Similar Fire: Elvis Costello

Ben Folds: Ben Folds Presents - University A Cappella! [Fire Note Review 5/4/09]
Ben Folds: Way To Normal [Fire Note Review 10/1/08]

Ben Folds Website
Ben Folds MySpace
Ben Folds Facebook
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Jimmy Eat World: Invented

Jimmy Eat World
Invented
Interscope Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Invented misses its chances to impress.

Album Review:
We can talk about Jimmy Eat World being in the music business for 16 years, we can talk about Jimmy Eat World being a beginning point in emo history, we can talk about how the band is now in their 30's and we can talk about the past catchy as hell music that Jimmy Eat World has released but nothing you can say will lift Invented above just being average. It almost feels and sounds like Jimmy Eat World have lost the niche for what made their music special in the first place. First single "My Best Theory" is memorable but still seems to try too hard, while some of the slower and what you would tag "emotional" tracks never get on your radar. The fact is, that Jimmy Eat World still have all the talent in the world but I feel they have missed an opportunity here to embrace their now veteran status and not supplement their music with overblown guitar and hooks that do not feel relevant. The band even brought back producer Mark Trombino who served on their biggest selling albums Clarity [1999] and Bleed American [2001], so it does seem the band is aware of their fading relevance factor, although Trombino's influence seems to be missing. It is all not lost on Invented, as several tracks still hit home and moving forward, I believe less is more for Jimmy Eat World, as they can show the youngsters how it is done because if you check out their cover of Superchunk's "Precision Auto" on the deluxe edition, all the pieces are still there because it is solid!

Key Tracks: "My Best Theory", "Coffee And Cigarettes", "Movielike"

Bands With Similar Fire:
All Time Low
Sing It Loud
Jack's Mannequin

Jimmy Eat World: Chase This Light [Fire Note Review 10/17/07]

Jimmy Eat World Website
Jimmy Eat World MySpace
Jimmy Eat World Facebook
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Gifted Children: Building Your Lo-Fi Shelter

The Gifted Children
Building Your Lo-Fi Shelter [5-CD Box Set]
Tinhorn Planet Music [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
We have covered them here before but Rochester/Buffalo band The Gifted Children is one of the best groups you have never heard. This is not because of output, considering they rival their idols GBV with a catalog that stretches well past 1300 and counting songs. Building Your Lo-Fi Shelter is a massive 5-CD, 112-song boxed set that compiles all of The Gifted Children's early cassette-only albums and EPs recorded and released between 1995 and 1998. This is what the band calls their mostly 4-track era, as the songs have a lo-fi vibe cooking with simplistic instrumentation but loaded with hooks. The Gifted Children accomplishes packing most of these memorable moments into two minute nuggets of indie rock and prove that their material has been a well kept secret for some time now. Time to dig them out!

Key Track: "Midnight Nautical Theme Park"

Band With Similar Fire: Robert Pollard

The Gifted Children: My Museum Pieces [Fire Note Review 10/28/09]
The Gifted Children: Always Stay Sweet [Fire Note Review 10/10/08]
The Gifted Children: Whitespace Differences [Fire Note Review 4/11/08]

The Gifted Children Website
The Gifted Children MySpace
The Gifted Children Facebook
Tinhorn Planet Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Of Montreal: False Priest

Of Montreal
False Priest
Polyvinyl Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Of Montreal complete the transformation as False Priest is a full-on funky ride.

Album Review:
Music never gets more eclectic then Of Montreal and going into each new release, your guess is always as good as mine to what frontman and creative leader Kevin Barnes is going to give you. Well, on False Priest the band gets goovey, funky and even has Barnes mimicking the purple ones vocals with supporting harmonies. Of Montreal went down this path on Skeletal Lamping [2008] but here on False Priest, the push into this dirty dance mode is 100%. It works on some tracks like on the beat driven and catchy "Coquet Coquette", complete with its rock riff and the duet with Janelle Monáe "Enemy Gene" has a likable sway to it. But other tracks fall flat like the intervals of spoken word in "Our Riotous Defects" and the duet with Solange Knowles (Beyonce's sister) "Sex Karma" that tries too hard and just never makes it happen. The record was produced by big time guy Jon Brion (Kayne West, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple), which helps False Priest sonically but overall only can do so much with some of these funked out trips. Of Montreal morph so quickly, that we will see how long this phase lasts but overall I think False Priest suffers in repeat listings, as several tracks still really stand out, while the others just fade away.

Key Tracks: "Coquet Coquette", "Enemy Gene", "Famine Affair"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Prince
Self
Parliament

Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping [Fire Note Review 10/27/08]
Of Montreal: Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? [Fire Note Review 1/26/07]

Of Montreal Website
Of Montreal MySpace
Of Montreal Facebook
Polyvinyl Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

In Grenada: Break

In Grenada
Break
Self-Released [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Break is the debut record from Philly group In Grenada and it has been in the works since 2008. You can tell immediately, that its ten tracks have been carefully molded into a solid batch of indie rock, that has a very large and grandiose sound. Each song builds within itself, as their unique identity is driven by the calculated desperation sounding vocals of Jesse Leyh. Each line feels like it might be his last, as this type of Arcade Fire intensity really works well for In Grenada and makes Break an enjoyable 30 minute listen. This shorter running time helps Break succeed, as the album is easy to take on and gets better with repeat plays. In Grenada are relatively unknown outside of Philly but with the likable strength of Break that should change!

Key Track: "Beating Heart"

Band With Similar Fire: Arcade Fire

In Grenada MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Black Mountain: Wilderness Heart

Black Mountain
Wilderness Heart
Jagjaguwar Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Cool cover - Cool music.

Album Review:
Besides having one of the coolest album covers this year, Black Mountian returns with LP number three, Wilderness Heart, that is another solid "rock" album in their catalog. The album brings the same driving deep 70's vibe that Black Mountain had on In The Future [2008] but this go around, they drop the long grinding epic tracks and only have two songs that barely pass the five minute mark. Some might scream sell-out, as Wilderness Heart clearly has more of a commercial angle but I would challenge you to find anything this legit on any Clear Channel radio station. The pure speed and metal homage paid on "Let Spirits Ride" gives Black Mountain indie cred and shows off that they indeed can shred. Second track "Old Fangs" kicks off with a keyboard riff that would fit on any Deep Purple record, while in the same breathe, Black Mountain can generate a simple "turn the lighters on" type of ballad in "Buried By The Blues" that has vocalists Stephen McBean and Amber Webber harmonizing galore. It is this more laid back, almost folk oriented direction that surfaces on more than one track here, that completely balances and complements the harder edged material. Wilderness Heart is a record that should give Black Mountain their biggest audience, as the album can satisfy different tastes with its smooth transitions. Regardless of tempo, Black Mountain have offered up another satisfying album that retains their identity, travels down some new paths and brings plenty of rock to keep me coming back to Wilderness Heart again and again!

Key Tracks: "The Hair Song", "Let Spirits Ride", "The Way To Gone"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Queens Of The Stone Age
The Dead Weather
Wolfmother

Black Mountain: In The Future [Fire Note Review 2/8/08]

Black Mountain MySpace
Black Mountain Facebook
Jagjaguwar Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

V.V. Brown: Travelling Like The Light

V.V. Brown
Travelling Like The Light
Capitol Records/EMI Music [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
The multi-talented V.V. Brown offers up a true rock, pop and R&B mix on her debut album Travelling Like The Light. The UK citizen is full of energy and it translates perfect to record, while her songs mimic different eras that hit everywhere from the hip rockers of the 50's to contemporary R&B pop like on the catchy single "Shark In The Water". She has performed with The Ting Tings and Antony & The Johnsons, while just finishing opening for Maroon 5 here in the States. V.V. Brown is an artist that will surprise you with her unique swagger, that is hard to pin into one genre and certain tracks on Travelling Like The Light will really grab you and stick in your head. Not every song on here completely works or is memorable but given that V.V. Brown covers Coldplay in her live show and is supported by a full rock band, you start to get the impression that she has more to offer then one Top 40 hit. That point alone should make Brown well worth checking out and seeing what comes next!

Key Track: "Everybody"

Band With Similar Fire: Janelle Monáe

V.V. Brown Website
V.V. Brown MySpace
V.V. Brown Facebook
Capitol Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Posies: Blood/Candy

The Posies
Blood/Candy
Rykodisc [2010]









Fire Note Says: The Posies show off a forward progression while still giving you the power pop hooks they based their career on!

Album Review:
Blood/Candy is the first album in five years from the long running alternative pop rockers, The Poises. The record once again brings an onslaught of their staple harmonies but definitely explores several new paths. Co-founders Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer admit that Blood/Candy is more adventurous , more playful and more heartfelt than much of their previous work, as the songs contain the essence of The Posies, while not traveling down familiar paths. This unexpected sound comes at you right away in the album opener "Plastic Paperbacks", with its sort of hard edge stop/start lyrics, while the song grinds along. Long time fans should not fret too much though because the second track and first single "The Glitter Prize" has that nice breezy Posies harmonizing hook that you all know and love, which will immediately sell you on this record. The track also benefits from the backing vocals of Kay Hanley (Letters To Cleo) giving it still a little different vibe. The Beatlesque "Licenses To Hide" bounces along with Lisa Lobsinger (Reverie Sound Revue) helping out while "Cleopatra Street" finds the band in one of its most relaxed moods, as it just hums along with stylistic beats and strong lyrics. Both "For The Ashes" and "Accidental Architecture" push this new path idea, as the later goes down a very orchestrated and almost psychedelic avenue, which sounds completely new for the band but still works. It would have been easy for The Posies to put together another straight-forward record of power pop here but Blood/Candy does a nice job of showcasing their multi-talents and although the guys try some different things here, it is still a Posies record down to the core that even the slightest fan will enjoy!

Key Tracks: "The Glitter Prize", "Cleopatra Street", "Holiday Hours"

Bands With Similar Fire:
XTC
Cheap Trick
Sloan

The Posies Website
The Posies MySpace
The Posies Facebook
Rykodisc

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Adam Haworth Stephens: We Live On Cliffs

Adam Haworth Stephens
We Live On Cliffs
Saddle Creek Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Singer/songwriter Adam Haworth Stephens takes a break from his San Francisco band Two Gallants to release his solo debut We Live On Cliffs. This record allows him to be more introspective, while branching out slightly in style as We Live On Cliffs has a very subtle indie folk approach. What carries the record is Stephens sincerity, as he searches for someone to love in the heartfelt closer "Everyday I Fall", while he is able to acknowledge letting people down but passing the blame on the likable "Second Mind". These very real situational songs enable an easy connection for listeners and provide plenty to contemplate. The last piece that makes Stephens' debut worth checking out is its solid musicianship, as it basically contains a laundry list of talented artists like Patrick Hallahan and Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket), Petra Haden, Andy Cabic (Vetiver) plus members of Blood Brothers and Jaguar Love. We Live On Cliffs places a highlight on Adam Haworth Stephens as an emerging talent, that should have continued success based on this debut's strength.

Key Track: "The Cities That You've Burned"

Band With Similar Fire: Fionn Regan

Adam Haworth Stephens Website
Adam Haworth Stephens MySpace
Adam Haworth Stephens Facebook
Saddle Creek Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Brandon Flowers: Flamingo

Brandon Flowers
Flamingo
Island Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Killers frontman goes alone and avoids striking out but also fails to hit a home run.

Album Review:
Right from the first track, "Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas" you know that the Killers frontman Brandon Flowers is going to take you on a grandiose solo record ride. It is a big orchestrated number, just like the city itself, and completely sets the tone for Flamingo's slick and stylistic approach. What sets it apart from The Killers of course, is its mid tempo pace that never breaks a sweat and relies on big soaring choruses to keep your interest. This plan of attack works on some tracks because Flowers has a certain swagger to his voice that can hook you but Flamingo falters over the course of a 40 minute running time, as this one trick is used over and over that makes the songs bleed into each other. Now clearly this is a solo record, so one would expect Flowers' to differentiate from the Killers, and he does, as Flamingo's tracks each contain a floating aurora about them, that is a speciality of producer Daniel Lanois. What Flamingo does lack is the extra musical punch that Flowers is accustomed to from the Killers and the overall Las Vegas theme wears a little thin by the records conclusion. Brandon Flowers still has an appeal and there is easily more than one track here that really works including "Hard Enough", which features Jenny Lewis on backing vocals. Flamingo is a descent debut that should set up a rocking new Killers record and pave the way, with some tweaks, for the Brandon Flowers solo career.

Key Tracks: "Crossfire", "Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas", "Hard Enough"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Julian Casablancas
Bruce Springsteen
Morrissey

Brandon Flowers Website
Brandon Flowers MySpace
Brandon Flowers Facebook
Island Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Harper Simon: Harper Simon

Harper Simon
Harper Simon
Tulsi/Vagrant/PIAS Records [2009/2010]









Fire Drill Review:
I am not sure how we missed this one when it released late last year in the States but the debut album from Harper Simon (Paul Simon's son) is an excellent indie record that has both a quiet prettiness and a folksy backbone to it, making for a pure 30 minutes of solid listening. It should be no surprise that Simon's vocals follow in his father's footsteps on the memorable soft closer "Berkeley Girl" that is right out of the Simon & Garfunkel songbook but the vibrant upbeat melodies in "Wishes And Stars" and the twangy and catchy "Shooting Star" separates Harper from the big shadow that looms over every celebrity offspring. The entire record balances this style as "The Audit" is supported by superb lush arrangements and "Tennessee" has a noticeable pedal steel running through it. This free flowing sound complemented by tons of talented help, that includes Petra Haden, Sean Lennon, Yuka Honda, Russell Simins, Marc Ribot, Lloyd Green, Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart), and Eleni Mandell, makes for a debut that should be enjoyed by everyone that picks this record up!

Key Tracks: "Berkeley Girl", "Wishes And Stars", "Shooting Star"

Band With Similar Fire: Elliott Smith

Harper Simon Website
Harper Simon MySpace
Harper Simon Facebook
Tulsi Records
Vagrant Records
PIAS Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Fake Problems: Real Ghosts Caught On Tape

Fake Problems
Real Ghosts Caught On Tape
SideOneDummy Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Fake Problems new LP pays off after repeat listens!

Album Review:
With each record you typically expect a band to evolve and that is exactly what you get from Fake Problems on their new album Real Ghosts Caught On Tape. The record might catch some fans by surprise, as it has only been a year and half since It's Great To Be Alive [2009] was released but the stylistic change is very noticeable. The band has shifted down a gear from their more energized punk moments into a wider variety of indie rock tempos that draws from 60's groups, Phil Spector-equse production and even some current label mates. This more anthematic direction fits Fake Problems, as their lyrics back it up. "Songs For Teenagers" is truly memorable with the strolling line "Looking for drugs in all the wrong places" or the pump your fists in the air opener "ADT", as lead singer Chris Farren calls out "Tap tap your feet - to your heartbeat!" Real Ghosts Caught On Tape does not abandon all of Fake Problems earlier efforts as "5678" has a likable schizophrenic Modest Mouse vibe, while the record's first single "Soulless" has an exploding chorus that will make your feet tap well after its conclusion. Real Ghosts Caught On Tape may not be as consistent from beginning to end as It's Great To Be Alive was but some of its individual tracks represent some of Fake Problems best work to date. This simply means that this record takes a few more listens to identify with but fans should easily get on board with this overall solid effort!

Key Tracks: "Soulless", "Songs For Teenagers", "5678"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Modest Mouse
The Gaslight Anthem
Manchester Orchestra

Fake Problems: It's Great To Be Alive [Fire Note Review 2/23/09]

Fake Problems Website
Fake Problems MySpace
Fake Problems Facebook
SideOneDummy Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Crocodiles: Sleep Forever

Crocodiles
Sleep Forever
Fat Possum Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
What is the best way for a fuzzed out noise-pop band to get noticed on their sophomore outing? The answer is easy - get a well known producer like James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Klaxons), take their music and polish it up a bit, dial back the noise a tad (only allowing the melodies to beam through) and then retain just enough grit, so that the band still has all of their previous qualities which earned them their street cred. That sums up San Diego's Crocodiles effort here as Sleep Forever is consistently more catchy then their debut, while falling right in line with all of its noisy lo-fi fuzzed out vibes. It is a welcomed progression and officially puts the Crocodiles in the upper echelon of this genre and should have every indie college kid on the corner touting their name as the next big thing!

Key Track: "Sleep Forever"

Band With Similar Fire: Wavves

Crocodiles: Summer Of Hate [Fire Note Review 5/12/09]

Crocodiles Website
Crocodiles MySpace
Crocodiles Facebook
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Margot And The Nuclear So And So's: Buzzard

Margot And The Nuclear So And So's
Buzzard
Mariel Recordings [2010]









Fire Note Says: Margot & The Nuclear So And So's up the amps and the ante on their solid third record Buzzard.

Album Review:
Margot & The Nuclear So And So's found out real fast on their 2008 release Not Animal that a major label deal was not for them, so it is no surprise that the Indianapolis band's third full length, Buzzard, is being released on their own label. The freedom they so desired then, is completely expressed here, as Buzzard holds 12 solid reasons that the group should have never left the indies in the first place. Buzzard possess a much more aggressive side of the group that has not been heard before and it really works well, as everything here sounds bigger, bolder and louder. This new movement all begins on the opening track "Birds", which has a building frantic energy to it that is complemented from a consistent explosion of verse and instruments that commands immediate notice. This song transitions you right into the fuzzed up grinding track "Let's Paint Our Teeth Green", that features lead vocalist Richard Edwards grabbing you with his haunting howl over a steady beat. What makes Buzzard such an interesting listen, is the fact that Margot can mesmerize you with music, lyrics or both, such as the simple lounge reverb ballad "Tiny Vampire Robot" that repeats the line "Oh tiny vampire robot, fill the dance floor with blood." There are the tape recorded moments throughout "Your Lower Back", which stamps its uniqueness or the interspersed F-bombs that Edwards lets loose at just the right moment that gives their songs a little more edge. Buzzard is a little different from their previous releases, as the multitude of styles offered here do not necessary all fit nicely together but each has an individual strength that negates any cohesive loss. Margot And The Nuclear So And So's show an exciting growth on Buzzard that not only gives a happy wave goodbye to the major labels but should easily say hello to a major audience!

Key Tracks: "Birds", "New York City Hotel Blues", "Your Lower Back"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spoon
Bright Eyes
The Walkmen

Margot And The Nuclear So And So's: Not Animal / Animal! [Fire Note Review 10/14/08]
Margot And The Nuclear So And So's: The Daytrotter Sessions [EP] [Fire Drills Review 9/10/08]
Margot And The Nuclear So And So's: The Dust Of Retreat [Fire Note Review 8/8/06]

Margot And The Nuclear So And So's Website
Margot And The Nuclear So And So's MySpace
Margot And The Nuclear So And So's Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Tallest Man On Earth: Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird [EP]

The Tallest Man On Earth
Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird [EP]
Dead Oceans Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
On his new EP, Kristian Matsson continues his creative streak as The Tallest Man On Earth and shows that the substance and style found on this years excellent LP, The Wild Hunt, was no fluke. The 5 tracks offered here were written on the touring road and separate themselves from his previous album with a more categorized sound. The Wild Hunt contained a superior confidence that never seemed to break, while Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird shows a much more vulnerable side to Matsson, with song structures that even feel frail. This more somber tone fits Matsson's voice to a tee and works within the EP's 17 minutes, so it drives its point in with no need to deviate its course. The Tallest Man On Earth is a talent that does not seem to be slowing, so feel free to jump on board with this EP and start to work your way back - You won't be disappointed!

Key Track: "The Dreamer"

Band With Similar Fire: Bob Dylan

The Tallest Man On Earth: The Wild Hunt [Fire Note Review 4/20/10]

The Tallest Man On Earth MySpace
The Tallest Man On Earth Facebook
Dead Oceans Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Walkmen: Lisbon

The Walkmen
Lisbon
Fat Possum Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Welcome to another stellar view of the world through The Walkmen's eyes!

Album Review:
Misery loves company and The Walkmen revel in it on their new long player Lisbon. The record is another great addition in their catalog, if not their best yet. The songs all posses the unique but distinct Walkmen treatment, as most contain a slow building fire with a bellowing vocal by frontman Hamilton Leithauser, that always exerts just the right amount of emphasis, on the correct syllable. It is this perfection, that makes The Walkmen the great band they have become and even though Lisbon feels strategically story boarded out - you never get that vibe when you are pulled in by its musical prowess. From the opening stroll in first track "Juveniles", to the roaring speed of "Angela Surf City" complemented by pulsating rhythm tracks like "Blue As Your Blood", The Walkmen simply impress your ear upon pressing play. The band keeps the overall tone under control but Lisbon has a chaotic underbelly. The toil seeps out of the lyrics and near the end of the album, the most simplistic ballad "While I Shovel The Snow", sums it up with one line, “There’s no life like the slow life". This motto is true of their music and just puts a giant highlight on why The Walkmen are a band that stands up there with today's best indie groups and why Lisbon is a win win no matter how you absorb its musical mind play. The Walkmen just don't try to be great - they just are great!

Key Tracks: "Angela Surf City", "Victory", "Woe Is Me"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The National
Arcade Fire
Delta Spirit

The Walkmen: You & Me [Fire Note Review 8/25/08]

The Walkmen Website
The Walkmen MySpace
The Walkmen Facebook
Fat Possum Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Your Youth: Aloha [EP]

Your Youth
Aloha [EP]
Gigantic Music [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
Brooklyn's Your Youth proves that you don't need a bunch of fancy tricks, gimmick lyrics or crazy instruments to put out a solid batch of tunes. On their debut EP Aloha, the noisy pop rock group brings catchy soaring repeated choruses and snappy song structures that build quickly with intense guitars. To outsiders, Your Youth might seem conflicted, as they teeter totter between a Weezer sound and the more straight forwardness of the Pixies but when you take Aloha for a spin you soon realize, that sitting in the middle brings a perfect mix. It is definitely a debut that will keep Your Youth on the radar for when a full length can be produced because Aloha is twenty minutes of fun.

Key Track: "Awake"

Band With Similar Fire: Surfer Blood

Your Youth Website
Your Youth MySpace
Your Youth Facebook
Gigantic Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Weezer: Hurley

Weezer
Hurley
Epitaph Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Time to get your Weezer party on!

Album Review:
Last year Weezer released Raditude [2009] and everything right down to the title just never clicked for me. Regardless, I still stick by them, just in case the stars line up right again and although Hurley is not that record, it is a much better attempt at offering some good tunes that just want to have fun. It is Weezer's first record off a major label, which instantly gives Hurley a free spirit and an expectation to just hear whatever is on River Cuomo's mind. Well some pieces of that hold true but Hurley is sort of a party record for the band, as the cover pays tribute to one of their favorite shows Lost and it has the boys from Jackass singing "gang vocals" on the first single "Memories", while Michael Cera plays mandolin and sings backup on "Hang On". Weezer also pair up with some big songwriters like Desmond Child on "Trainwrecks", Linda Perry with "Brave New World", Dan Wilson (Semisonic) gets credit for "Ruling Me" and Ryan Adams on "Run Away". The last two in the list represent the record's strongest tracks and features Wilson and Adams also taking part in the action. The record runs at a tight 33 minutes, so even when songs don't work like the goofy "Where's My Sex?" (it is actually about losing a sock) and the simple "Smart Girls" because it is too simple, they exit as fast as they started. It almost gives the album a no harm, no foul clause. Who knows where Weezer will go next, as Cuomo has already stated that he would like to release a record every year. Hurley definitely has more edge to it then anything they have done recently and it even ends with a very different laid back slightly lo-fi track called "Time Flies", that actually turns out to be the best closer, as it will just leave you a big question mark for the band until 2011. Weezer would not want it any other way!

Key Tracks: "Ruling Me", "Unspoken", "Run Away"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Foo Fighters
The Cars
Blink-182

Weezer: Raditude [Fire Note Review 11/4/09]
Rivers Cuomo: Alone II - The Home Recordings Of Rivers Cuomo [Fire Note Review 11/25/08]
Weezer: Weezer (The Red Album) [Fire Note Review 6/4/08]

Weezer Website
Weezer MySpace
Weezer Facebook
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Moaners: Nocturnal

The Moaners
Nocturnal
Holidays For Quince Records [2010]









Fire Drill Review:
The duo of Melissa Swingle (Trailer Bride) and Laura King (Grand National) make up The Moaners and they are ready to release their third record Nocturnal next week. The group still brings their blues infused indie rock but on Nocturnal, there is more focus on songwriting and the inclusion of Earl Poole Ball (long-time band member of Johnny Cash) playing the piano, that gives The Moaners dynamics that they never possessed before. All of these components create a depth on Nocturnal that just churns and boils, as it never overflows and just chugs along. It is this ease that makes Nocturnal a solid listen and The Moaners a band that you should not have many problems connecting with!

Key Track: "Humid Air"

Band With Similar Fire: Heartless Bastards

The Moaners Website
The Moaners MySpace
The Moaners Facebook
Holidays For Quince Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony