Ceremony: Zoo

Ceremony
Zoo
Matador Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Ceremony says goodbye to their hardcore uprising and says hello to a quality garage punk rock!

Album Review:
Fast hardcore has its place and Rohnert Park, CA band Ceremony have made a living out of it on their last three albums but for their Matador Records debut Zoo, the group has made a monumental shift. No longer are there muffled screams from lead singer Ross Farrar propelled out over punk guitar chords but a more reserved snarl that is reminiscent of the 60's garage rock movement and late era 70's punk.

This switch will ensure a loss of some fans but Ceremony still have the ability to punch you in the gut and this time, they do it with a bit more swagger that should widen their total appeal. At first listen, Zoo feels a bit reckless but then you return to the 50 second power intro of first track "Hysteria" and things immediately click. By the time the heavy drum beat and ripping guitar riff concludes and Farrar takes over - you are ready for another thirty minutes of this controlled chaos.

Ceremony never slow down until the intriguing closing track "Video" that is the longest song on the record at 4:30 and is the perfect ending to this fiery affair as it just eases you out. The transition of Ceremony here is remarkable in the sense that the band seems so natural as they honor greats like The Minutemen, Sex Pistols and even the Pixies while keeping their identity as a band that takes no crap. What is most exciting about Zoo is that the group took a big risk and went down this new path while still retaining all their energy and venom. This success only raises the anticipation for what Ceremony releases next as they clearly have found their niche and Zoo is the proof!

Key Tracks: "Hysteria", "Adult", "Community Service"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sex Pistols
The Makers
Wire

Ceremony Website
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Tim Fite: Ain't Ain't Ain't

Tim Fite
Ain't Ain't Ain't
ANTI- Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Ain't Ain't Ain't is the final and best installment of Tim Fite's "Ain't" trilogy.

Album Review:
Tim Fite's Ain't Ain't Ain't concludes his trilogy of "Ain't " themed records that started back in 2005. The eclectic singer/songwriter has grown with each release and Ain't Ain't Ain't once again sees this progression.

The first major difference here is a change in the creative process. The two previous records were created using a collage of samples where Ain't Ain't Ain't features Fite playing and recording the instruments in a studio. This cleaner more unified sound makes Fite's compositions much more vibrant and enhances the overall flow of the album.

The previous "Ain't" records discussed adult issues with Fite's playful song structures but on Ain't Ain't Ain't, Tim looks back into the teenage years and every emotion that went with them like insecurity, invincibility and simple hope. This content automatically connects the listener to the material and works well as you stay with Fite's every word, especially on the creative and explicative filled "Bully".

Overall, Ain't Ain't Ain't is still going to be for a smaller audience but it represents his easiest material to absorb along with some of his catchiest tracks. For this reason, indie crowds should definitely take a chance on Ain't Ain't Ain't as it is the best release from Tim Fite to date!

Key Tracks: "Joyriding", "We Are All Teenagers", "Bully"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Tom Waits
Beck
Peter Gabriel

Tim Fite Website
Tim Fite Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Perfume Genius: Put Your Back N 2 It

Perfume Genius
Put Your Back N 2 It
Matador Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Another deep record from Perfume Genius that leaves the lo-fi behind this time and displays an entire new level of talent!

Album Review:
I don't believe that most people think of albums as sequels but that is the exact way to categorize Perfume Genius's sophomore record Put Your Back N 2 It as it continues the healing journey of the man behind the moniker, Mike Hadreas. His debut, Learning [2010], explored his dark experiences growing up such as abuse, addiction, and suicide and now moving forward, Put Your Back N 2 It still describes deep subject matter again but this go around it is more from the perspective of pushing on with the help of others, having hope and moving forward with grace.

Put Your Back N 2 It is not just a progression in lyric content but also in production as the debut's lo-fi sound has been replaced with a superior instrument clarity and memorable hush like vocal melodies that supply the album with depth, warmth and an irresistible draw. This is the successful delivery that Hadreas once again offers as he can turn what should be the most depressing track on the record into a beacon of light that will go way beyond your expectations.

The debut from Perfume Genius was greatly overlooked but I don't believe Put Your Back N 2 It will have the same fate as sweeping piano driven songs like "Hood" possess such an intensity that it only takes one listen to grab you. Put Your Back N 2 It plays even better upon repeat listens and truly gets stronger every time you hear it. Perfume Genius has created a record here that is a mesmerizing listen and easily will finish in our year end Top 50!

Key Tracks: "Take Me Home", "Dark Parts", "Hood"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bon Iver
Antony & The Johnsons
Eulogies

Perfume Genius: Learning [Fire Note Review 7/8/10]

Perfume Genius Facebook
Matador Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Cheap Girls: Giant Orange

Cheap Girls
Giant Orange
Rise Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Cheap Girls third LP treats the listener to reality.

Album Review:
Giant Orange is the third LP from the Lansing, MI trio Cheap Girls. The band comes at you this time with their most straight forward and simple power chords yet as the gruff vocals of singer Ian Graham leads the listener through ten tracks of anguish, survival and desire.

For Giant Orange, Cheap Girls went down to Florida to record their Rise Records debut with Tom Gabel of Against Me! that results in a much more clean and focused sound. The album's first three tracks hit with a solid punch as the band combines both pop punk rhythms with a more southern flare undertone that has the grit of a Drive-By Truckers record while still hitting Sugar like choruses.

This is the appeal of Cheap Girls as the band is neither flashy nor reliant on an abundance of hooks as they offer up a very honest and direct approach to the genre. This might lose some fans that need big soaring numbers that can be absorbed quickly but Giant Orange is a record that needs more than one listen to reap all of its rewards.

Key Tracks: "Communication Blues", "Gone All Summer", "Ruby"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Smoking Popes
Hüsker Dü
Superchunk

Cheap Girls Website
Cheap Girls Facebook
Rise Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Terry Malts: Killing Time

Terry Malts
Killing Time
Slumberland Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Terry Malts is another quality lo-fi band from Slumberland Records.

Album Review:
If you are into the lo-fi garage pop scene then Slumberland Records has another band for you in San Francisco's Terry Malts. The trio has self-described their sound as "chainsaw pop" which is weirdly accurate as their fuzzed out catchiness cuts out 14 tracks here in just over 30 minutes.

It is this quick pace that drives Terry Malts debut Killing Time as it hits you with everything it has throughout the entire record. The sound of the album is fairly as advertised but it does hold a few surprises like the last 20 seconds of "I'm Neurotic" closing with a distorted slowed down chorus from the Beach Boys "California Girls" or the 30 seconds of feedback that rings out at the end of "No Big Deal" before ending with a spoken word sample. Terry Malts also flashes some of the punk undertones with the band's Ramones style delivery on the memorable foot tapper "No Good For You".

Overall Terry Malts have released a solid debut but may have a hard time finding a consistent following as this genre has become very crowded over the last several years. It is an album that has its moments but does need repeat listens to sink in. Given the chance, Killing Time brings the right carefree attitude to make it successful and even though they may not immediatly stand out, Terry Malts shows potential here that could blow up on a sophomore effort.

Key Tracks: "Tumble Down", "No Good For You", "Nauseous"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Crystal Stilts
The Undtertones
The Vaccines

Terry Malts Facebook
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Menzingers: On The Impossible Past

The Menzingers
On The Impossible Past
Epitaph Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: The Menzingers play a style of punk rock that just never gets old!

Album Review:
Epitaph has released some great punk rock records over the years I believe that the third album from Philadelphia band The Menzingers will fit in nicely with that list. Fans will notice that this Epitaph debut supports a more focused style that is full of confidence and swagger that showcases the bands growth.

This bigger sound starts with a multitude of expanded song structures that pass the three and four minute mark. This allows for the tracks to evolve and stand independently as they each include plenty of riffing power chords, sing-along choruses, stand out drumming and memorable lyrics.

The Menzingers follow this old pattern to a tee which is one component that helps On The Impossible Past succeed as the band sounds seasoned on both big rockers like the opening "Good Times" or the much slower burning tracks like "Gates". The soaring chorus on "The Obituaries" has the perfect punk anthem as the boys ring out "But I will fuck this up, I fucking know it" and the intense "Nice Things" includes some killer guitar work that takes a much slower tempo paced track to the next level.

On The Impossible Past is a solid punk rock record that has a very current sound while using classic techniques. It is this balance that should give The Menzingers a larger audience and makes repeat listens well worth the time!

Key Tracks: "Good Things", "The Obituaries", "Nice Things"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Gaslight Anthem
Social Distortion
The Sharks

The Menzingers Facebook
Epitaph Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Walk The Moon: Anna Sun EP

Walk The Moon
Anna Sun EP
RCA Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: There is a good chance that you will get to know Walk The Moon in 2012.

Album Review:
Walk The Moon seem to be an easy prediction of a band that will blow up in 2012 based on their catchy single "Anna Sun". The song is actually from the Ohio group's 2010 independently released album i want! i want! but has now been launched to the masses and spruced up a bit for their RCA debut.

"We're gonna rattle this ghost town" is a point telling lyric as the song itself is a bouncy foot tapper that has a layered hook which immediately gets in your head while being the perfect slice of indie power pop. The other two tracks here are brand new songs that follow suit with Walk The Moon's style and both have a radio friendly retro rock vibe going on.

Walk The Moon are still currently finishing up their full length which is being produced by Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley) and due out later this year. The record will be a mix of new material and re-worked versions of other tracks from i want! i want!.

Walk The Moon offer up a indie rock balance here that should play well with all types of fans. These three songs are fairly mainstream but their quality makes them memorable. Not sure how the album will hold up but based on their independent release and this 3 song affair Walk The Moon might be around for awhile and offer up a solid summer record.

Key Tracks: "Anna Sun", "Tightrope"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Marvelous 3
Vampire Weekend
Eve 6

Walk The Moon Website
Walk The Moon Facebook
RCA Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Frankie Rose: Interstellar

Frankie Rose
Interstellar
Slumberland Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Frankie Rose makes her best album yet!

Album Review:
Frankie Rose already has a superb indie resume as a member of the Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls, and Crystal Stilts plus an excellent solo debut released in 2010. It is a track record that has lead up to this point where she now emerges with one of the best records in her career under her own name.

Interstellar is a tight and sweeping musical progression that leaves all of Rose's lo-fi, girl group and reverb history behind and sets her on a new course of modern flare that rekindles an 80's type vibe as the undertone of synthesizers blur in and out of the song structures. The self-titled track starts the record off with a very ethereal almost new age instrumental segment until Rose's siren vocals take over and steer you into an explosion of vocal harmonies and a drum beat that takes the track to a surprising and entertaining new level.

This same peppy vocal approach takes place on the following track "Know Me" that will have your feet tapping along with the punching drum beat. Interstellar follows this pattern to some degree but stays fresh as Rose can move tempos up and down with ease as "Pair Of Wings" keeps the mood down but has so much going on sonically that it sticks in your head well after its conclusion.

Frankie Rose has truly grown on Interstellar as this record brings forward all of her previous solid projects and experiences. The vibe and sound is completely different here but her sense for dynamic change is the same and pushes each track to the next level. At just a little over 30 minutes Interstellar moves by quickly, spikes different moods and sucks you into its swirling and warm song depths. It is a record that you may initially dismiss but after the opening track you will be hooked and then keep going back to as Frankie Rose is a true talent that only sounds like she is getting started here and I can't wait to see where she goes from this excellent outing!

Key Tracks: "Interstellar", "Pair Of Wings", "Night Swim"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Blouse
Laurie Anderson
New Order

Frankie Rose And The Outs: Frankie Rose And The Outs [Fire Note Review 10/8/10]

Frankie Rose Website
Frankie Rose Facebook
Slumberland Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

John K. Samson: Provincial

John K. Samson
Provincial
Epitaph/ANTI- Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: John K. Samson keeps things simple for a very honest and sincere sounding debut.

Album Review:
John K. Samson is best known as the lead singer for The Weakerthans but Provincial represents his solo debut that builds on his well received EP's City Route 85 and Provincial Road 222 that were released in 2010. Provincial reworks many of the EP tracks as well as expanding into completely new material.

As expected, Samson's solo material is more subdued and personal as he covers many subjects surrounding his hometown of Winnepeg, Manitoba that includes hockey, broken glass, snowplows and dwindling villages. It is this very intimate approach that works well even though many of us outside of Winnepeg may not quite get the context.

What is refreshing to hear on Provincial is that Samson does not stay in lo-key mode through the entire record and lets his rock side out on the power pop track "When I Write My Master's Thesis" while the bouncy "Cruise Night" is another nice tempo shift that fits Samson's sincere and energetic vocal.

Provincial is not going to change the world but Samson has a way with words that brings you into his space or in this case - his town. This honest solo outing not only more accurately spotlights Samson's vocal talents but also once again reaffirms his strong songwriting. It should be a record that any Weakerthan fan will enjoy as well representing a fine introduction to anyone who just happens to pick Provincial up.

Key Tracks: "Heart Of The Continent", "When I Write My Master's Thesis", "Highway 1 West"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Ryan Adams
Clem Snide
Jeff Tweedy

John K. Samson: City Route 85 [EP] [Fire Note Review 1/13/10]
The Weakerthans: Live At The Burton Cummings Theatre [Fire Note Review 3/25/10]
The Weakerthans: Reunion Tour [Fire Note Review 10/2/07]

John K. Samson Website
John K. Samson Facebook
Epitaph Records
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Cursive: I Am Gemini

Cursive
I Am Gemini
Saddle Creek Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Cursive return with a concept record that only they could release.

Album Review:
I will tell you up front that I have never been that into concept albums. This of course creates an issue with Cursive because some of their best earlier work was concept driven. I Am Gemini gets back to their roots as the record tells the tale of twins (one evil and one good) separated at birth and then reunited in a house that is not a home.

OK, so the concept description is a bit of a head scratcher and trying to find some common ground with most listeners and the subject matter also seems like a stretch. Previous Cursive concept outings were drenched with real emotions (mostly painful) that followers could relate with - here that important piece is missing. Being it is a concept record the disconnection holds this album back but being that it is Tim Kasher and Cursive - their artistic approach is still worthy of a listen.

The modern flare in "The Sun And Moon" sounds fresh, innovative and powerful from the always intense Cursive as it has several new wave type keyboards floating in the background while the song smoothly grooves along. Opening track "This House Alive" has a slow burning build up into a grandiose rocker that will remind you of why Cursive still matter.

The rest of I Am Gemini walks a tightrope as some of the tracks possess the sinister delivery that only Kasher can offer while having the familiar angular post punk of the band creating the songs depth. Other times, Cursive seem like they are reaching for ideas to meet the concept and the lyrics simply don't hold up to that many memorable moments. This part is disappointing because I Am Gemini is not a bad record but in Cursive standards it is my least favorite.

Key Tracks: "The Sun And Moon", "This House Alive", "Twin Dragon/Hello Skeleton"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jets To Brazil
Slint
Fugazzi

Tim Kasher: Bigamy - More Songs From The Monogamy Sessions [Fire Note Review 8/16/11]
Tim Kasher: The Game Of Monogamy [Fire Note Review 10/4/10]
Cursive: Mama, I'm Swollen [Fire Note Review 3/6/09]
Cursive: Happy Hollow [Fire Note Review 8/11/06]

Cursive Website
Cursive Facebook
Saddle Creek Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sleigh Bells: Reign Of Terror

Sleigh Bells
Reign Of Terror
Mom + Pop Music [2012]









Fire Note Says: Sleigh Bells turns up the volume knob on sophomore record Reign Of Terror.

Album Review:
Sleigh Bells debut, Treats, divided many and basically created a group that really loved it and a group that really hated it. It split critics, neighbors and even countries as we even had a loyal reader call us out saying "I can't believe you gave it such a high rating, its such a load of crap."
Well, the duo of Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller, aka Sleigh Bells, are back with their sophomore record Reign Of Terror and I am certain it will impact the music world the same. I say this because the band expands on their style of combining guitar, sugary vocals and beats with a push on the gas pedal with a more bombastic volume attack and a move closer to their metal influences with Miller shredding his guitar.

This record is loud right from the opening track and is bigger sounding around every corner thanks to the bands dedicated direction and ode to 80's metal. On tracks like first single, "Comeback Kid", this edge really works as the song gets in your face as Krauss uses her "nice" vocals to connect the dots somewhat in the background. The combination makes for an extremely catchy track that sinks into your head. The next song, "Demons", intensifies everything as Krauss now comes at you with the same visceral approach that Miller rips on his guitar while the track "Crush" features bleacher stomping that is somewhat addicting.

I would have liked to hear this same energy carried throughout Reign Of Terror because at times the group purposely tries to bring it down a notch but on these batch of songs their style feels more forced and gimmicky. They lose their harder edged theme on these tracks and therefore lost my attention.

With that said, there still is a balance on Reign Of Terror that works to some degree but when Sleigh Bells are revved up there is no other band that can match their unique sound because they are on their own rock limb. Reign Of Terror doesn't beat Sleigh Bells more eclectic debut but has enough tracks to keep fans rocking and coming back for more. The record will still divide many listeners but it is an album that does fair well after more repetitive listens - you just need to get there!

Key Tracks: "Comeback Kid", "Demons", "Crush"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Faith No More
Cults
A Place To Bury Strangers

Sleigh Bells: Treats [Fire Note Review 6/1/10] [#15 Top 50 of 2010]

Sleigh Bells Website
Sleigh Bells Facebook
Mom + Pop Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Archers Of Loaf: Vee Vee [Deluxe Edition]

Archers Of Loaf
Vee Vee [Deluxe Edition]
Merge Records [1995; 2012]









Fire Note Says: You can't stop the Loaf!

Album Review:
Vee Vee was the sophomore album from Archers Of Loaf and is the natural next in line reissue from Merge of the bands catalog. The album was re-mastered by Bob Weston and features new liner notes by Magnet Magazine editor Eric Miller, new cover art by graphic artist Jay Ryan and a second disc with sixteen bonus tracks.

I have always liked this record as the powerful "Harnessed In Slums" never gets old and the record's overall fiery confidence almost rivals the groups debut Icky Mettle. This is an album that easily could be an introduction to the band for new listeners as the layered intensity that swirls around during its 13 tracks is now classic.

This new edition also offers sixteen tracks that Loaf fans will want. There are straightforward single tracks included like the Bob Weston Radio Mix of "Harnessed In Slums" to the much more experimental and unreleased "Equinox". The last seven tracks feature demos from the record which are an interesting listen to hear how these big intense songs still hold that energy in their most simplistic form. This second disc will not be essential for everyone but this is such a nice reissue of Vee Vee any interested parties really can't lose checking them out too!

Archers Of Loaf: Icky Mettle [Deluxe Edition] [Fire Note Review 8/1/11]

Archers Of Loaf Website
Archers Of Loaf Facebook
Merge Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Mind Spiders: Meltdown

Mind Spiders
Meltdown
Dirtnap Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Mind Spiders return on sophomore record with a full band and lots of new ideas!

Album Review:
Meltdown is the second album from Mark Ryan's (Marked Men, High Tension Wires) Mind Spiders and it comes at you just 13 months after the groups self-titled debut. The sound here remains familiar as Meltdown once again pours a full garage rock experience into a little over 30 minute running time while including elements of lo-fi, psychedelic, surf, 60's pop and experimental noise.

This description might make you might think that Meltdown is a simple Mind Spiders Part II but sonically the record surpasses the debut as it features a full live band compared to the more cut and paste nature the first go around as Ryan basically played all the instruments himself. Here he includes members of the Bad Sports, High Tension Wires, Marked Men, Uptown Bums and some other members of his extended musical family.

The result is an album that is tighter, more propulsive and contains a bit more punch. A big part of this livelier sound is the fact that there are two drummers which gives many of the songs a percussion complexity that helps the Mind Spiders stand out. It also helps that this rhythm backbone rocks these tracks out and with everything else covered, Ryan is completely focused on his vocals which are delivered here with a winning confidence and intensity.

The other big difference on Meltdown is that the record has two very distinct sides as the first six tracks represent a more straightforward garage rock while the remaining five songs experiment more and find themselves diving into other genres as the swirling synthesizers, darker mood and distorted vocals move to the forefront. Some might be concerned that this is distracting or possibly a failed risk but in actuality the Mind Spiders score a perfect balance here as it shows that they are way more than a one trick pony and the diversity makes Meltdown much more intriguing with every spin you give it!

Key Tracks: "Wait For Us", "Beat", "Skull Eyed"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Cloud Nothings
Man Or Astro-Man?
Buzzcocks

Mind Spiders: Mind Spiders [Fire Note Review 1/27/11]
Marked Men: Ghosts [Fire Note Review 3/5/09]

Mind Spiders Facebook
Dirtnap Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Shearwater: Animal Joy

Shearwater
Animal Joy
Sub Pop Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Shearwater try something new with their more aggressive eighth record Animal Joy.

Album Review:
Shearwater's last record, The Golden Archipelago [2010], capped off the bands epic “Island Arc” trilogy of albums which sets up the new musical avenue presented here on their eighth full length Animal Joy. What you get is a similar emotion poured into their lyrics, complex song structures and an overall great sounding production but the added ingredient of freedom - which in turn, produces songs that are more direct, amped up and personal.

Band leader Jonathan Meiburg is where this new beginning starts as his normal calm vocals has a greater intensity and burning to it, such as on the bombastic "Breaking The Yearlings" that features him almost thrusting out the lyrics as the percussion crashes in around him. It is this "louder" vibe that makes Animal Joy independent from Shearwater's previous recordings. The rocking just over two minute "Immaculate" is another example that pushes the gas pedal on all of its musical components.

With this somewhat transitional record, Shearwater move closer than ever to a more mainstream indie sound which should gain them a wider fan base. The good thing is that no matter what the tempo Meiburg has one of those voices that can't be replicated so long time followers should also be accepting of Animal Joy. The album does suffer from an overall cohesion compared to Shearwater's more conceptional pieces but still is a strong outing. If this record is pointing the band into a new direction then I think it raises the anticipation level for what they do next because Animal Joy is a Shearwater record to turn up and honestly that is never a bad thing!

Key Tracks: "Breaking The Yearlings", "Star Of The Age", "Dread Sovereign"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Spoon
Handsome Furs
Gene

Shearwater: The Golden Archipelago [Fire Note Review 2/26/10]
Shearwater: Rook [Fire Note Review 5/29/08] [#35 Top 50 of 2008]

Shearwater Website
Shearwater Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Jack White: Love Interruption 7"

Jack White
Love Interruption 7"
Columbia/Third Man Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Welcome Jack back to center stage!

Album Review:
I believe most thought this day would come but we now finally have the official solo 7" release from Jack White titled Love Interruption. This of course is the intro to the exciting news about his debut full length, Blunderbuss, scheduled to release on April 24th.

Basically what this would sound like was anyone's guess given White's own music catalog, influences and his wide variety of Third Man Records outings but regardless of all that - "Love Interruption" feels and sounds right on point. On the surface it seems like a simple song but don't let that fool you because even with a slower tempo the track has an intensity that is highlighted by all of the instruments as the song surprisingly has no percussion but is driven by electric piano, acoustic guitar and clarinet.

This of course leaves plenty of room for the vocals to stand out for its two and half minute running time as White offers a standard commanding performance but also brings singer/songwriter Ruby Amanfu to the forefront with her very complimentary harmonizing for support. Their combo works well as the song leaves a lasting impression and gets you ready for the April debut.

The included b-side "Machine Gun Silhouette" follows the same instrument path but ups the tempo a bit making it a nice pairing for the 7" and another reason that fans should grab this single.

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bill Monroe
The New Christy Minstrels
Woody Guthrie

The Dead Weather: Sea Of Cowards: Live At Third Man Records [Fire Note Review 10/14/10]
The Dead Weather: Sea Of Cowards [Fire Note Review 5/10/10]
The Dead Weather: Horehound [Fire Note Review 7/13/09]
The Dead Weather: Treat Me Like Your Mother [Single] [Fire Note Review 6/9/09]
The Raconteurs: Live In London [Fire Note Review 1/10/10]
The Raconteurs: Old Enough [ft. Ricky Skaggs And Ashley Monroe] (Single) [Fire Note Review 12/9/08]
The Raconteurs: Consolers Of The Lonely [Fire Note Review 3/28/08]
The Raconteurs: Broken Boy Soldiers [Fire Note Review 5/17/06]
The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights B-Shows [Fire Note Review 7/6/10]
The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights [Fire Note Review 3/17/10]
The White Stripes: Icky Thump [Fire Note Review 6/19/07]

Jack White Website
Jack White Facebook
Columbia Records
Third Man Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Islands: A Sleep & A Forgetting

Islands
A Sleep & A Forgetting
ANTI- Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Islands recreates their sound once again for one of their most engaging records to date!

Album Review:
Does it surprise anyone that emotions help make a good record. Well for Islands fourth LP, band leader Nick Thorburn left New York after the end of a relationship and went to Los Angeles where he wrote and recorded A Sleep & A Forgetting. This means that like his previous albums the direction and vibe here are completely different than before as it continues the trend that no two Islands records are alike.

This is not a bad thing as Thorburn's new direction mellows things out a bit which was clearly the focus of his mood. The songs are more stripped down than any Islands release before as they are filled with piano, up and down tempos, memorable harmonies and thought proving lyrics. The best thing about this version of Islands is that it works the best.

A Sleep & A Forgetting is the most cohesive work Thorburn has turned out under the Islands moniker and contains some of his best songs. I would never have thought that Thorburn had this lead crooner mojo in him but that is exactly what you get here and it is a total success. The piano driven "Never Go Solo" is a prime example of how he can move a track up and down while bursting out lyrics as he continues to build the track into a foot tapper. "Hallways" is another peppy piano track that simply bounces with fun and becomes instantly memorable as you chime in on the chorus. "Oh Maria" is more of a chamber pop nugget that just has an acoustic guitar strumming as Thorburn quietly sings the song before a sprawling harmonization takes over.

All of these little "moments" on A Sleep & A Forgetting make this the best Islands record to date as the album gets stronger with every listen. Considering there has not been two Islands records alike I am not sure what comes next but I believe Thorburn has found his niche so hopefully he returns next time and breaks the rules because I would like to hear more of this Islands!

Key Tracks: "Never Go Solo", "Hallways", "Oh Maria"

Bands With Similar Fire:
A.A. Bondy
Mercury Rev
Bon Iver

Islands: Vapours [Fire Note Review 9/29/09]

Islands Website
Islands Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Twilight Sad: No One Can Ever Know

The Twilight Sad
No One Can Ever Know
Fat Cat Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: The Twilight Sad offer up a musical shift on No One Can Ever Know and still deliver a solid and memorable record!

Album Review:
Have you ever put a record on and just know that it is a commitment. You just know that there is no way that the album can be absorbed in one or two passings but you keep going becuase you can sense the reward is on the next spin. That is the immediate sixth sense you will get as the wall of sound touches you during the first track on The Twilight Sad's third LP No One Can Ever Know.

James Graham's heavily accented vocals have always had a presense to them that commands your ear and on No One Can Ever Know this is the case once again. He drives the tracks regardless of song structures and on this outing The Twilight Sad completly shake up their sound with new found swirling guitars, heavy synthesizers and programed beats.

This could be a career killer for some bands but this dark and energetic approach works well for The Twilight Sad. With every line delivered, Graham pushes everything to the next level and adds in a new level of intensity that really is expected from The Twilight Sad. That is the success on No One Can Ever Know because even though you know things are different here they still draw you back in for more. The upbeat rocker "Don't Move" is a true driving force while the over 6 minute "Dead City" hits new sonic highs for the band.

Some purists might not enjoy this dynamic shift with The Twilight Sad but after having several highly lauded records I must admire the group for throwing everyone a curveball and still coming out with a win. These songs should play well live and as part of a collection plus create an exciting new chapter in this young bands catalog because No One Can Ever Know only continues to get better with repeat listens!

Key Tracks: "Don't Move", "Don't Look At Me", "Sick"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Depeche Mode
Interpol
Radiohead

The Twilight Sad: Fourteen Autumns And Fifteen Winters [Fire Note Review 4/17/07] [#13 Top 25 0f 2007]

The Twilight Sad Website
The Twilight Sad Facebook
Fat Cat Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Dr. Dog: Be The Void

Dr. Dog
Be The Void
ANTI- Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Dr. Dog continue to change their sound as they up the guitars on Be The Void.

Album Review:
Dr. Dog have always presented albums that are a bit more on the fringe of indie rock and has featured a genre spanning of their craft over the years that includes lo-fi recordings, psych rock experiments, and finally utilizing an outside producer for a bigger sound on Shame Shame [2010]. On Be The Void, Dr. Dog continues to move as a band as they loosen their song structures here and play a much more free form type of rock.

This gives the band new opportunities to inject their layered harmonies while tracking live in the studio and turning up the guitars. This creates upbeat catchy numbers like the rollicking "That Old Black Hole", the guitar wrecking "Vampire", a fuzzed filled "Warrior Man" and the more jam band vibe on "Get Away". With this more carefree attitude one thing that Dr. Dog does not forget is how to add a memorable hook into the mix as "Over Here, Over There" is a foot tapper that is easy to sing along with while "Heavy Light" gives off a very 70's rock influence.

All of these different angles on Be The Void should entertain longtime fans even though the overall cohesion of the album is somewhat lost in the transitions. This minor distraction is made up for mostly during single track highlights as Dr. Dog once again provides another side to their personalty. I am sure Dr. Dog will keep us guessing for the next time out but for now they are aiming for a greater success with the bigger songs here and overall it works out just fine!

Key Tracks: "That Old Black Hole", "Vampire", "Heavy Light"

Bands With Similar Fire:
My Morning Jacket
The Police
Buffalo Killers

Dr. Dog: Shame, Shame [Fire Note Review 4/8/10]

Dr. Dog Website
Dr. Dog Facebook
ANTI- Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony