Christopher Anthony

Christopher Anthony, a passionate supporter of new music, managed a record store and produced alternative video shows in the '90s. Transitioning into the 2000s, he became a prolific music blogger, chronicling the scene with a positive view. His mission: to discover the latest indie releases and share them with you!

Calexico | Iron & Wine: Years To Burn [Album Review]

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Calexico | Iron & Wine Years To Burn Sub Pop Records [2019] Who: Sam Beam’s Iron & Wine and Calexico have a long musical resume that includes their 2005 album together, In The Reins. Sound: Smooth indie folk with intricate instrumentation that falls in line with both artists catalog and fans of Bon Iver, Bill … Read more

Kishi Bashi: Omoiyari [Album Review]

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Kishi Bashi Omoiyari Joyful Noise Recordings [2019] Who: Kaoru Ishibashi, aka Kishi Bashi, is a multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. He is a founding member of Jupiter One, and, was a member of the group of Montreal before going out on his own. Sound: Kishi Bashi offers a melodic orchestrated indie folk that is delivered with 110% … Read more

Khana Bierbood: Strangers From The Far East [Album Review]

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Khana Bierbood Strangers From The Far East Guruguru Brain [2019] Who: Khana Bierbood (translated as Strange Brew in Thai), formed in 2012, in Bangsaen Beach, Thailand. After hours of jamming together they created their unique sound. Sound: Surf psychedelic rock that also includes lo-fi garage and fuzz. Not only for fans of label mates Kikagaku … Read more

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Fishing For Fishies [Album Review]

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King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Fishing For Fishies ATO/Flightless Records [2019] Who: Australian neo-psych wizards King Gizzard are back with their 14th long player. Sound: 70′ warm jamming sound laced with harmonica and some electro Devo rhythms. TFN Final Take: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have returned with their fourteenth album since their … Read more

Various Artists: Soul Slabs Vol. 2 [Album Review]

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Various Artists Soul Slabs Vol. 2 Colemine Records [2019] Who: Soul Slabs Vol. 2 is a collection of A-sides from the 7-inch catalog of Loveland Ohio’s Colemine Records. Sound: This compilation features the Colemine spirit with plenty of heavy soul, jazz, funk, and R&B. TFN Final Take: If you have been enjoying the growth of … Read more

The Scaners: II [Album Review]

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The Scaners II Dirty Water Records [2019] Who: French gonzo-synth punks and intergalactic scuzzball house band, The Scaners return just a year later after their debut with II. Sound: Synth punk rock that has both the intergalactic connections of Man Or Astro-Man? and the 1,2,3,4 of the Ramones. TFN Final Take: The Scaners have quickly … Read more

Ex Hex: It’s Real [Album Review]

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Ex Hex It’s Real Merge Records [2019] Who: It’s Real marks the return of Ex Hex. It has been five years since the power trio released their debut Rips. Sound: Ex Hex has a modern Joan Jett vibe with L7 type riffs. TFN Final Take: Right from the beginning of opening track “Tough Enough,” you … Read more

Durand Jones & The Indications: American Love Call [Album Review]

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Durand Jones & The Indications American Love Call Dead Oceans/Colemine Records [2019] Who: American Love Call is Bloomington, Indiana’s Durand Jones & The Indications sophomore record. Sound: Durand Jones & The Indications have a soaring and infectious 70’s soul sound. TFN Final Take: Durand Jones 2016 self-titled debut was another stellar release in the retro-soul … Read more

Steve Gunn: The Unseen In Between [Album Review]

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Steve Gunn The Unseen In Between Matador Records [2019] Who: Guitarist/vocalist Steve Gunn is a name that probably is still unknown by many but over the last ten years he has released several highly praised solo records and collaborated with artists like Mike Cooper, Kurt Vile, and Michael Chapman (whose most recent studio album he … Read more

Jon Spencer: Spencer Sings The Hits [Album Review]

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Jon Spencer Spencer Sings The Hits In The Red [2018] Who: For his first solo record, Jon Spencer (Blues Explosion, Boss Hog, Pussy Galore) partnered with Quasi frontman Sam Coomes and drummer M. Sord. Sound: This is a loose romp for Jon Spencer that brings back sounds from his early years with Pussy Galore (and … Read more

Durand Jones & The Indications – “Don’t You Know (feat. Aaron Frazer)” [Video]

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Durand Jones & The Indications have announced their return with American Love Call, a fierce album that reckons with how to balance love and fury of modern day America, due March 1st via Dead Oceans/Colemine Records. The new video for American Love Call’s lead single, “Don’t You Know,” features both Jones and drummer/singer Aaron Frazer on vocals.

Like what you hear? Pick up the limited vinyl HERE. You can also find the album’s tracklist below as well as the group’s extensive tour schedule.

American Love Call Tracklist:
01. Morning In America
02. Don’t You Know (feat. Aaron Frazer)
03. Circles
04. Court Of Love (feat. Aaron Frazer)
05. Long Way Home
06. Too Many Tears (feat. Aaron Frazer)
07. Walk Away
08. What I Know About You (feat. Aaron Frazer)
09. Listen To Your Heart
10. Sea Gets Hotter (feat. Aaron Frazer)
11. How Can I Be Sure (feat. Aaron Frazer)
12. True Love

Durand Jones & The Indications’ Tour Dates:
Tue. Jan. 22 – London, UK @ Dingwalls
Wed. Jan. 23 – Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie
Fri. Jan. 25 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso-Noord
Sun. Jan. 27 – Cologne, DE @ Artheater
Mon. Jan. 28 – Berlin, DE @ Lido
Mon. March 18 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
Tue. March 19 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Thu. March 21 – Santa Fe, NM @ Tumbleroots
Fri. March 22 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
Sat. March 23 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
Mon. March 25 – Tustin, CA @ Marty’s On Newport
Wed. March 27 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
Thu. March 28 – Santa Barbara, CA @ SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
Fri. March 29 – Oakland, CA @ The New Parish
Sat. March 30 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Mon. April 1 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Tue. April 2 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
Thu. April 4 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The State Room
Fri. April 5 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
Sat. April 6 – Kansas City, MO @ recordBar
Sun. April 7 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
Tue. April 9 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
Wed. April 10 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
Thu. April 11 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
Fri. April 12 – Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
Sat. April 13 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
Sun. April 14 – North Charleston, SC @ High Water Festival
Tue. April 16 – Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
Wed. April 17 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Fri. April 19 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
Sat. April 20 – Uncasville, CT @ Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Resort
Sun. April 21 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
Mon. April 22 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
Wed. April 24 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Woodward Theater
Fri. April 26 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
Sat. April 27 – Oxford, MS @ Double Decker Arts Festival
Sun. April 28 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
Sat. May 11 – Bloomington, IN @ Indiana University w/ Neko Case

The Beths: Future Me Hates Me [Album Review]

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The Beths Future Me Hates Me Carpark Records [2018] Who: New Zealand four-piece The Beths channel their longtime friendship into high-energy guitar indie pop on debut record. Sound: Big guitar riffs and infectious indie-rock hooks. This record has plenty of vocal harmonies and should appeal to fans of Velocity Girl, The Breeders, Rilo Kiley and … Read more

The Friday Fire Track: FEELS – “Car”

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“My friends – come with me to Candyland” is the first line you will hear from the rocking new tune and Friday Fire Track from Los Angeles punk quartet FEELS. “Car” is from the band’s second LP, Post Earth, that will be released on February 22, 2019 via Witchita Recordings.

After recording their 2016 eponymous debut with Ty Segall in one marathon daylong session, FEELS went to Northern California in August 2017 for a comparatively luxurious eight days with Tim Green. The former guitarist of punk iconoclasts Nation of Ulysses, Green has worked with Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, Joanna Newsom and Jawbreaker among others.

His experience combined with FEELS growth as a band has not only turned out a killer tune in “Car” but Post Earth will be album to hear and look forward to as the new year kicks off. Enjoy your Friday!

FEELS Website
FEELS Facebook
Wichita Recordings

Charles Bradley: Black Velvet [Album Review]

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Charles Bradley Black Velvet Dunham/Daptone Records [2018] Who: Charles Bradley’s life is celebrated with this posthumous release. Sound: Bradley’s records were consistent with Daptone records revivalist approach, which offered plenty of funk and soul from the heart. TFN Final Take: It is always hard to say goodbye and when Charles Bradley passed away on September … Read more

Ty Segall: Fudge Sandwich [Album Review]

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Ty Segall Fudge Sandwich In The Red [2018] Fire Note Says: Ty makes all 11 tracks here his own! Album Review: I typically don’t get too excited about a covers record but Fudge Sandwich from Ty Segall is a template for how to do it right. Ty is not trying here and that is the … Read more

Cole Vargas: Cole Vargas [Album Stream]

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Columbus, Ohio’s Cole Vargas is another example of how much musical talent is out there just hiding and waiting for someone to listen. For Vargas, that ear was Kelley Deal (The Breeders, R. Ring) after a chat about his music with his mom and some exchanged contact info. Over the last several years, Vargas sent … Read more

Baked Beans: Babble [Album Review]

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Baked Beans Babble Flightless Records [2018] Who: Melbourne/Geelong five-piece (fronted by The Murlocs’ drummer, Matt Blach) who recently signed with Flightless Records. Sound: Psychedelic rock of course! Baked Beans has the Flightless sound that only could come from Australia. TFN Final Take: From the foot tapping opener “Slow” that contains a full-on blast of Hammond … Read more

Track Premiere: King Serpent – “Ohio Honey”

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Today’s premiere track is from the Columbus, Ohio indie rock group King Serpent. The duo consists of guitarist Elizabeth Rasmussen and bassist Mathew Franklin, which both have been playing music live for 15+ years. King Serpent was formed in 2017 with the idea of creating something unique to both members experience which is why you will hear a drum backing track on “Ohio Honey.”

This debut single and band is best summed up by the group themselves: “We’re really excited to finally share a project we’ve been working on for almost two years now; it pays tribute to our rock ‘n roll roots while simultaneously shining a light on our unabashed love for the perfect pop song.” TFN could not have said it better!


Of course, when you spin todays premiere track, “Ohio Honey,” your focus will not be on the backing drums or newness of the group but on the fierce vocals of Rasmussen. Her vocal power is relentless as it cuts through King Serpent’s power riffs which just pulse. “Ohio Honey” is heavy rocker that will kick your weekend off right. Enjoy your Friday!

If you like what you hear today make sure to pick up the single and then keep a lookout for more new music from King Serpent soon. You can also catch them live if you are around the Columbus, Ohio area on October 20th when they play their debut show at Rumba Cafe.

King Serpent Website
King Serpent Facebook
Buy “Ohio Honey” Single

The Friday Fire Track: Robert Pollard – “Subspace Biographies”

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Trying something a bit different today as the Friday Fire Track goes back to 1998 and features a song from Robert Pollard’s sophomore solo record Waved Out. “Subspace Biographies” is easily one of my favorite Robert Pollard solo songs with its gentle opening before its foot tapping charge keeps the high kicks going.

The song just keeps moving and churning as it almost drowns out Pollard’s lyrics near its conclusion to an amplified perfection. When Pollard asks, “Captain, are you sure they’re coming in?” the track just nails it. “Subspace Biographies” is another solid pop rock song in Pollard’s massive collection that has a timeless vibe as it sounds as fresh in 2018 as it did in 1998.

The good news is that Rockathon Records has just released a remastered reissue on a nice looking Blue vinyl TODAY! It also includes a promo press photo from the era. You can see both below. Don’t just take our word for it – Waved Out should be in your collection and this Blue LP variant should be a must add to any collector. Enjoy your Friday and pick this up at the Rockathon link below!

Robert Pollard Website
Robert Pollard Facebook
Rockathon Records

The Shifters – “Straight Lines” [Video]

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After two 7-inch singles and a demo cassette (recently pressed to wax), Melbourne quintet The Shifters finally unveil their first, proper full-length album Have a Cunning Plan. The album showcases ten new tracks by the band at their best; scrappy, self-destructive, stumbling and brilliant pop music that seems tossed off or nonchalant on the surface but is rife with rewards upon further listening.

Check out the video for “Straight Lines” and you can find the album for pre-order at Trouble In Mind Records HERE.

Charles Bradley – “I Feel A Change” [VIDEO]

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November 5, 2018 would have been Charles Bradley’s 70th birthday. In celebration of his extraordinary life, Daptone imprint Dunham Records will release his fourth and final album on November 9th. Black Velvet will feature ten studio recordings never before included on any album including lead single “I Feel A Change.” The video for the track, was directed by Living On Soul’s Jeff Broadway & Cory Bailey.

Black Velvet is a celebration of Charles Bradley, lovingly assembled by his friends and family at Dunham/Daptone Records. Though chronologically the material spans Charles’ entire career, this is no anthology, greatest hits or other shallow rehashing of the songs that already made him famous. Rather, this album is a profound exploration through the less-travelled corners of the soulful universe that Charles and his longtime producer, co-writer and friend Tommy “TNT” Brenneck created in the studio together over their decade-long partnership.

The album features new songs recorded during the sessions from each of his three albums, heard here for the very first time in all their scorching glory: “Can’t Fight the Feeling,” “Fly Little Girl” and the heart-wrenching single “I Feel a Change”; hard core rarities like his funk-bomb duet with LaRose Jackson, “Luv Jones,” the psychedelic groover, “(I Hope You Find) The Good Life” and the ever-illusive alternate full band electric version of “Victim of Love”; sought-after covers of Nirvana’s “Stay Away,” Neal Young’s “Heart of Gold” and Rodriguez’s “Slip Away”; and the title track “Black Velvet,” a stirring Menahan Street Band instrumental to which Charles was never able to cut a vocal.

‘BLACK VELVET’ TRACK LISTING
01 – Can’t Fight The Feeling
02 – Luv Jones
03 – I Feel A Change
04 – Slip Away
05 – Black Velvet
06 – Stay Away
07 – Heart Of Gold
08 – (I Hope You Find) The Good Life
09 – Fly Little Girl
10 – Victim Of Love (Electric Version)

Track Premiere: Extra Arms – “Why I Run”

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Today’s premiere track, “Why I Run,” is from Detroit, Michigan’s Extra Arms! The group is fronted by Ryan Allen of Thunderbirds Are Now! fame and Extra Arms will be releasing their fourth LP, Headacher, on October 12 via Get Party Records. What caught TFN’s ear on this track is its high energy and pure drive. … Read more

Brian Owens: Soul Of Cash [Album Review]

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Brian Owens Soul Of Cash Soul Step Records [2018] Fire Note Says: Brian Owens shares his soul with Johnny Cash! Album Review: I think in today’s vast music scene, cover records are merely blown off as a novelty or simply overlooked. Even for established artists, a cover record is typically assumed to just be a … Read more