Mike Krol: Turkey [Album Review]

Mike Krol Turkey Merge Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Mike Krol gives you a short but fun fuzzy rocker in Turkey. Album Review: 19 minutes. That is what you get on Mike Krol’s Merge debut Turkey. 19 minutes of feedback heavy indie rock that catches your ear fast and then quickly dissipates. This is Krol’s … Read more

Wavves: “Way Too Much”

With their fifth studio album, V, on it’s way, Wavves is sharing the music video for “Way Too Much”. Directed by Jack Wagner, the video was shot at an Underground Empire Wrestling event and depicts the violent world of professional wrestling. Sound fun – right?

Also stick around at its conclusion as the video is accompanied by an interview with frontman Nathan Williams. V is due out October 2nd through Ghost Ramp / Warner Bros. Records and the band has a full national tour that runs through October. See dates below.

Wavves Tour Dates:

9/8/15 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune *
9/9/15 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom *
9/10/15 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s *
9/11/15 – Orange County, CA @ Constellation *
9/12/15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour *
9/14/15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom *
9/15/15 – San Diego, CA @ North Park *
9/16/15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom *
9/18/15 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk *
9/19/15 – Dallas, TX @ Prophet *
9/20/15 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada *
9/21/15 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre $
9/22/15 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity $
9/24/15 – Milwaukee @ Rave $
9/25/15 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic $
9/26/15 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre $
9/27/15 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House $
9/29/15 – Columbus, OH @ Newport $
9/30/15 – Philadelphia, PA @ TLA $
10/2/15 – Brooklyn, NY @ St Vitus $
10/3/15 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall $
10/5/15 – Boston, MA @ Paradise $
10/6/15 – New York, NY @ Irving $
10/7/15 – Washington DC @ 930 Club $
10/8/15 – Chapel Hill @ Local 506 $
10/9/15 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt $
10/11/15 – Houston, TX @ HOB Peacock $

* w/ Twin Peaks and Swimmers
$ w/ Twin Peaks and Steep Leans

Guided By Voices – Briefcase 4 / 1500 Commie Red Vinyl

He has done it again! Robert Pollard has combed back over the cutting floor and pulled together Suitcase 4: Captain Kangaroo Won The War. The 4 CD set will offer another 100 unreleased songs from GBV. Following tradition with the 4 CD only release Suitcases of the past there is a Briefcase vinyl LP that … Read more

Indie Does It Best: Five Labels You Should Be Supporting

Who buys music anymore? Do you? I hope you said yes! While anybody can create a record label, it doesn’t necessarily translate into success. There are tons of indie labels out there but to do it right it takes some wits. I believe the five labels below not only have a strong foundation but have … Read more

Castle Face Records: The Blind Shake / The Fresh & Onlys

Castle Face always does a nice job of filling your vinyl needs and the latest from the excellent Live in San Francisco series has arrived. Minneapolis’ The Blind Shake is the next offering in the series and it sure to tear your speakers up! The first pressing is available in limited Ultra clear vinyl plus … Read more

Surfer Blood: “Grand Inquisitor”

Following the release of their third LP, 1000 Palms, earlier this year on Joyful Noise, Surfer Blood has shared the new animated video for album track “Grand Inquisitor.” Surfer Blood has also announced a fall tour in support of 1000 Palms that includes dates across both Europe and North America — see below for a full list of upcoming shows.

Tour Dates:
9/19: Antwerp, Belgium @ Trix*
9/20: Tilburg, Netherlands @ Incubate Festival
9/21: Köln, Germany @ Blue Shell*
9/22: Paris, France @ L’Espace B*
9/24: Birmingham, UK @ Hare & Hounds*
9/25: Glasgow, UK @ Broadcast*
9/26: Hull, UK @ Adelphi*
9/27: Newcastle Upon Tyne @ The Cluny*
9/28: Norwich, UK @ Norwich Arts Center*
9/30: London, UK @ Tufnell Park Dome*
10/1: Manchester, UK @ Deaf Institute*
10/2: Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club*
10/3: Southampton, UK @ The Joiners*
10/4: Bristol, UK @ Thekla*
10/5: Brighton, UK @ The Hope*
11/6: Tampa, FL @ Crowbar
11/9: Washington, DC @ TBC
11/10: Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
11/11: Hamden, CT @ The Space
11/12: Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street Nightclub
11/13: Providence, RI @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel^
11/14: Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom^
11/15: Portland, ME @ State Theatre^
11/17: Montreal, QC @ Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre^
11/18: Ottawa, ON @ TBC
11/19: South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground^
11/20: Rochester, NY @ Anthology^
11/21: Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom^
11/22: Toronto, ON @ The Drake
11/23: Kingston, NY @ BSP Kingston
11/24: Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
11/25: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
11/27: Baltimore, MD @ TBC
11/28: Raleigh, NC @ TBC
* w/ Eternal Summers
^ w/ Nate Ruess

Gary Clark Jr.: The Story Of Sonny Boy Slim [Album Review]

Gary Clark Jr. The Story Of Sonny Boy Slim Warner Bros. Records [2015] Fire Note Says: There is no denying it – Gary Clark Jr. can play! Album Review: Gary Clark Jr. has exploded since his 2012 Blak and Blu album put him on the map with its bluesy rock that was both soulful and … Read more

Kiska – 100 Red in Milky Clear / 500 Total Pressed

Philadelphia 4-piece alternative rock outfit Kiska –formerly known as Desoto Jones (Deep Elm), has a new self-titled album due out October 30th via Spartan Records. The LP was produced by Vince Ratti (Circa Survive, The Wonder Years, Superheaven, Balance & Composure) and comes in several differnet variants. You can pick up a copy HERE. First … Read more

Stream Yung’s Debut EP For Fat Possum – Album out 9/18

Today you can check out the new EP from Denmark’s Yung, “These Thoughts Are Like Mandatory Chores,” which is out 9/18 on Fat Possum/Tough Love Records. This is the first official stateside release for the Aarhus quartet. They are a band to watch for sure as the group provides a nice mix of indie guitar … Read more

Albert Hammond Jr.: “Caught By My Shadow”

Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr. has just released a new music video for his song “Caught By My Shadow” from his current solo full length, Momentary Masters. The video was shot as a “part 2” continuation story from his video for “Losing Touch.” Both videos were shot in Morocco by director, Lauren Briet.

Albert Hammond Jr. is currently on tour. His North American dates are below.

9/15 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
9/16 – Detroit, MI @ The Shelter
9/17 – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
9/19 – Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
9/20 – Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
9/21 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
9/22 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom (on sale July 31)
9/26 – Washington, DC @ Landmark Music Festival
9/29 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
9/30 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
10/2 – New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks
10/2-4 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Festival
10/5 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues – Bronze Peacock
10/6 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues – Cambridge Room
10/7 – Norman, OK @ Opolis
10/8 – Little Rock, AR @ Juanita’s
10/9-11 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Festival
10/12 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
10/13 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
10/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
10/16 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
10/25 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
10/26 – Vancouver, BC @ Venue
10/27 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
10/29 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
10/30 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
10/31 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge
11/2 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudville Mews
11/3 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
11/4 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
11/6 – Columbus, OH @ The Basement
11/7 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church Philadelphia

Various Artists: Aquabear Legion Volume 5 [Album Review]

Various Artists Aquabear Legion Volume 5 Aquabear Legion [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: If you live outside of Ohio you might be surprised to know that the Buckeye State has some kick ass music. Well, this new compilation from Aquabear Legion will easily enlighten your perspective with material from some bands you might already know … Read more

Sub Pop Reissue Two Indie Classics – Ugly Casanova & Built To Spill

So if you have been going back and building you vinyl collection by searching out some of your earlier indie favorites you will find out real fast it can be expensive! The good news is that slowly some of these titles are coming back into print and thanks to Sub Pop you can add Ugly … Read more

Destruction Unit’s New Album Free at Adult Swim

Arizona’s Destruction Unit is back today to release their new album Negative Feedback Resistor in its entirety in partnership with Sacred Bones Records and Adult Swim. The album is available FOR FREE digitally via Adult Swim and available for purchase on CD and vinyl via Sacred Bones Records. You can download a copy HERE. The … Read more

EZTV: “Pretty Torn Up”

We told you about the smooth sounds of EZTV back in April when “Lights” was our Friday Fire Track. Their debut, Calling Out, is filled with soft guitar pop and heartbreak which is right in Captured Tracks wheelhouse.

The group has now launched a video for “Pretty Torn Up” in collaboration with New York’s Children’s Museum of the Arts. EZTV is also hitting the road later this month and you can check out the dates below.

EZTV TOUR DATES (new dates in bold):
Wed. Sept. 16 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg #
Fri. Sept. 25 – Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
Sat. Sept. 26 – Cincinnati, OH @ Midpoint Festival
Sun. Sept. 27 – Detroit, MI @ Elijah’s
Mon. Sept. 28 – Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class
Tue. Sept. 29 – Kingston, NY @ BSP
Wed. Sept. 30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House ^
Fri. Oct. 9 – New York, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg %

# w/ King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Michael Rault
% with Luna
^ with Reigning Sound

The Friday Fire Track: Whiskerman – “Cardinal City”

In the current scene with artists like Father John Misty, Edward Sharpe and Tobias Jesso Jr., Oakland’s Whiskerman fit right in with their sweeping and emotional song “Cardinal City.” The Fire Track today has plenty of infectious moments from the graceful strings playing throughout its background to the soft piano that floats in the undertone … Read more

Soldiers Of Fortune ft. members of Oneida, Interpol, Chavez, Spiritualized, Animal Collective

Soldiers of Fortune started back in August 2004 as an anti-band! The idea was to put together a group, who were never gonna write songs, never gonna practice, never gonna record music, never make any product for public consumption or ever hit the road! Seemed easy unless you have a bunch of talented musicians in … Read more

Viet Cong: “Bunker Buster”

“Viet Cong’s “Bunker Buster” elicits the images of a nighttime urban hellscape littered with lost souls” or so the description reads! Directed by Yoonha Park, “Bunker Buster” has modern sci-fi flare to it that stands out and is the lastest single of their excellent self-titled debut.

If you have not caught this band yet live, Viet Cong embarks on yet another run around North America over the course of September, this time sharing dates with Toronto’s Greys. You can see the full schedule below.

North American Tour Dates

Fri, Sep 11 : Hudson, NY : Basilica Soundscape
Sat, Sep 12 : Hamilton, ON : Supercrawl
Mon, Sep 14 : Quebec, QC : Le Cercle #
Tue, Sep 15 : Fredericton, NB : Capital Bar #
Wed, Sep 16 : Halifax, NS : Gus’ Pub #
Thu, Sep 17 : Portland, ME : SPACE Gallery #
Fri, Sep 18 : Montreal, QC : Theatre Fairmount #
Sun, Sep 20 : Kingston, ON : Mansion #
Wed, Sep 23 : Milwaukee, WI : Cactus Club #
Thu, Sep 24 : Minneapolis, MI : 7th Street Entry #
Sun, Sep 27 : Fargo ND : The Aquarium
October 10 :: Edmonton, AB, CANADA :: Up & Downtown Music Festival
Wed, Oct 14 : Vancouver, BC : Cobalt
Thur Oct 15 : Vancouver, BC : Cobalt
Fri, Oct 16 : Seattle, WA : Neumos %
Sun, Oct 18 : San Francisco, CA : Treasure Island Festival
Tue, Oct 20 : Portland, OR : Doug Fir Lounge %
Fri, Nov 6 – Sun, Nov 8 : Austin, TX : Fun Fun Fun Fest
Thu, Nov 19 : Groningen, NE : Vera
Fri, Nov 20 : Utrecht, NE : Le Guess Who
Sat, Nov 21 + Sun Nov 22 : Kortrijk, BE : Sonic City
Mon, Nov 23 : Caen FR : Le Cargo
Tue, Nov 24 : Rouen, FR : 106
Wed, Nov 25 : Ramsgate, UK : Ramsgate Music Hall
Fri, Nov 27 + Sat Nov 28 : Pontins, Wales : All Tomorrow’s Parties
Fri, Dec 4 :: Toronto, ON : Lee’s Palace #$
Sat, Dec 5 : Toronto, ON : Lee’s Palace ^

# with Greys
% with Grave Babies
$ with Mexican Slang
^ with Weaves, Mimico

Ryan Adams: Heartbreaker [Classic Album Revisit]

Ryan Adams Heartbreaker Bloodshot Records Released: September 5, 2000 Producer: Ethan Johns Length: 51:57 I remember picking up this record 15 years ago and being really excited as I was already into alt-country at the time and familiar with Whiskeytown, so buying frontman Ryan Adams’ solo record debut seemed like a no-brainer. Then the first … Read more

Iron & Wine Announces Archive Series Vol. 2 / Limited Color 7″

Iron & Wine returns with the second installment in his Archives Series on October 16th via his own Black Cricket Recording Co. A 7″ featuring covers of Neil Young’s “Albuquerque” and The Four Tops’ “It’s The Same Old Song” that were recorded at home on a 4-track, prior to actually calling himself Iron & Wine. … Read more

Frank Turner: “Josephine”

Frank Turner has just released a video for his new single “Josephine.” “Josephine” is the second single to be taken from the singer-songwriter’s sixth album Positive Songs For Negative People which was released August 7th via Xtra Mile Recordings.

Frank Turner will be hitting the road this month for his US headline tour, dates are below:

Sept 19 Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls
Sept 22 Syracuse, NY Lost Horizon
Sept 23 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
Sept 25 Boston, MA House of Blues
Sept 26 Boston, MA House of Blues
Sept 28 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Sept 29 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Sept 30 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Oct 02 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
Oct 04 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Oct 06 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Oct 07 Minneapolis, MN The Varsity Theater
Oct 09 Denver, CO The Ogden Theatre
Oct 10 Boulder, CO The Boulder Theater
Oct 12 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge
Oct 13 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
Oct 15 Seattle, WA The Neptune
Oct 16 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
Oct 17 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
Oct 19 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
Oct 20 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Oct 22 Los Angeles, CA The Mayan
Oct 23 San Diego, CA House of Blues
Oct 25 Phoenix, AZ The Press Room
Oct 27 Austin, TX Emos
Oct 28 Dallas, TX House of Blues
Oct 29 Houston, TX House of Blues

Video Premiere: My Dead Air – “Easy To Believe”

My Dead Air is the moniker of musician Dan Ballard which was a member and guitarist of the band Until June. The group had success overseas with a #1 hit in Europe but never strummed the right chord here in the US. Ballard would like to change that with My Dead Air as he now is 100% committed to his once side project.

Today’s video premiere is for the track “Easy To Believe” which is off of his new self-released album The Thief Who Knows My Name. As you will see, the live in the studio video works for My Dead Air’s soft delivery as the laid back track shows his influences that include My Morning Jacket, Harry Nilsson, Glen Campbell and Bon Iver.

“Easy To Believe” really is the perfect beginning of a late night soundtrack that comes complete with low lighting and the occasional out of focus camera shot. Ballard’s effortless playing here is highlighted by his hypnotic vocal and the top end quality of musicians he has surrounded himself with as each individual artist here has a small solo moment within the song.

The Thief Who Knows My Name already hit the streets on August 14th so if you like what you hear (and see) make sure to support My Dead Air with an album purchase!

My Dead Air Website
My Dead Air Facebook

Ricked Wicky (Robert Pollard) 3rd LP on Limited Coke Clear w/ Opaque Blue

Hey Kids! The third Ricked Wicky from Robert Pollard, Swimmer to a Liquid Armchair, is due out September 25th and it was pressed on a very cool looking Coke Clear with Opaque Blue. The album is limited to 1000 copies worldwide so hurry over and snag a copy while they last. You can still order … Read more

Cayucas: “Hella”

Twin brothers Zach and Ben Yudin released their sophomore album, Dancing at the Blue Lagoon, as Cayucas earlier this summer via Secretly Canadian. Here is the catchy second single “Hella.” The video for this song, was directed by Owen Schwartzbard. You can catch Cayucas live at the dates below.

CAYUCAS TOUR DATES:
Mon. Sept. 14 – London, UK @ Sebright Arms
Tue. Sept 15 – Liile, FR @ Peniche
Wed. Sept. 16 – Paris, FR @ Pop Up Du Label
Thu. Sept. 17 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
Fri. Sept. 18 – Tilburg, NL @ Incubate
Sat. Sept. 19 – Hamburg, DE @ Kleiner Donner
Mon. Sept. 21 – Leipzig, DE @ Taubchental – Club
Tue. Sept. 22 – Berlin, DE @ Privatclub
Wed. Sept. 23 – Dusseldorf, DE @ Forum Freies
Thu. Sept. 24 – Antwerp, BE @ Trix

Drive-By Truckers Reveal “Girls Who Smoke” Live Version, November Tour Dates Announced

In anticipation of their concert album release of It’s Great To Be Alive!, the Drive-By Truckers have released the live version of “Girls Who Smoke” for you to check out. Two versions of the release will be made available; It’s Great To Be Alive! is the full 35-track record as a five vinyl / three … Read more

Beach Slang / BSM UK Pressing – 300 Purple w/ Black and White Splatter

If you were too late on the clear early bird variant at Polyvinyl then you should spend a few more bucks and jump on this pressing from Big Scary Monsters while it is still available. It also is more limited than the 800 eary bird variant. Beach Slang’s official debut LP, The Things We Do … Read more