Daniel Taylor 
The Astounds The Astounds Self-Released [2016] Fire Note Says: Not surprised that Dean Wells has delivered yet another astounding, quick-hitting, lo-fi, power pop masterpiece. Album Review: Dean Wells is back. He has changed the name of the band, but there is no denying this is another Dean Wells’ project. Whether it is The Capstan Shafts, … Read more
Kappa Chow Kappa Chow Big Tomato Records [2016] Fire Drill Album Review: “Kappa Chow! Kappa Chow! Kappa Chow! One! Two! Fuck You!” So begins the immensely enjoyable opening track to Kappa Chow’s self-titled LP. This album quickly grabs you by the throat and does not let go. The New Brunswick-based Kappa Chow lay out a … Read more
Honey Radar Giraffe EP Chunklet Industries [2015] Seems like I am buying a new Honey Radar EP every other week. Not that I am complaining. Seems like everything Honey Radar release is murky lo-fi gold. Their new EP, Giraffe is no exception. It is four tracks of hazy, borderline psychedelic, lo-fi magic. Side A has … Read more
Suede Night Thoughts Rhino Records [2016] Fire Drill Album Review: I was holding onto some hope that this latest Suede release (or The London Suede as known here in the States) would offer me a glimpse of the fantastic band I loved in the early 90’s. Sad to say that it does not happen on … Read more
Tobin Sprout “Just One Kid (Takes on the World)” Petrified Fish Records [2016] Tobin Sprout’s new 7”, “Just One Kid (Takes on the World),” was released earlier this month. There are two different jackets to collect. One is a simple white design with a bee printed in the middle; the other is a 2-color silkscreen … Read more
Smug Brothers / Brat Curse Echo Complex Split EP Hope For The Tape Deck [2015] Fire Note Says: A great cassette split from Dayton, Ohio! Album Review: Dayton natives, Smug Brothers (Brian Baker/Larry Evans/Kyle Melton/Don Thrasher) closed out 2015 with a nifty EP split release with fellow Dayton-based band, Brat Curse. Smug Brothers contribute nine … Read more
TRAAMS Modern Dancing FatCat Records [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: On their second full-length LP, UK band, TRAAMS have created post-punk, krautrock inspired perfection. Modern Dancing’s 11 tracks move along at a brisk and urgent pace. Each track has something to offer the listener; zero filler. It is a rare thing for me to hear … Read more
Helvetia Dromomania Joyful Noise Recordings [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: Jason Albertini (Duster and Built to Spill) and his band, Helvetia have a wonderful new LP out now. Dromomania is a tasty bit of psych/slacker rock. If you are not familiar with Helvetia, you really need to get that situation rectified. Dromomania would make a … Read more
Graham Repulski Success Racist Self-Released [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: Success Racist, the latest offering from Graham Repulski, is a 17-track time machine with its destiny dials set for 1993, a golden era for lo-fi music. Graham Repulski’s music is akin to the lo-fi aesthetics that can be found on early 90’s Guided by Voices, … Read more
TUNGS You Could Call This Art Bad Grrrl Records [2015] Fire Note Says: I Will Call This Fantastic! A welcome display of talent and quirky rock sensibilities. This band deserves your attention. Album Review: Richmond, Virginia rockers, TUNGS’ new album, You Could Call This Art, is an excellent album. It is a brilliant follow up … Read more
Girl Band Holding Hands With Jamie Rough Trade Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Brutal noise rock that dares you to like it. Rewards await those that can get past the initial layer of ugliness and brash noise. Album Review: Girl Band, a quartet from Dublin, have been wowing me over the past year through various … Read more
Flotation Toy Warning Bluffer’s Guide To The Flight Deck Talitres Records [2015]
Jonathan Boulet Gubba Popfrenzy Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Jonathan Boulet’s Gubba is a tightly wound biker/punk rock LP. Album Review: Sydney based Jonathan Boulet pulls the ripcord on a briskly paced, rocker. Gubba sounds like a 50’s era biker gang learned to play crunch heavy punk music. There is a layer of nostalgic rockabilly … Read more
Lost Boy? Canned Papercup Music [2015] Fire Note Says: Lost Boy? are a dream come true for 90’s indie rock fans. Bits and pieces of your favorite bands pasted together in a catchy and fun album. Album Review: I have been listening to Davey Jones’ project, Lost Boy? for the last year or so. They … Read more
Ex-Cult Cigarette Machine EP Castle Face Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Ex-Cult delivers an excellent, adrenaline-filled punk rock EP. Album Review: I have to say I am quite impressed with Memphis-based punk band, Ex-Cult. Cigarette Machine is a lean and mean EP filled with punk rock rage reminiscent of 80’s hardcore. They have a solid … Read more
Pile You’re Better Than This Exploding In Sound Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Pile’s third LP continues their trend of incredible releases, and this time they have out done themselves. This is album of the year material. Album Review: Once upon a time, I heard a disjointed, but oddly intriguing LP, Pavement’s Slanted and Enchanted. … Read more
Jeff the Brotherhood Wasted On The Dream Infinity Cat Recordings [2015] Fire Note Says: Wasted on the Dream mixes moments of catchy head banging fuzz rock with head scratching cheese-pop. Album Review: The scuzz/fuzz duo from Nashville are back for their 8th album, Wasted on the Dream. They have brought a big sound with them … Read more
Smug Brothers Woodpecker Paradise Gas Daddy Go! Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Smug Brothers newest album is one of their strongest efforts to date. A tight, urgent, and catchy blend of indie rock from rock Mecca Dayton, Ohio. Album Review: Around this time last year, I was reviewing the Smug Brothers’ LP On the Way … Read more
Ausmuteants Order Of Operation Goner Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Aussie synth-punks blast out a fun and catchy record. Album Review: Ausmuteants newest release is on par with their numerous past releases. They deliver a frenetic and essential punk album layered in a cool sheen of synth and humor. Australia has a rather booming punk … Read more
Jeff the Brotherhood Dig The Classics Warner Bros. Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Jeff the Brotherhood drop a killer EP of essential covers with a thick layer of heavy garage rock fuzz and scuzz. Album Review: Nashville natives, brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall, make up the two-piece rock outfit that is Jeff the Brotherhood. The … Read more
The Wytches Annabel Dream Reader Partisan Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The Wytches first LP is a heavy and spooky debut tailor-made for the Halloween season. Album Review: The Wytches’ debut album, Annabel Dream Reader, is something else. If I had not heard Passenger Peru’s debut earlier this year, it would be the best debut … Read more
People 3xaWoman Telegraph Harp Records [2014] Fire Note Says: People’s 3xaWoman is a weird and wonderful clash of musical styles. Album Review: From the opening notes on People’s LP 3xaWoman, you know something strange is afoot and you are in for something that does not stay on the path of convention. Experimental avant-garde jazz guitarist, … Read more
Kahoots Take To The Fields Telegraph Harp Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Kahoots 12th LP is a great record that rewards listeners with repeated listens. Album Review: I have been listening to Massachusetts-based Kahoots’ new LP, Take to the Fields for about a month now and I think it is just now sinking into skull … Read more
Unicycle Loves You The Dead Age Mecca Lecca Recording Co. [2014] Fire Note Says: Unicycle Loves You is a wonderful blend of shoegaze, 60’s psychedelic pop, and noise/fuzz rock. Album Review: Unicycle Loves You are a Brooklyn-based trio. The Dead Age is their fourth studio LP, but this is the first one I have heard. … Read more
Street Eaters Blood//Muscles//Bones Nervous Intent Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Street Eaters newest LP is a buzz/fuzz rock veritable smorgasbord of sound and attitude. Album Review: I had not heard of Street Eaters until a few weeks ago when I received Blood//Muscles//Bones for a review. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised and impressed … Read more