Matthew Heiner 
Eels Wonderful, Glorious Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Eels gives a valiant effort but has problems living up to the new album’s title, Wonderful, Glorious. Album Review: It’s difficult to not judge an artist’s current work against what they have made in the past. Mark Everett, the heart and soul of eels, knows this … Read more
Jacob Morris MOTHS Cloud Recordings [2012] Fire Note Says: Jacob Morris aims to please on his debut album. Album Review: Jacob Morris is a singer-songwriter with roots in both Athens, GA and Austin, TX. With those two cities in his musical heritage great things could be expected of him. MOTHS is his debut album and … Read more
Local Natives Hummingbird Frenchkiss Records [2013] Fire Note Says:No sophomore slump for the Local Natives with Hummingbird. Album Review: Local Natives’ first album, Gorilla Manor, was one of my favorite albums of 2010. With tracks like “Airplanes,” “Camera Talk,” “Wide Eyes,” and “Sun Hands” the Los Angeles-based band had an accessible sound that also challenged … Read more
Big Harp Chain Letters Saddle Creek Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Big Harp’s sophomore album is a bluesy, boozy, bassy ride. Album Review: Big Harp is the husband-wife duo of Chris Senseney and Stefanie Drootin-Senseney, who joined musical forces in 2010. Chain Letters is the sophomore follow-up to the 2011 release White Hat. Not being … Read more
Toro y Moi Anything In Return Carpark Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Toro y Moi return for a pure pop album with Anything In Return. Album Review: Toro y Moi is Chaz Bundick, who returns for his third official full-length with Anything In Return. Bundick has crafted an inviting, accessible pop album that builds on … Read more
DRGN KING Paragraph Nights Bar/None Records [2013] Fire Note Says: DRGN KING debuts with a diverse album that demands multiple spins. Album Review: DRGN KING is comprised of Dominic Angellella and Brent “Ritz” Reynolds – Paragraph Nights is their first full-length release. The two formed in Philadelphia with Angellella performing many of the songwriting duties … Read more
Terra Terra Terra The Space We Create Round Kid Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Terra Terra Terra creates a radio friendly rock album on their sophomore LP. Album Review: Terra Terra Terra is a three-piece band from Lakeland, FL. Members include Loren Taylor (vocals, guitar), Matthew Lowry (bass), and Micah Roth (drums). The Space We … Read more
Joshua James From The Top Of Willamette Mountain Intelligent Noise Records [2012] Fire Note Says: Joshua James releases a tender album with his third LP. Album Review: Joshua James is a singer-songwriter from Nebraska who has settled in Utah. From The Top of Willamette Mountain is his third album that he has released. Not being … Read more
Peter Buck Peter Buck Mississippi-MRP Records [2012] Fire Note Says: Peter Buck goes solo (with help from some friends) and branches out in new yet familiar ways. Album Review: Peter Buck’s voice sounds like a belch being let out slowly through an old-time fire-stoker. In spite of this I really enjoyed Peter Buck’s new solo … Read more
Sea Wolf Old World Romance Dangerbird Records [2012] Fire Note Says: Old World Romance delivers a solid effort that has been crafted for lovers of indie rock. Album Review: Sea Wolf released Old World Romance, their third long-player, in September 2012. Sea Wolf is fronted by Alex Brown Church and has been comprised of many … Read more
We Are The Physics Your Friend, The Atom This Is Fake DIY Records [2012] Fire Note Says: We Are The Physics turns up the speed and volume on Your Friend, The Atom. Album Review: We Are The Physics are a four-piece outfit from Glasgow, Scotland. Your Friend, The Atom is their second full-length release, following … Read more
The Mountain Goats Transcendental Youth Merge Records [2012] Fire Note Says: The Mountain Goats 14th LP Transcendental Youth is as earnest as ever. Album Review: The Mountain Goats is fueled by John Darnielle, who has collaborated with many performers over the years under the band’s moniker. On the band’s 14th album, Transcendental Youth, the quality … Read more
How To Dress Well Total Loss Acephale Records [2012] Fire Note Says: How to Dress Well impresses with their second full-length Total Loss. Album Review: How to Dress Well is Tom Krell, a Brooklynite who produces and sings on the second full-length album Total Loss. Much of the album is sung in falsetto, which reminded … Read more