Honey Radar: Giraffe EP [7-Inch Review]

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

Holy Wave – “California Took My Bobby Away” [Video]

Holy Wave have a new video for the first single “California Took My Bobby Away” from their upcoming LP, Freaks of Nurture. Freaks of Nurture will be out March 11 on Reverberation Appreciation Society.

Freaks Of Nurture is the bands third LP. It was recorded at Cacophony Recorders in Austin, TX by Erik Wofford (Explosions In The Sky, The Black Angels, My Morning Jacket). The album is now up for pre-order HERE which gives you 160g clear cream vinyl + insert, and is limited to 500 copies.

Shearwater: Jet Plane And Oxbow [Album Review]

Shearwater Jet Plane And Oxbow Sub Pop Records [2016] Fire Note Says: Shearwater’s new LP is deep and colorful. Album Review: Shearwater’s newest album (Jet Plane and Oxbow) has all that you ask for out an LP. It is engaging from beginning to end; it reveals new parts of itself with each listen; it has … Read more

Pete Astor – “Very Good Lock” [Video]

Pete Astor is previously of The Loft and The Weather Prophet which were on Creation Records back in the 80’s. Since then, he has released several solo records and some more experimental material, while also teaching at University of Westminsteras.

His new record, Spilt Milk, is out today and reviewed HERE. This video just captures his presence perfectly and highlights why you should check out his new album via Slumberland Records.

The Black Queen: Fever Daydream [Album Review]

The Black Queen Fever Daydream Self-Released [2016] Album Review: The Black Queen is a group that has quite a bit of potential behind it. A record involving Greg Puciato of Dillinger Escape Plan, Joshua Eustis of Nine Inch Nails and Puscifer, and Steven Alexander former tech for Nine Inch Nail and Dillinger Escape Plan. This … Read more

Hey Lover – “Nancy” [Video]

Portland garage pop mainstays, Hey Lover have announced the upcoming release of their third album, Sinking Ships. Justin and Terah Beth (husband and wife) formed Hey Lover nearly a decade ago, playing their first show on their wedding night.

Their new single, “Nancy,” comes accompanied with this catchy animated music video by Cain Hendricks which takes viewers on a strange and captivating journey that leaves them wanting more. The LP, Sinking Ships, will be released in May, after which the band will play a week-long west-coast tour and a two-week run in Spain + Portugal. Dates to be announced in the coming months.

R. Ring – “Loud Underneath” [Video]

R. Ring is a group that we have been quietly following since 2012 that is comprised of The Breeders’ Kelley Deal (Dayton, OH) and Ampline’s Mike Montgomery (Dayton, KY). From their first 7″ release to some of their most recent singles they have lived up to the under current of hype for what we have hoped would lead to a full length.

If fact, I actually had a chance to ask Kelley about that LP release several years ago and her polite response was ” it will be coming out when you write it.” Of course it was all in fun but now the group has recently recorded tracks for a full length that hopefully should see the light of day this year.

This track for sure shows their potential and you can catch them out on tour at the dates below.

Tour Dates
February 17 MOTR Cincinnati, OH
February 18 The Bishop Bloomington, IN
February 19 the end. Nashville, TN
February 20 Cosmic Charlies Lexington, KY
March Dates
Wed 3/16/2016 Louisville KY Haymarket Whiskey Bar
Thu 3/17/2016 Murray KY Terrapin Station
Fri 3/18/2016 Memphis TN Hi Tone
Sat 3/19/2016 Hot Springs AR The Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival (The VOV)
Sun 3/20/2016 Little Rock AR Vino’s Pizza-Pub-Brewery
Mon 3/21/2016 Chattanooga TN JJ’s Bohemia
Tue 3/22/2016 Charlotte NC Snug Harbor
Wed 3/23/2016 Raleigh NC @Neptunes with @fleshwounds
Thu 3/24/2016 Washington, DC IOTA Club & Cafe with Flesh Wounds
Fri 3/25/2016 Baltimore MD Reverb with Flesh Wounds
Sat 3/26/2016 Youngstown OH @Historian Session
Sun 3/27/2016 Akron, OH @Annabelles-Bar with RELAXER

Tedeschi Trucks Band: Let Me Get By [Album Review]

Tedeschi Trucks Band Let Me Get By Concord Music Group [2016] Fire Note Says: Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks have brought a level of purpose to their third record. Album Review: On their third collaborative studio album, singer Susan Tedeschi, guitarist Derek Trucks and company have brought a level of intentionality and purpose to their … Read more

Sufjan Stevens – “Carrie & Lowell (Live)” [Video]

If you have not had a chance to catch Sufjan Stevens live then his new video should make you look for his next tour dates. Anyone that has been to a show will say that what you see here is even better and amazing in person.

Judge for yourself! Tour dates below.

Sufjan Stevens On Tour (Tickets HERE)
TUE 23 FEBRUARY
State Theatre Sydney, NSW, Australia
THU 25 FEBRUARY
Canberra Theatre Canberra, ACT, Australia
FRI 26 FEBRUARY
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, VIC, Australia
FRI 26 FEBRUARY
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
SAT 27 FEBRUARY
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, VIC, Australia
SUN 28 FEBRUARY
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, VIC, Australia
MON 29 FEBRUARY
Thebarton Theatre Adelaide, SA, Australia
WED 2 MARCH
Red Hill AuditoriumPerth, WA, Australia
Tickets
WED 2 MARCH
Red Hill Auditorium Perth, WA, Australia
FRI 4 MARCH
QPAC Concert Hall South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
FRI 4 MARCH
QPAC Concert Hall South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
SUN 6 MARCH
New Zealand Festival 2016 Wellington, New Zealand
TUE 8 MARCH
The Civic, AucklandAuckland, New Zealand
Tickets
TUE 8 MARCH
New Zealand Festival 2016 Wellington, New Zealand
FRI 15 APRIL – SUN 17 APRIL
Coachella (Weekend 1) 2016 Indio, CA, US
FRI 22 APRIL – SUN 24 APRIL
Coachella (Weekend 2) 2016 Indio, CA, US
FRI 27 MAY
Gorge Amphitheatre George, WA, US
FRI 27 MAY – SUN 29 MAY
Boston Calling Music Festival 2016 Boston, MA, US
FRI 27 MAY – MON 30 MAY
Sasquatch! Music Festival 2016 George, WA, US
MON 18 JULY
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO, US

The Friday Fire Track: Bent Shapes – “Realization Hits”

Bent Shapes have a Slumberland Records debut coming at you March 11th. The album is titled Wolves of Want and “Realization Hits” is a shot of indie-pop from the record that will for sure have you ready for the album’s release. It is easily worthy of the Friday Fire Track spot today with its upbeat … Read more

Tobin Sprout: Just One Kid (Takes On The World) [7-Inch Review]

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

Nada Surf – “Cold To See Clear” [Video]

Nada Surf has released the first video from their new album You Know Who You Are. The clip was directed by Spencer Gentz and features something a little different happening at the office. For those of us that have been there, I believe we only wish everyday was like a day with Nada Surf on the speakers!

Their eighth record is out March 4, and was produced by long-time buddy Tom Beaujour at Nuthouse Recording in Hoboken, NJ. The album marks the band’s first as an official quartet with the core unit – singer/ songwriter/guitarist Matthew Caws, bassist Daniel Lorca and drummer Ira Elliot – joined by Doug Gillard on guitar.

Nada Surf has confirmed the first leg of a North American tour that begins in Chicago, IL, on May 12, 2016 and ends in Boston, MA, on June 4. The complete tour dates are below.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:

MAY
12 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
13 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
14 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room
17 – Vancouver, BC – Venue
18 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
19 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
20 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
21 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram
22 – San Diego, CA – Irenic
24 – Denver, CO – Bluebird
25 – Kansas City, MO – Crossroads
27 – Austin, TX – Parish
28 – Dallas, TX – Granada
29 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall

JUNE
1 – Washington, DC – 930 Club
2 – Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live
3 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
4 – Boston, MA – Paradise

Freakwater: Scheherazade [Album Review]

Freakwater Scheherazade Bloodshot Records [2016] Fire Note Says: Freakwater return with another folk drenched record for your soul. Album Review: 10 years is a long time between albums, so Scheherazade is a true welcome back to the simple folky rooted songs from Catherine Ann Irwin and Janet Beveridge Bean of Freakwater. For some, this reunion … Read more

Teen Suicide – “Alex” [Video]

Baltimore’s Teen Suicide are back with a new double LP, It’s the Big Joyous Celebration, Let’s Stir the Honeypot, out April 1, 2016 via Run For Cover Records. The first for the group since 2012, Teen Suicide began as the solo project of Sam Ray (Ricky Eat Acid, Julia Brown) with a rotating cast of musicians.

Here is a taste from the record with their new video for “Alex.” They have a very cool indie basement sound which I think comes out perfectly in this video. Tracklisting and Tour Dates below.

Tracklist:
01) Living Proof
02) The Big Joyous Celebration
03) Alex
04) Violets
05) Obvious Love
06) It’s Just A Pop Song
07) V.I.P.
08) Wild Thing Runs Free
09) Bright Blue Pickup Truck
10) Big Mistake
11) What You Want
12) God
13) Neighborhood Drug Dealer
14) Have A Conversation
15) Beauty
16) Pavement
17) America
18) Devotion
19) The Things I Love Are Killing Me
20) Falling Out Of Love With Me
21) I Don’t Think It’s Too Late
22) Long Way Down
23) My Little World
24) The Hurricane
25) The Stomach of the Earth
26) If I Don’t See You Before You Leave

Tour Dates (w/ Say Anything, mewithoutYou & Museum Mouth):

Apr 20 – Dallas TX @ Gas Monkey
Apr 22 – Tempe AZ @ The Marquee
Apr 23 – San Diego CA @ House of Blues
Apr 24 – Anaheim CA @ House of Blues
Apr 26 – Los Angeles CA @ Echoplex
Apr 27 – San Francisco CA @ Slim’s
Apr 29 – Portland OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Apr 30 – Seattle WA @ The Showbox
May 2 – Salt Lake City UT @ Club Sound
May 3 – Denver CO The @ The Summit Music Hall
May 5 – St. Louis MO @ The Ready Room
May 6 – Chicago IL @ Concord Music Hall
May 7 – Milwaukee WI @ The Rave
May 8 – Pontiac MI @ The Crofoot Ballroom
May 10 – Cleveland OH @ House of Blue
May 11 – Pittsburgh PA @ Stage AE – Indoor
May 12 – Philadelphia PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
May 13 – New York NY @ Webster Hall
May 14 – Worcester MA @ The Palladium
May 15 – Sayreville NJ @ Starland Ballroom
May 17 – Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
May 19 – Carrboro NC @ Cat’s Cradle
May 20 – Wilmington NC @ Ziggy’s By The Sea
May 21 – Atlanta GA @ The Masquerade
May 22 – Nashville TN @ Marathon Music Works
May 24 – Orlando FL @ Beacham Theater
May 25 – Tampa FL @ The Ritz Ybor
May 27 – Houston TX @ House of Blues
May 28 – Austin TX @ Scoot Inn

Eleanor Friedberger: New View [Album Review]

Eleanor Friedberger New View Frenchkiss Records [2016] Fire Note Says: New View offers a streamlined version of the Eleanor Friedberger experience, and it may be the album she was trying to make all along. Album Review: There are two ways to read the easygoing charms of Eleanor Friedberger’s newest album. The first is that she’s … Read more

PJ Harvey – “The Wheel” [Video]

I wish I could kick off every Monday with a new PJ Harvey video. This acoustic rocker is for “The Wheel,” the first track to be taken from her forthcoming album The Hope Six Demolition Project, which will be released on April 15th via Vagrant Records.

This is her first record since 2011’s Let England Shake. PJ Harvey and her band will be perform at the below festivals across the summer. Let’s all hope for a fall full tour!

06/04/16 – Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound
06/04-05/16 – Paris, France – We Love Green Festival
06/12/16 – London, UK – Field Day
06/17-18/16 – Helsinki, Finland – Sideways Festival
06/18/16 – Moscow, Russia – Ahmad Tea Music Festival
06/20/16 – Berlin, Germany – Zitadelle Spandau
06/22/16 – Zagreb, Croatia – INMusic
06/24-26/16 – Beuningen, The Netherlands – Down The Rabbit Hole
06/29/16 – Gdynia, Poland – Open’er Festival
06/29-07/02/16 – Roskilde, Denmark – Roskilde Festival
07/02/16 – Werchter, Belgium – Rock Werchter
07/03/16 – Herouville St Clair, France – Beauregard Festival
07/07/16 – Trenčín, Slovakia – Pohoda Festival
07/08/16 – Vienna, Austria – Harvest of Art Festival
08/11/16 – Oslo, Norway – OYA
08/11-13/16 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Way Out West