Mastodon Once More ‘Round The Sun Warner Bros. Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Mastodon ditch their space-time distortion with one of their most straight forward yet. Album Review: It‘s a heady question to ask, but how does one innovate in the metal genre today? Do you drop tuning deeper, play slower, or maybe even faster? … Read more
The Cleaners From Venus Volume 3 (Box Set) Captured Tracks [2014] Fire Note Says: The third box set from The Cleaners From Venus is far and away the best one yet, and absolutely essential listening. Album Review: Captured Tracks has now released their third box set from The Cleaners From Venus, the legendary lo-fi 80s … Read more
The Donkeys Ride The Black Wave Easy Sound Recording Co. [2014] Fire Note Says: The Donkey’s fourth album is a great summer record with subtle nods to the past. Album Review: The dog days of summer are upon us, which—if you’re like me—means a shift towards listening to some warm, sunny music to go along … Read more
On August 19th, Nashville-based artist Cory Branan is releasing a new album, The No-Hit Wonder, on Bloodshot Records. There’s a timeless craftsmanship in these deceptively simple songs about love and home, losses and dreams. Branan’s had his fair share of each since completing his critically acclaimed Bloodshot debut MUTT in 2012, losing several beloved family … Read more
Beginning July 15, participating independent record stores will be listed at vinylgratification.com. Fans who pre-order Spoon’s They Want My Soul (out August 5 on Loma Vista) will immediately receive the aforementioned limited edition 45 RPM vinyl 10-inch. On or after They Want My Soul’s August 5 release, those who bring their receipts back to the … Read more
The Estranged The Estranged Dirtnap Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The Estranged create a burning intensity within every track. Album Review: Typically when you pick up a Dritnap Records release you sort of know that you are in for some type of punk rock outing. For that reason, Portland’s The Estranged will come at you … Read more
The Safes Record Heat Wee Rock Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Chicago’s The Safes offer up a modern flare on some very classic sounds! Album Review: Everyone around TFN has certain labels they always enjoy and one of mine is Springfield, Missouri’s Wee Rock Records. They are a DIY, vinyl loving label that is all … Read more
When Pallbearer released their 2012 debut Sorrow And Extinction the metal community immediately took notice. Hearing that their follow up Foundations of Burden would be coming out on August 19th via Profound Lore it instantly became my most anticipated metal album for 2014. “The Ghost I Used To Be” is not just a typical slow … Read more
How To Dress Well What Is This Heart? Weird World Recording Co. [2014] Fire Note Says: How To Dress Well strikes again with another soulful release. Album Review: The cover of How To Dress Well’s sophomore LP, What Is This Heart?, is simply a close-up photo portrait of Tom Krell, the man behind How To … Read more
The Fire Note’s June Bandcamp feature heats up the summer with a handful of new artists. In this edition you can find some sibling harmonies from Santa Cruz, psychedelic rock from Italy, lo-fi rock straight from Brooklyn and some solid indie from Phoenix. As always – Discover, Support & Share! Lost Boy? Brooklyn, New York … Read more
Circulatory System Mosaics Within Mosaics Cloud Recordings [2014] Fire Note Says: 60’s pop melodies and wild psychedelic excursions woven together to create a giant sonic tapestry. Album Review: It’s impossible to overstate the importance of the Elephant 6 Collective and the impact that it had on rock music, and in fact, the influence it still … Read more
††† (Crosses) ††† Sumerian Records [2014] Fire Note Says: ††† debut has both highs and lows. Album Review: ††† is the combination of the Deftones lead man Chino Moreno, Far guitarist Shaun Lopez, and Chuck Doom. If you’re familiar with the Deftones, ††† is a slightly more subdued, industrial style of music. I was most … Read more
Parquet Courts Sunbathing Animal What’s Your Rupture? / Mom & Pop Music [2014] Fire Note Says: Parquet Courts are the current New York City sound. Album Review: Sometimes it is hard to explain why an album puts up a roadblock but that is exactly what happened to me on the third record from breakout band … Read more
Julian Casablancas+The Voidz will release their anticipated debut titled Tyranny this September 23 on Casablancas’ own Cult Records. A digital pre-order priced at $3.87 is available now on HERE. Below you can see the third and final video teaser installment comprised of music and live tour footage. Written and recorded over the past year, the … Read more
Jimmy Eat World has announced a fall North American headlining tour to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of their lauded album, Futures. Slated to kick off October 2nd at the Ventura Theater, the band will perform their 2004 release from front to back. A listing of confirmed dates can be found below. Fan presales to begin … Read more
Careers is the debut album from Beverly (Frankie Rose & Drew Citron). You can snag the translucent ice blue vinyl from Kanine Records HERE. The album’s official release date is July 1, 2014.
Brody Dalle Diploid Love Caroline Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Ex-punk Brody Dalle returns with a matured rock sound. Album Review: It is crazy how time flies and to realize that Brody Dalle has been in the music scene since her self-titled Distillers debut back in 2000 which was on Hellcat/Epitaph Records. It is also … Read more
Cardinal Cardinal Flydaddy (Original) / Fire (Reissue) Released: 1994 Producer: Tony Lash Length: 30:32 (Reissue 57:01) Appearing as it did in the middle of the grunge era, Cardinal’s debut LP was definitely an anomaly. Instead of gritty guitars and gruff vocals, Cardinal is full of quieter sounds: acoustic guitars, strings, piano, even the occasional trumpet, … Read more
The Antlers Familiars ANTI- [2014] Fire Note Says: The Antlers’ Familiars is another beautiful, thought provoking experience. Album Review: The Antlers’ fifth studio album, Familiars, continues with the band’s moody, dreamy musings. The Brooklyn-based band, led by Peter Silberman with support from Michael Lerner and Darby Cicci, has often dealt with deep, heavy themes in … Read more
Howler World Of Joy Rough Trade Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Former buzz band takes a solid step forward from their debut on World of Joy. Album Review: Howler was a bit of a buzz band a few years ago when their debut album America Give Up was released. It was a tasty slice of … Read more
In early fall, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery will celebrate the spirit of indie rock greats Guided by Voices with the imperial lager BEER Thousand. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band’s classic album Bee Thousand, Dogfish Head has brewed BEER Thousand. It is an imperial lager, that was brewed with 10 grains and 10 … Read more
Guided By Voices Bee Thousand Scat Records Released: June 21, 1994 Producer: GBV Length: 36:30 I don’t think that anyone back in June of 1994 could have predicted the impact of this little lo-fi record from Dayton, Ohio band Guided By Voices. At the time, I was still in college and working in a music … Read more
If you were to ask me to list several top punk pop rock acts currently releasing records, Canada’s Steve Adamyk Band would be in my top five. Over their last two albums, Third (2013) and Forever Won’t Wait (2011), the band has been growing in both songwriting and musicianship. “Careless” is a track off of … Read more
Peter Bradley Adams The Mighty Storm I Me Mine Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Peter Bradley Adams offers up 10 tracks of Dylan-tinged folk pop. Album Review: Recorded in Nashville with several multi-instrumentalists/producers, Peter Bradley Adams’ fifth album The Mighty Storm doesn’t exactly sound the way its title would suggest. Over its forty-five minute span, … Read more