Vandoliers: Forever [Album Review]

Vandoliers Forever Bloodshot Records [2019] Album Review: Dallas/Fort Worth band, Vandoliers come out of the gate on their Bloodshot Records debut sounding like the seasoned Texas bar-band they are, delivering up a healthy mix of sounds associated with the state where everything’s a bit larger than life-size. Singer/songwriter Joshua Fleming leads his band in a … Read more

Spielbergs: This Is Not The End [Album Review]

Spielbergs This Is Not The End By The Time It Gets Dark Records [2019] Who: This Is Not The End is Oslo, Norway’s Spielbergs debut full length. Sound: Spielbergs have a throwback alt rock sound that will have Superdrag fans loving the hooks and Hum fans loving the guitars. TFN Final Take: The Spielbergs are … Read more

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Fishing For Fishies” [Video]

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard return on Friday April 26th 2019 with Fishing for Fishies. Released on Flightless Records world-wide, the band have shared their latest Jason Galea directed video to the album’s title track, Fishing For Fishies.

The fourteenth album since their 2012 debut – and their first following the release of five vastly different albums in 2017 – Fishing for Fishies is a blues-infused blast of sonic boogie that struts and shimmies through several moods and terrains. From the soft shuffle Outback country of the opening title track through the sunny easy listening of ‘The Bird Song’ (think the lysergically-soaked Laurel Canyon circa 1973) and on through the party funk of ‘Plastic Boogie’ (which somehow summons the spirit of Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions) the road-trucking, Doors-like highway rock of ‘The Cruel Millennial’ and ‘Real’s Not Real’ – it’s a dizzying, dazzling display which addresses a number of pertinent environmental issues along the way.

“We tried to make a blues record,” says frontman Stu Mackenzie. “A blues-boogie-shuffle-kinda-thing, but the songs kept fighting it – or maybe it was us fighting them. Ultimately though we let the songs guide us this time; we let them have their own personalities and forge their own path. Paths of light, paths of darkness. This is a collection of songs that went on wild journeys of transformation.”

J.S. Ondara: Tales Of America [Album Review]

J.S. Ondara Tales Of America Verve Forecast [2019] Fire Note Says: Stunning debut from a unique voice. Album Review: It’s always exciting to hear a distinct, surprising new voice. That was my experience when firing up Tales of America, J.S. Ondara’s full-length debut. The Kenya native, who now resides in Minneapolis, MN, has a dulcet … Read more

The Get Up Kids – Satellite [Video]

After releasing their Kicker EP in the summer of 2018, The Get Up Kids have returned with a new full-length album, Problems – their first since 2011’s There Are Rules.

Recorded with Grammy award-winning producer, Peter Katis (The National, Kurt Vile, Japandroids), Problems sees the band leaning further into their strengths and channeling them into 12 songs that showcase the Kansas 5-piece at their most melodic, refined, and inspired.

You can pre-order Problems now from the Polyvinyl Store HERE.

Patty Griffin: Patty Griffin [Album Review]

Patty Griffin Patty Griffin Self-Released [2019] Fire Note Says: On her 10th studio album, singer/songwriter Patty Griffin has created an intimate, passionate recording centered around her singular artistic vision and beautiful voice. Album Review: Folk singer/songwriter, Patty Griffin’s songs on her self-titled 10th studio album are so intimate and quietly impactful, that you might forget … Read more

Frankie And The Witch Fingers: ZAM [Album Review]

Frankie And The Witch Fingers ZAM Greenway Records [2019] Fire Note Says: Frankie and the Witch Fingers return with equal parts dark arts and mischievous psychedelic heart for their fifth long player. Album Review: Frankie and the Witch Fingers has been a group that the Fire Note has kept on their radar since their debut, … Read more

Amyl And The Sniffers – “Monsoon Rock” [Video]

Amyl and the Sniffers announced today that their debut album will be released on May 24th. Check out the first track from the album, “Monsoon Rock”, out now on ATO (North America), Rough Trade (UK/Europe) and Flightless Records (Australia & New Zealand).

The band said of the new track, “”Monsoon Rock” is just a song to rage to, it celebrates good gigs and live music. We wrote it around the time of Gizzfest 2017 when it was pissing down with rain but everybody still got into it – just muddier and wetter and real feral. We ran out of time to make a video and it’s always fun making funny shit. If you don’t have a sense of humor and can’t laugh, what’s the point of being alive?”

Amyl and The Sniffers will appear at SXSW this month prior to embarking on a headline West Coast tour in March including the Bootleg Theater in LA. After those dates they will head to the UK and Europe, and then come back to North America in July for another headline run (all dates below).

Amyl & the Sniffers at SXSW:
3/14 – Levitation Showcase @ Hotel Vegas – 3:45-4:20pm
3/14 – ATO Records/Caroline Showcase @ Barracuda – 11-11:45pm
3/15 – Panache Official Showcase @ Hotel Vegas – 11:30pm
3/15 – South By San Jose Showcase @ Hotel San Jose – 7pm
3/16 – Thrasher/Vans Death Match @ Weather Up – 4:45-5:15pm

Amyl & the Sniffers Tour Dates
3/18 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
3/19 – Vancouver, BC @ The Fox Cabaret
3/20 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
3/22 – San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside – SOLD OUT
3/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg HiFi Theater
3/24 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Bunkhouse Saloon
3/25 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
4/01 – Nottingham, UK @ The Bodega
4/02 – London, UK @ Heaven
4/03 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
4/04 – Bristol, UK @ The Louisiana
4/06 – Manchester, UK @ The Deaf Institute
4/07 – Brighton, UK @ The Haunt
4/08 – Brussels. Belgium @ Botanique
4/10 – Amsterdam, Holland @ Paradiso Noord
4/11 – Hamburg, Germany @ Molotow
4/12 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Stengade
4/13 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Debaser
4/15 – Berlin, Germany @ Zukunft
4/16 – Munich, Germany @ Strom
4/17 – Cologne, Germany @ Bumann & Sohn
4/20 – Rotterdam, Holland @ Motel Mozaique
4/21 – Schijndel, Holland @ Paaspop Festival
7/09 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
7/12 – Austin, TX @ Barracuda (Outside)
7/13 – New Orleans, LA @ Santos
7/14 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
7/15 – Raleigh, NC @ Kings Raleigh
7/16 – Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
7/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
7/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Market Hotel
7/20 – Allston, MA @ Great Scott
7/21 – Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz
7/22 – Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
7/23 – Hamtramck, MI @ Outer Limits Lounge
7/25 – Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club

Peter Rogan: Still Tryin’ To Believe [Album Review]

Peter Rogan Still Tryin’ To Believe Self-Released [2019] Fire Note Says: Philadelphia singer/songwriter/guitarist, Peter Rogan creates his first album with the help of the Red Dirt Boys, resulting in soulful light rock and blues. Album Review: The very existence of this album by Reading, PA singer/songwriter/guitarist Peter Rogan should be an encouragement to anyone who’s … Read more

Plains: Peace In Restland [Album Review]

Plains Peace in Restland Self-Released [2019] Who: Plains are a Newmarket, New Hampshire-based quartet . Sound: Peace in Restland, Plains debut LP, is an engaging blend of psychedelic Americana folk and punk. TFN Final Take: I decided to check out Plains on a whim after seeing their name on a show poster as a supporting … Read more

Mavis Staples: Live In London [Album Review]

Mavis Staples Live In London ANTI- [2019] Album Review: At 79 years old, Mavis Staples is an R&B institution who has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame, but she’s not sitting back on her laurels in a rocking chair at the living legends nursing home. … Read more

Durand Jones & The Indications: American Love Call [Album Review]

Durand Jones & The Indications American Love Call Dead Oceans/Colemine Records [2019] Who: American Love Call is Bloomington, Indiana’s Durand Jones & The Indications sophomore record. Sound: Durand Jones & The Indications have a soaring and infectious 70’s soul sound. TFN Final Take: Durand Jones 2016 self-titled debut was another stellar release in the retro-soul … Read more

L7 – “Burn Baby” [Video]

L7 have signed with Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records for their first album in 20 years, Scatter the Rats, due out May 3, 2019. “I’ve been friends with L7 for years and am very excited and proud to have the opportunity to release their new album on Blackheart!” shares Jett. “When we decided to make a new record, Joan was there for us as the good friend she has always been. So great to stomp into Blackheart Records with her at the helm. We’re very excited to work with Joan and the entire Blackheart family. Just imagine the family dinners!” says Donita Sparks.

Opening the album with a galvanizing reflection on letting go of old grudges for the sake of fighting a greater evil, the band has unleashed a blazing new video by Blue Hats Creative for lead single “Burn Baby” directed by Courtney and Hillary Andujar. The new track sees the band tight as ever, delivering their ferocious energy through a wall of rage. “Burn Baby” will be available on a special Record Store Day 7” with b-side “Fighting The Crave”.

Kevin Morby – “No Halo” [Video]

With his four acclaimed solo albums and myriad records of various collaboration, Kevin Morby has become a true musical auteur. Each record possesses its own unique persona and explores intriguing themes and fertile terrain through shifting, focused textures and dexterous, dedicated skill. And now, with the lavish, resplendent, career-best double LP Oh My God (out April 26th via Dead Oceans), Morby delivers a grandiose director’s cut of his biggest statement to date, epic in scope as well as sound. Additionally, today Kevin shares the video for the album’s first single, “No Halo,” directed by Chris Good.

Kevin Morby’s new record, Oh My God, is available for pre-order today on LP, CD, cassette, and digital HERE. Limited sky blue opaque vinyl is available via the Dead Oceans store + your local indie retailer. A limited pre-order bundle is available that includes the LP on sky blue vinyl, CD, a limited edition 24-page Oh My God hymnal (with sheet music for “No Halo,” “Nothing Sacred / All Things Wild,” “Savannah” and “Congratulations” as well as photos & lyrics), and a bonus 7” with two unreleased songs, “Gift Horses” and “I Was On Time.”

Additionally, Vinyl Me Please will offer a limited number of LPs via their online store on Opaque Yellow Vinyl.

Kevin Morby’s world tour launches in May with an expanded band uniquely assembled to present Kevin’s live vision of Oh My God, featuring current members Nick Kinsey on drums and Cyrus Gengras on bass, and adding frequent Morby producer Sam Cohen on guitar, Alecia Chakour and Lauren Balthrop on vocals, Jared Samuel on keys, and Cochemea Gastelum on saxophone. Additionally, Kevin is announcing European solo tour dates later this summer.

KEVIN MORBY TOUR DATES
Sat. Mar. 2, 2019 – Phoenix, AZ @ M3F Fest
Wed. May 8, 2019 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel *
Fri. May 10, 2019 – Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst (Live in the Atrium) *
Sat. May 11, 2019 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore *
Mon. May 13, 2019 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom *
Tue. May 14, 2019 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox *
Wed. May 15, 2019 – Vancouver, BC @ Imperial Vancouver *
Fri. May 17, 2019 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The State Room *
Sat. May 18, 2019 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater *
Fri. May 31, 2019 – New York, NY @ Town Hall *
Sat. June 1, 2019 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club *
Sun. June 2, 2019 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
Mon. June 3, 2019 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair *
Wed. June 5, 2019 – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House *
Thu. June 6, 2019 – Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark *
Fri. June 7, 2019 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall *
Sat. June 8, 2019 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall *
Fri. June 14 – Brussels, BE @ AB *
Sat. June 15 – Berlin, DE @ Festsaal Kreuzberg *
Sun. June 16 – Mannheim, DE @ Maifield Derby *
Mon. June 17 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso *
Wed. June 19 – London, UK @ O2 Sheperds Bush Empire *
Thu. June 20 – Paris, FR @ Le Cabaret Sauvage *
Sat. June 22 – Hamburg, DE @ Knust *
Sun. June 23 – Copenhagen, DK @ Vega *
Mon. June 24 – Aarhus, DK @ Voxhall *
Wed. June 26 – Helsinki, FI @ Tavastia *
Fri. Jun 28, 2019 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Debaser/Bar Brooklyn (solo)
Sat. Jun 29, 2019 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Pustervik (solo)
Sun. Jun 30, 2019 – Oslo, Norway @ John Dee (solo)
Mon. Jul 1, 2019 – Tromsø, Norway @ Blårock Café (solo)
Tue. Jul 2, 2019 – Bergen, Norway @ Landmark (solo)
Wed Jul 3, 2019 – Malmö, Sweden @ Babel (solo)
Fri. Jul 5, 2019 – Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain @ Vida Festival (solo)
Sat. Jul 6, 2019 – Madrid, Spain @ Copérnico (solo)
Sun. Jul 7, 2019 – Lisbon, Portugal @ São Luiz Teatro Municipal (solo)
Mon. Jul 8, 2019 – Braga, Portugal @ Gnration (solo)
Wed. Jul 10, 2019 – Biarritz, France @ La Côte des Basques (solo)
Thu. Jul 11, 2019 – Bordeaux, France @ Rock School Barbey (solo)
Fri. Jul 12, 2019 – Toulouse, France @ Le Théatre de Garonne (solo)
Sun. Jul 14, 2019 – Roubaix, France @ La Cave aux Poetes (solo)
Wed. Jul 17, 2019 – Istanbul, Turkey @ IKSV (solo)
Fri. Jul 19, 2019 – Dublin, Ireland @ The Grand Social (solo)

* w/ Sam Cohen

Sunwatchers: Illegal Moves [Album Review]

Sunwatchers Illegal Moves Trouble In Mind Records [2019] Who: Sunwatchers hail from New York and present to us their third full length, Illegal Moves. This is their second for Trouble In Mind. Their first self-titled album was released on the Fire Note favorite Castle Face Records. Sound: Sunwatchers aim to create music, the likes of … Read more

Gary Clark Jr.: This Land [Album Review]

Gary Clark Jr. This Land Warner Bros. [2019] Fire Note Says: “Guitar Man,” Gary Clark Jr. shows that he can do it all on his third major label album, This Land, from the traditional blues to rock & roll, pop, R&B, hip-hop and soul. Album Review: Near the end of Gary Clark Jr.’s latest album, … Read more

Three Merry Widows: I Was The Moon [Album Review]

Three Merry Widows I Was The Moon Self-Released [2019] Fire Note Says: St. Louis folk rock band, Three Merry Widows reunites after 28 years to produce their sophomore album, a collection of mature folk rock songs that will leave you wanting more. Album Review: Once upon a time, the early 90’s to be exact, in … Read more

Girlpool: What Chaos Is Imaginary [Album Review]

Girlpool What Chaos Is Imaginary ANTI- [2019] Fire Note Says: Girlpool continues to evolve on their third album. Album Review: Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad are back with their third LP. Following 2017’s impressive Powerplant, which incorporated fuzzy guitars and haunting harmonies, the new collection goes for more of the same, but with mixed results. … Read more

Ben Kweller – “Heart Attack Kid” [Video]

Ben Kweller has released his first new song in five years, “Heart Attack Kid,” and is now available via a video he made in collaboration with Robert Strange of Superorganism.

“Making the Heart Attack Kid music video with Ben Kweller was the first big project I’ve done outside of my band, Superorganism,” says Strange. “Stylistically, I wanted to take a step in a new direction while making the video true to who Ben is and the world he lives in. Ben shot the live action stuff on his ranch in Texas and I meshed that together with the story of a claymation rattlesnake who hears Heart Attack Kid floating on the breeze and sets off on a mission to find the source. It was great collaborating with Ben — he’s got so much energy and has a really special thing going on at his label The Noise Company. We were chatting pretty much every day, passing ideas back and forth and fine-tuning the video. I learned a lot making this video and together we ended up making a piece of art that I’ll always be extremely proud of.”

Kweller has been on tour this past week and will continue through the end of the month. The remaining dates are below. Information on his new album will be released soon.

Ben Kweller 2019 Tour Dates:
02/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel *
02/20 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club *
02/21 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
02/22 – Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater *
02/23 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle *
02/25 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement
02/26 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
* = w/ Houndmouth

Smug Brothers: Attic Harvest [Album Review]

Smug Brothers Attic Harvest Gas Daddy Go! Records [2019] Who: Dayton, Ohio-based Smug Brothers make a dream come true and finally release an album on vinyl. Attic Harvest is a dream for us listeners, too. Sound: Attic Harvest features a new lineup for Smug Brothers, but not to worry, Smug Brothers still showcase catchy and … Read more

Gary Clark Jr – “This Land” [Video]

Clark’s powerful new video “This Land” was filmed in Clark’s hometown of Austin and directed by Savanah Leaf. The headline-grabbing short film has already exceeded over one million YouTube views. Gary Clark Jr’s new album of the same title is due out this Friday February 22nd via Warner Bros. Records.

Bob Mould: Sunshine Rock [Album Review]

Bob Mould Sunshine Rock Merge Records [2019] Fire Note Says: Mould has always been one of alternative music’s bright shining stars. Album Review: Bob Mould makes a determined effort on his 14th solo studio album to turn from the darkness toward the light of Sunshine Rock. It’s a burst of positivity that he spells out … Read more

Swervedriver: Future Ruins [Album Review]

Swervedriver Future Ruins Dangerbird Records [2019] Who: This is Swervedriver’s sixth album and first since 2015’s I Wasn’t Born to Lose You. Sound: Swervedriver is a name that typically (and should) come up when talking about ‘90s shoegaze. On that spectrum, Swervedriver leaned more on the rock side with their blending of guitar, vocals and … Read more