Features

Track Premiere: margø – “Lovelost”

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The first thing you will notice on TFN premiere of “Lovelost” today is Canadian-born margø’s commanding vocals. She is constantly driving this track as its electronic, almost industrial, bass pulses keep the beat. Near the end of the song when she cries out, “I’ll never be the same,” the track becomes instantly connectable and you … Read more

Track Premiere: The March Divide – “Real Life Is Hard”

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“Are you lost?” is the serious question at hand on The March Divide’s new track “Real Life Is Hard.” This premiere song is off of The March Divide’s next single series installment – Distractions, Vol. 4. The new installment features “Real Life Is Hard” along with “All I Wanna Do Is Laugh” and are out officially this Friday, July 26, 2019 via Slow Start Records.

Today’s track showcases the talent of singer/songwriter Jared Putnam, aka The March Divide, and his dedication to his art as he continues to support this series with over 100 tour dates already played or announced for 2019, and more on the way. The bonus here is that “Real Life Is Hard” is offered in this fitting lyric video that shows you the monotony of driving while receiving the message that everyone deals with some sort of struggle everyday – but you keep pushing on.

This message in the track all plays out with Putnam’s soft vocal delivery and intense acoustic strumming, which easily will stick in your head. The March Divide are most likely a name you have not discovered yet so give “Real Life Is Hard” a listen and then support the artist at his Bandcamp page HERE. You can also catch The March Divide live at the dates below.

The March Divide Website
The March Divide Facebook
Slow Start Records

Tour Dates
Thursday, July 25th, 2019
Muck & Fuss
295 E. San Antonio Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Friday, August 2nd, 2019
Market BBQ
2707 SE Military
San Antonio, TX 78223

Saturday, August 3rd, 2019
Muck & Fuss
295 E. San Antonio Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Friday, August 9th, 2019
Southtown 101
101 Pereida St
San Antonio, TX 78210

Saturday, August 10th, 2019
Freetail Brewing Co.
2000 S Presa St
San Antonio, TX 78210

Friday, August 16th, 2019
Devil & The Deep Brewery
2425 Post Office St
Galveston, TX 77550
w/Brightwire

Saturday, August 17th, 2019
House Show
Baytown, TX
Email [email protected] for details
w/Brightwire

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019
Red Brick Bar
311 E Main St
Norman, OK 73069

Thursday, August 22nd, 2019
$5
The Hunt Club
224 N Main
Tulsa, OK 74103

Friday, August 23rd, 2019
KC House
Kansas City, MO
email [email protected] for details

Saturday, August 24th, 2019
FREE!
Gaslight Gardens
317 N 2nd St.
Lawrence, KS 66044

Sunday, August 25th, 2019
FREE!
Adair’s Saloon
2624 Commerce St
Dallas, TX 75201

Friday, August 30th, 2019
FREE!
The Point
24188 Boerne Stage Rd
San Antonio, TX 78255

Saturday, August 31st, 2019
FREE!
Market BBQ
2707 SE Military
San Antonio, TX 78223

Friday, September 6th, 2019
FREE!
Muck & Fuss
295 E. San Antonio Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Saturday, September 7th, 2019
FREE!
La Tuna Icehouse
100 Probandt St
San Antonio, TX 78204

Thursday, September 12th, 2019
FREE!
Joe Blues
1420 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78210

Friday, September 13th, 2019
FREE!
Muck & Fuss
295 E. San Antonio Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Friday, September 20th, 2019
FREE!
Muck & Fuss
295 E. San Antonio Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Wednesday, October 16th, 2019
FREE!
Red Brick Bar
311 E Main St
Norman, OK 73069
w/ BLUNDERBUSST

Thursday, October 17th, 2019
Kirby’s
3227 E. 17th Street
Wichita, KS 67208
w/BLUNDERBUSST

Saturday, October 19th, 2019
7pm
Donations
KC House
Kansas City, MO
Email [email protected] for details.
w/BLUNDERBUSST

Track Premiere: The Kyle Sowashes – “Bowling Ball”

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We couldn’t be more excited today to premiere this new track, “Bowling Ball” from Columbus Ohio’s Kyle Sowashes. The track is included on their new album, I Don’t Know What To Tell You, that is being released on September 13, 2019 via Anyway Records. On “Bowling Ball” you will quickly hear that the The Kyle … Read more

Video Premiere: So It Was – “The Hour (Live At Candyland)”

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Louisville, Kentucky’s So It Was released their self-titled debut earlier this year and today TFN is excited to share this premiere video with you, along with SofaBurn Records, that features one of the album’s tracks captured live at the Candyland Recording Studio. If you know the band or the tune, you already are familiar with the soft delivery that So It Was offers, as “The Hour” highlights singer Daniel Lobb’s Sufjan Stevens type vocal.

What this video adds to the story is that now you can visually see the passion behind the music which includes the intricate guitar of Lobb, the intense concentration of flute from Alexis Marsh, and the flowing piano of Dan Dorff, Jr. as he just drifts along perfectly with the music. It is a session video that makes you feel like you are in the studio and as a music fan – that is where you want to be!

Photographer Michael Wilson and engineer Mike Montgomery (R. Ring) captured the session, along with producer Daniel Martin Moore, so if you even questioned the talent behind the scenes – don’t! So It Was and “Hero” have all the makings of your new favorite late-night track, as it will set the tone for your tomorrow with its freshness of the world just after a storm vibe. It is the perfect reset that new starts are made of!



So It Was Website
So It Was Facebook

Video Premiere: Smug Brothers – “Today Is Always Today”

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Smug Brothers have been busy in 2019. The Dayton, Ohio based band released the excellent Attic Harvest earlier this year and now TFN is excited to premiere a new video today for “Today Is Always Today,” which is off their new record All Blur And Spark.

The best news – All Blur And Spark is available today! You can read all about the new album in our Headphone Approved review HERE. You also can then head over to their Bandcamp page HERE and pick up the new album on limited edition CD or digital download.

Smug Brothers Website
Smug Brothers Facebook
Gas Daddy Go! Records

Calexico | Iron & Wine: Years To Burn [Album Review]

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Calexico | Iron & Wine Years To Burn Sub Pop Records [2019] Who: Sam Beam’s Iron & Wine and Calexico have a long musical resume that includes their 2005 album together, In The Reins. Sound: Smooth indie folk with intricate instrumentation that falls in line with both artists catalog and fans of Bon Iver, Bill … Read more

Todd Rundgren: The Individualist Tour [Concert Review]

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Todd Rundgren; The Individualist Tour; The Taft Theater, Cincinnati, OH – Wednesday, June 5, 2019 Two decades into the 21st Century, Todd Rundgren, noted rocker, producer, and now author, may not be a household name, but for a faithful audience of fans he remains an artist worthy of our time, attention and hard-earned cash. In … Read more

Track Premiere: Dots – “Throwing Pennies”

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How about some in your face free-for-all punk rock? Well, ready or not – that is what you are getting today with TFN’s premiere of “Throwing Pennies” from Oakland’s Dots! The psychedelic hardcore of the band found here is propelled by the energized vocals of front woman Camylle and the groups short bursting guitar riffs. … Read more

Track Premiere: Billy Harvey – “Frozen Through”

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Second chances don’t always happen and in the music business they rarely present themselves after 15 years but that is exactly what we are talking about today. The premiere of “Frozen Through” from Billy Harvey is a preview of the newly remastered song from his 2004 record Pie. The album is getting a second life … Read more

Video Premiere: Jess McAvoy – “Do What You Want”

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Happy Valentine’s Day Fire Note readers! Let us introduce you to the talented singer/songwriter Jess McAvoy. The video premiere today for her new song, “Do What You Want,” is the perfect play for a day where there is so much pressure to be a certain way, buy specific things and maybe even take things a bit too serious.

“Do What You Want” is about finding two people in a relationship, just for the enjoyment of each other’s company. It’s ok to live in the moment and feel good today no matter where it might eventually lead. These are great tips to remember on Valentine’s Day.

It also helps that the message comes in the form of McAvoy’s catchy bluesy vocals as “Do What You Want” sways with its guitar swagger structure. Jess really says it best when she sings “there’s only this moment, don’t you want to own it.”

Well, TFN hopes you enjoy your day and make sure you share this video with all your serious friends! If you live in the area, you can also check out Jess McAvoy live on March 1st in Los Angeles at The Study. More info on Jess McAvoy can be found at the links below.

Jess McAvoy Website
Jess McAvoy Facebook

Video Premiere: A Delicate Motor – “Man On Fire”

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A Delicate Motor is the sound composition project of Cincinnati Ohio native Adam Petersen. Originally a solo, loop-based songwriting effort from Petersen, A Delicate Motor now consists of drummer / producer Ben Sloan (WHY?, Lazy Heart, Naytronix), guitarist / bassist Stephen Patota (The Happy Maladies, Lazy Heart, Naytronix), vocalist Libby Landis, vocalist / guitarist Brianna Kelly (Soften) and vocalist / pianist Rachel Mousie. This ensemble released their latest full length, Fellover My Own, mid last year on SofaBurn Records.

In today’s TFN video premiere, you get to enjoy A Delicate Motor’s artistic vision in single “Man On Fire.” You can see how all of their talents join together to create their unified sound while still having a focus on individualized components. The track is a wave of note perfect intensity that has a multitude of sonic peaks. Before you check out the video make sure to read below what Petersen had to say about “Man On Fire.”

“Man On Fire derives from living experience, from inward turmoil. It is a sober acknowledgement of how raw emotional reaction can reveal the ugly shadow being within each of us. This piece reminds me to be patient and gentle with the shadow, the inner child, whom although he sometimes flares, needs to be held and loved. “I find it colder than a man on fire making stupid faces. Pardon my explicative guile, I’ll shut me down for a little while.” – Adam Petersen

If you like what hear make sure to head on over to SofaBurn and pick up a physical copy of Fellover My Own.

A Delicate Motor Website
A Delicate Motor Facebook
SofaBurn Records

TFN Interview with TFS Gareth Liddiard

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If you haven’t heard the name yet, Australia’s Tropical Fuck Storm, is a band you’re going to be hearing a lot more about. Releasing their debut, A Laughing Death In Meatspace on Joyful Noise Recordings this year. The debut reflects the state of the world through a funhouse mirror. It’s then chopped and screwed and … Read more

Prog 2018: The Year In Review

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As another calendar year comes to an end it seems like 2018 was full of yardmarkers – elections, mass shootings, North Korea, etc. But it will be remembered in the Prog community as the 50th Anniversary of some of the genre’s most beloved acts: Yes, King Crimson and Jethro Tull all turned fifty this year … Read more

The Fire Note Writer Edition Top Albums of 2018

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The Fire Note would not be possible without the talented writers that share their educated thoughts and true enjoyment of music with our readers. The time and commitment that goes into writing consistently is appreciated by TFN and taken for granted by everyone else! Our official year end Top 50 is coming soon but clearly … Read more

Honorable Mention Albums 2018

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The simple fact is that TFN receives hundreds of albums every year for review. In regards to our annual best of list -The Blazing Top 50, TFN follows the rule that for an album to make the Top 50 we had to review it. With a very small writing group there is never any way … Read more

The Friday Fire Track: FEELS – “Car”

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“My friends – come with me to Candyland” is the first line you will hear from the rocking new tune and Friday Fire Track from Los Angeles punk quartet FEELS. “Car” is from the band’s second LP, Post Earth, that will be released on February 22, 2019 via Witchita Recordings.

After recording their 2016 eponymous debut with Ty Segall in one marathon daylong session, FEELS went to Northern California in August 2017 for a comparatively luxurious eight days with Tim Green. The former guitarist of punk iconoclasts Nation of Ulysses, Green has worked with Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, Joanna Newsom and Jawbreaker among others.

His experience combined with FEELS growth as a band has not only turned out a killer tune in “Car” but Post Earth will be album to hear and look forward to as the new year kicks off. Enjoy your Friday!

FEELS Website
FEELS Facebook
Wichita Recordings

The Friday Fire Track: Burning House – “Mirror Song”

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Shoegaze is a true under the radar genre but this Southampton band Burning House is helping put it back on the map quickly with their screeching feedback and fuzz drenched vocals. The band knows how to bring multiple indie layers together as you will hear on this song today how the guitar rhythms interlock with … Read more

The Friday Fire Track: Deerhunter – “Death In Midsummer”

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Deerhunter returns with an album out of time. It is concerned with the disappearance of culture, of humanity, of nature, of logic and emotion.

Deerhunter’s eighth LP, Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared?, is out January 19 via 4AD. Like with previous Deerhunter albums- this new one comes with high expectations and from this first single and today’s Friday Fire Track, “Death in Midsummer,” the record could already be considered for a best of in 2019.

From the opening harpsichord and piano figures of “Death in Midsummer”, it is impossible to tell where the record came from. It is already a timeless composition that demands repeat listens. The sound is vintage but the progression in the song is tomorrow.

Deerhunter is already out on tour in a few days so check the list below and enjoy your Friday!

Deerhunter Website
Deerhunter Facebook
4AD

Deerhunter / Tour Dates

SUN 11/04 SAO PAOLO, Balaclava Festival
THU 11/08 SANTIAGO, Blondie
SAT 11/10 SANTIAGO, Fauna Primavera
SUN 11/11 BUENOS AIRES, Personal Fest
TUE 11/13 QUITO, La Ideal
WED 11/14 LIMA, Sala Raimondi
THU 1/17 LOS ANGELES, CA Lodge Room (with Confusing Mix of Nations)
MON 1/21 OSAKA, Bigcat (with Gang Gang Dance)
TUE 1/22 NAGOYA, Electric Ladyland
WED 1/23 TOKYO, O-East
FRI 2/15 NASHVILLE, TN Cannery Ballroom (with Faye Webster)
MON 2/18 CLEVELAND, OH Mahall’s 20 Lanes (with Mary Lattimore)
TUE 2/19 DETROIT, MI El Club (with Mary Lattimore)
THU 2/21 TORONTO, ON Danforth Music Hall (with Mary Lattimore)
FRI 2/22 MONTREAL, QC Le National (with Mary Lattimore)
SAT 2/23 NEW HAVEN, CT College Street Music Hall (with Mary Lattimore)
SUN 2/24 BOSTON, MA Royale (with Mary Lattimore)
WED 2/27 BROOKLYN, NY Brooklyn Steel (with Mary Lattimore, L’Rain)
FRI 3/01 PHILADELPHIA, PA Union Transfer (with L’Rain)
SAT 3/02 WASHINGTON DC 9:30 Club (with L’Rain)
SUN 3/03 BALTIMORE, MD Ottobar
TUE 3/05 PITTSBURGH, PA Mr. Small’s Theatre (with L’Rain)
WED 3/06 LOUISVILLE, KY Headliner’s Music Hall (with L’Rain)
FRI 3/08 SAVANNAH, GA Savannah Stopover Music Festival

The Friday Fire Track: Ty Segall – “Class War”

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Ty Segall is releasing a covers album titled Fudge Sandwich next week on October 26th via In The Red. Today’s Friday Fire Track is from that collection and features Ty’s take on the Dils 1977 punk song “Class War.” What is unique about this cover is that Segall strips it down into a hum along … Read more

Cole Vargas: Cole Vargas [Album Stream]

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Columbus, Ohio’s Cole Vargas is another example of how much musical talent is out there just hiding and waiting for someone to listen. For Vargas, that ear was Kelley Deal (The Breeders, R. Ring) after a chat about his music with his mom and some exchanged contact info. Over the last several years, Vargas sent … Read more

Track Premiere: King Serpent – “Ohio Honey”

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Today’s premiere track is from the Columbus, Ohio indie rock group King Serpent. The duo consists of guitarist Elizabeth Rasmussen and bassist Mathew Franklin, which both have been playing music live for 15+ years. King Serpent was formed in 2017 with the idea of creating something unique to both members experience which is why you will hear a drum backing track on “Ohio Honey.”

This debut single and band is best summed up by the group themselves: “We’re really excited to finally share a project we’ve been working on for almost two years now; it pays tribute to our rock ‘n roll roots while simultaneously shining a light on our unabashed love for the perfect pop song.” TFN could not have said it better!


Of course, when you spin todays premiere track, “Ohio Honey,” your focus will not be on the backing drums or newness of the group but on the fierce vocals of Rasmussen. Her vocal power is relentless as it cuts through King Serpent’s power riffs which just pulse. “Ohio Honey” is heavy rocker that will kick your weekend off right. Enjoy your Friday!

If you like what you hear today make sure to pick up the single and then keep a lookout for more new music from King Serpent soon. You can also catch them live if you are around the Columbus, Ohio area on October 20th when they play their debut show at Rumba Cafe.

King Serpent Website
King Serpent Facebook
Buy “Ohio Honey” Single

The Friday Fire Track: Smoking Popes – “Amanda My Love”

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1994 was a great year for indie rock and Smoking Popes were right there with their sophomore album Born To Quit. Well, the Smoking Popes are back with a new record which features the original four members – Josh Caterer, Eli Caterer, Matt Caterer, and Mike Felumlee – which is the first since the 1998 … Read more