Real EstateReality EPMexican Summer [2010] We’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this band better, so we were excited to check out this EP of new material soon after their debut. The Reality EP serves as the perfect extension of the band’s stellar full-length album, feeling even more laid-back yet with very concise and intricate undertones. … Read more
Real EstateReal EstateWoodsist Records [2009] The debut album from Real Estate is indeed the breezy affair that their album cover suggests. The New Jersey quartet blends a mellow indie sway with a surf music backdrop, all wrapped in subtle yet gorgeous melodies. The band’s approach has a calming effect on the listener, and their record … Read more
Thao With The Get Down Stay DownKnow Better Learn FasterKill Rock Stars [2009] Thao with the Get Down Stay Down represent what is fun about listening to music. They bring a very vibrant party like atmosphere on Know Better Learn Faster, which is somewhat of a contrast to the excellent but yet personal We Brave … Read more
Monsters Of Folk Monsters Of Folk Shangri-La Music [2009] Fire Note Says: The rebirth of the “Supergroup” Album Review: It seems in our current age of music the “supergroup” just doesn’t happen anymore. Well Monsters Of Folk changes that completely, as it really joins together four monsters of indie, which includes Jim James (My Morning … Read more
WoodsSongs Of ShameWoodsist Records [2009] I have been sitting with this record for quite some time now and have been slightly left speechless. Not because it is the best thing I have ever heard but because of its gripping appeal that has not let me put it away. They say if you love something set … Read more
Steve EarleTownesNew West Records [2009] Steve Earle’s new album Townes, is a 15-song set comprised of songs written by Earle’s friend and mentor, the late singer-songwriter, Townes Van Zandt. It is a tribute album that only Earle could perform as he selected songs that he personally connected with and gives them his own roots style … Read more
Marked Men Ghosts Dirtnap Records [2009] Album Review: No one will ever convince me that pop punk rock is dead and Denton, Texas band, Marked Men help keep the genre alive on Ghosts! This new record is 15 songs in 30 minutes, which simply means that every track averages 2 minutes. Bands that are good … Read more
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Jason Isbell And The 400 UnitLightning Rod Records [2009] For his sophomore solo record, Jason Isbell wants to emphasize that this is a band effort, hence the addition of The 400 Unit to his moniker. Unlike the four years it took Isbell to release his more independent effort, Sirens … Read more
A Shoreline DreamRecollections Of MemoryLatenight Weeknight Records [2009] Denver’s beloved shoegazers, A Shoreline Dream make a soundscaping return on their sophomore full length that is full of satisfying and concise numbers that rush you with their wall of sound only to find out they pass over you like a gentle wave. I know that first … Read more
Vulture WhaleVulture WhaleSkybucket Records [2009] Vulture Whale are a tight little rock outfit from Birmingham, Alabama that will be releasing their sophomore self-titled record next week on Skybucket Records. You will notice right from the opening rocker “Teedy” that Vulture Whale sound like seasoned veterans. This cohesion spawns from all the members playing together in … Read more
Local H 12 Angry MonthsShout! Factory [2008] I think it goes without saying that breakups suck. How long do they suck? Well for Local H’s Scott Lucas it takes at least 12 months hence the bands title of their seventh full length 12 Angry Months. You can basically consider it a rock concept album as … Read more
The Night Marchers See You In Magic Vagrant Records [2012] Fire Note Says: The Night Marchers debut is here! Album Review: The Night Marchers are a new band but the players will be very familiar to many. John Reis (Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes, Sultans) is leading this foursome along with Hot Snakes guitarist … Read more
The Pack a.d.Funeral MixtapeMint Records [2008] It may seem weird but after being introduced to The Pack a.d. in January with Tintype the duo’s sophomore album Funeral Mixtape is upon us right now from Mint Records. What is cool is that the band’s second release hits with a solid right hand blues rock force and … Read more
The Gaslight AnthemThe ’59 SoundSideOneDummy Records [2008] The ’59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem is the type of album you’ve been waiting for all year long. The New Jersey band’s sophomore release is filled with tracks that blend Springsteen’s storytelling prowess with the spirit of The Replacements, and it doesn’t hold anything back. It’s the … Read more
James Jackson Toth Waiting In Vain Rykodisc Records [2008] Fire Note Says: Toth sheds Wooden Wand name and plays it straight up for excellent solo debut! Album Review: James Jackson Toth is not a household name but on the indie circuit many would know him by his moniker Wooden Wand. For his solo debut Waiting … Read more
Be Your Own PetGet AwkwardUniversal Records [2008] Be Your Own Pet might seem like your typical young and snotty punk rock aspirants, but after giving their sophomore album Get Awkward a spin, you quickly discover that not only have they matured a bit since their debut, but their music is incredibly catchy. They’ve also managed … Read more
Thao With The Get Down Stay DownWe Brave Bee Stings And AllKill Rock Stars [2008] Thao Nguyen’s new album We Brave Bee Stings And All will be a guaranteed refreshing rush of new music when it hits shelves January 29 on Kill Rock Stars. Thao has all of the qualities that make for a … Read more
The WombatsA Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation14th Floor Records [2007] Sometimes the UK has a current “it” band that launches stellar singles but never sees an airwave over here in the US. The Wombats are one of those bands. Released in early November, A Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation contains the singles “Kill … Read more
Fancey Schmancey What Are Records? [2007] Fire Note Says: A full scale 70’s pop assault! Album Review: Todd Fancey is best known as a guitarist in The New Pornographers alongside his buddies Case, Newman, and Bejar. Schmancey is Todd’s sophomore release under his Fancey moniker and it follows in the footsteps of his 2004 self-titled … Read more
Jason Isbell Sirens Of The DitchNew West Records [2007] When guitarist Jason Isbell parted ways with Drive-By Truckers last year, nobody knew when or if we would hear from him again. Well, the wait is over, and his solo debut, Sirens Of The Ditch, is a fantastic batch of alt-country that diverges from the harder-rocking … Read more
Spoon Ga Ga Ga Ga GaMerge Records [2007] Spoon is back with their highly anticipated 6th full length Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Everyone’s favorite band from Austin gives you 10 songs of their standard jagged rock that will instantly grab your attention but will take multiple listens to really appreciate. I must admit that … Read more
Mary Timony BandThe Shapes We MakeKill Rock Stars [2007] After taking a listen to Mary Timony’s latest solo album, Ex Hex (2005), you could tell that she was drifting towards a bigger sound. So, for her new album, The Shapes We Make, Mary has created a band using her own namesake, giving her the full … Read more
Beach HouseBeach HouseCarpark Records [2006] Baltimore’s Beach House is in a league of their own when it comes to current modern music. There are not many bands out there releasing this pleasant mix of slide guitars, remarkable melodies and enchanted haunting echoes like you will find on their self-titled debut. Victoria Legrand is a frontwoman … Read more
A Shoreline DreamAvoiding The ConsequencesLatenight Weeknight Records [2006] There are certain key items I look for in a quality shoegaze album. 1) Hypnotic ambient sounds that melt and mix with each track transition. 2) Rhythm based layers of music that ultimately make you forget where you are. 3) Propulsive fuzzed out vocals that come and … Read more
Psycho And The Birds Check Your Zoo EP Fading Captain Series [2006] Fire Note Says: Quick EP from Pollard’s Psycho and the Birds. Album Review: Does Robert Pollard ever sleep? I truly believe he just has lyrics sitting around the house and in an instant, a six song EP is produced quicker than the price … Read more