King Tuff Black Moon Spell Sub Pop Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Kyle Thomas returns to cast his Black Moon Spell. Album Review: In my opinion, it could be argued that King Tuff’s Was Dead was one of Burger Records’ most important reissues. Not to demean his self-titled Sub Pop debut follow up but I … Read more
The Kooks Listen Astralwerks Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The Kooks attempt growth! Album Review: For a record I never have need to listen to again, The Kooks’ Listen is actually okay. The sorta-skiffle of the past is cast aside for lots of squawky Bernie Worrell- style funky squelches, lots of “Up With People” choruses. … Read more
Late Bloomer Things Change Self Aware/Tor Johnson/Lunchbox Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Strong sophomore album from Charlotte , NC trio. Album Review: Let me tell you about a little trio out of Charlotte that I think you are going to like. Their name is Late Bloomer, but unlike their name, these guys have fully blossomed … Read more
PC Worship Social Rust Northern Spy Records / Dull Tools [2014] Fire Note Says: PC Worship stir up a disorienting sonic slurry. Album Review: My first listen to Social Rust, I knew nothing about the band that produced the album. That wasn’t a deliberate choice, really, but once I hit play it made sense to … Read more
Archie Powell & The Exports Back In Black Self-Released [2014] Fire Note Says: Archie Powell & The Exports are here to rock you out! Album Review: If you are familiar with Chicago’s Archie Powell & The Exports then I do not need to waste my time telling you that they are one of the best … Read more
Half Japanese Overjoyed Joyful Noise Recordings [2014] Fire Note Says: After a 13 year break, the cult legends return just as good and weird as they ever were! Album Review: Jad and David Fair, better known as Half Japanese are an acquired taste. In fact, their Greatest Hits collection holds the distinction of being the … Read more
U2 Songs Of Innocence Island Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Surprise – you just received a new U2 album. Album Review: So last Tuesday not only did we get a bigger iPhone but also a free U2 record already placed in our iTunes purchase page. Wow – that was better than the pay what you … Read more
Teenage Guitar More Lies From The Gooseberry Bush Guided By Voices Inc. [2014] Fire Note Says: Robert Pollard refines the Teenage Guitar formula, bringing stronger songs and adding a plethora of instruments. Album Review: The debut Teenage Guitar record, 2013’s Force Fields at Home, saw GBV frontman Robert Pollard getting back to his roots. Recorded … Read more
Sloan Commonwealth Yep Roc Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Sloan attempt a modern day White Album. Album Review: Canada’s Sloan never seem to slow down. Even though they have been around since the early 90’s and are a big name up North, the four piece indie pop rock group has never broke out here in … Read more
The Wytches Annabel Dream Reader Partisan Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The Wytches first LP is a heavy and spooky debut tailor-made for the Halloween season. Album Review: The Wytches’ debut album, Annabel Dream Reader, is something else. If I had not heard Passenger Peru’s debut earlier this year, it would be the best debut … Read more
Mannequin Pussy Gypsy Pervert Tiny Engines [2014] Fire Note Says: Don’t let the name scare you – Mannequin Pussy are for real! Album Review: You can give me a revved up 10 song, 19 minute record any day. New York’s Mannequin Pussy does exactly that as their debut, Gypsy Pervert, contains a raw burst of … Read more
Ryan Adams Ryan Adams PAX-AM/Blue Note Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Ryan Adams self-titled record will win you over with its rock nostalgia. Album Review: It has been fourteen years since Ryan Adams launched a solo career from Whiskeytown with his beloved folksy debut Heartbreaker. That album, to this day, is still the record Adams … Read more
A Shoreline Dream The Silent Sunrise Latenight Weeknight Records [2014] Fire Note Says: A Shoreline Dream return to sweep you away with The Silent Sunrise. Album Review: What I enjoyed most about A Shoreline Dream‘s last project, the 333 EP collection was the influence behind the compiling. The first one released, Three, was influenced by … Read more
Interpol El Pintor Matador Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Interpol plays to their own drum on fifth LP. Album Review: Interpol’s new record, El Pintor, is about to cause much debate. It will only take one listen and the bickering will start as lines will be drawn, some fans will be lost forever and some … Read more
Lonesome Shack More Primitive Alive Naturalsound Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Lonesome Shack’s More Primitive hits that blues sweet spot. Album Review: When first hearing Lonesome Shack’s More Primitive it’s easy to be reminded of albums such as The Big Come Up, Keep On Your Mean Side, The White Stripes, Every Hour is a Dollar … Read more
Cymbals Eat Guitars Lose Barsuk Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Cymbals Eat Guitars add another winner to their catalog. Album Review: Theatric indie rock. Heard of it? Well, Cymbals Eat Guitars have been releasing this type of music since their acclaimed 2009 debut Why There Are Mountains. Their sophomore effort, Lenses Alien (2011), was no … Read more
J Mascis Tied To A Star Sub Pop Records [2014] Fire Note Says: A gorgeous acoustic record from a six string legend! Album Review: Tied to a Star is the second acoustic solo album in a row from legendary Dinosaur Jr singer and axeman J Mascis, and much like its predecessor, Several Shades of Why, … Read more
Wand Ganglion Reef GOD?/Drag City Records [2014] Fire Note Says: With one wave of Wand, originality and individuality immediately become apparent. Album Review: We live in a world where many artists try to reshape psychedelic music, and a lot of those who try fail. When trying to capturing lightning in a bottle for that crucial … Read more
Los Angeles Police Department Los Angeles Police Department Forged Artifacts [2014] Fire Note Says: LAPD’s self-titled debut is a concentrated dose of swirling, fuzzy psych-pop. Album Review: Los Angeles Police Department aren’t from California, nor are they a law enforcement agency—and neither is LAPD a “they.” Instead, it’s the name Ryan Pollie (who’s from Philadelphia, … Read more
The New Pornographers Brill Bruisers Matador Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The New Pornographers deliver once again. Album Review: The New Pornographers are fourteen years in and still making great music. The magic that the band has captured over the years is to mix each member’s unique voice and attitude into a whole that somehow … Read more
The Rentals Lost In Alphaville Polyvinyl Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The Rentals are back and they still want to be your friend! Album Review: I will admit that I had no idea what to think about ex-Weezer Matt Sharp bringing back The Rentals brand after a 15 year absence. I lived the heyday of … Read more
Bear In Heaven Time Is Over One Day Old Dead Oceans [2014] Fire Note Says: Bear In Heaven sticks with their sound for better and worse on Time Is Over One Day Old. Album Review: Bear In Heaven is one of those bands with a distinctive sound. You know when you’re listening to a Bear … Read more
Ty Segall Manipulator Drag City Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Segall has crafted his first bona fide masterpiece with this shape shifting epic! Album Review: Ty Segall has been riding an incredible wave of creativity that seemed to hit a peak in 2012 with the release of the triple entente of rock, Slaughterhouse, Hair, and … Read more
The Gaslight Anthem Get HurtUniversal Music [2014] The Gaslight Anthem returns on their fifth LP of new material with Get Hurt. The cover of the album is an upside-down heart – you know what you’re in for with the title and cover. The New Jersey band had a breakout sophomore album with The ‘59 Sound, … Read more
Cory Branan The No-Hit Wonder Bloodshot Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Cory Branan brings his friends along for a fun ride! Album Review: Call his music country, call it Americana, call it folk, call it whatever you want but artist Cory Branan is a sincere, hardworking and talented singer songwriter that shines even brighter on … Read more