The Hold SteadyHeaven Is WheneverVagrant Records [2010] The Hold Steady make albums not singles. Their work takes time to absorb, multiple listens to like and relies on transitions and pacing to bring it all together. On the groups fifth long player Heaven Is Whenever, all of the previous points come into play. The big different … Read more
Beach HouseTeen DreamSub Pop Records [2010] Teen Dream is the third album from duo Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand, aka Beach House, which represents a new beginning for the band. The record is a true labor of love that showcases a full 12 months of hard work and sends its listeners on an atmospheric journey that … Read more
SpoonTransferenceMerge Records [2010] Sometimes simple is good and when you are on your seventh full length like Spoon, reverting back to your strengths is never a bad thing. Transference was self-produced by the band and peels back their more recent layers down to guitar, bass, drums, uncomplicated keys and Britt Daniel’s voice. With Spoon you … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
Robert Pollard From A Compound Eye Merge Records [2006] Album Review: Someone said Guided By Voices broke up? Well that is true but take a listen to Robert Pollard’s post GBV album From A Compound Eye and you will scratch your head. The catchy wordplay lyrics are back, 8 songs are under 2 minutes and … Read more