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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Jenny Lewis With The Watson TwinsRabbit Fur CoatTeam Love Records [2006] Who the hell is Jenny Lewis? She is the lead singer for Rilo Kiley, silly. What, you still don’t know who she is? Didn’t you see Coldplay’s US tour last year? Rilo Kiley was the band playing while you were gearing up for Coldplay, … 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
Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m NotDomino Records [2006] The British are coming, The British are coming. I say, bring them on! The UK has been trying to break a band here in the US since the Beatles. However, most of the time, the next big thing over there ends … Read more