Palma Violets 180 Rough Trade Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Absurdly hyped London-based band delivers a fine, if flawed, debut. Album Review: Every few years the British music press, led by NME, goes insane over some foursome of young lads with bad haircuts. The Libertines, Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines all come to mind. Like those … Read more
Waxahatchee Cerulean Salt Don Giovanni Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Katie Crutchfield returns with a stunning second album as Waxahatchee. Album Review: Alabama singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield cut her teeth with the indie punk band P.S. Eliot – a band whose members included twin sister Allison. Upon breaking up, Allison formed Swearin’ while Kate went solo. … Read more
Golden Grrrls Golden Grrrls Slumberland Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Golden Grrrls take us on a breezy and pleasant trip back to the early nineties. Album Review: Slumberland is home to much of what remains of that oft-maligned genre of indie pop affectionately known as twee. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Sea Lions, … Read more
Suuns Images Du Futur Secretly Canadian Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Montreal act’s second album impresses in almost every way. Album Review: If imitation is the highest form of flattery then Clinic must be mightily pleased with the sophomore effort by Montreal’s Suuns. On their stunning 2010 debut, Zeroes QC, Suuns conjured up a highly … Read more
ON AN ON Give In Roll Call Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The remnants of indie pop stalwarts Scattered Trees triumphantly release a dark and diverse debut. Album Review: With only two weeks before Chicago/Minneapolis band Scattered Trees were scheduled to record a new album in Toronto with famed producer Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene, … Read more