The Fire Note Blazing Top 50 Albums Of 2023

2023 was a great year in music! Solid release after solid release made this year’s list one of the hardest to put together in TFN’s 17-year history. The simple fact is that TFN receives hundreds of albums every year for review so it is never an easy task. In regards to our annual best-of list … Read more

Population II: Électrons libres du québec [Album Review]

Population IIÉlectrons libres du québecBonsound [2023] It’s no secret that heavy psych is one of our favorite genres here at TFN, and there are plenty of bands that fit that description releasing killer albums. From US-based acts like Osees and Ty Segall to bands from other parts of the world like France’s Slift and Australia’s … Read more

Fire Track: Population II – “Beau baptême”

Population II makes their long-awaited return with the announcement of their newest LP, Électrons libres du québec, due October 6th via Bonsound (marking the 100th album to be released by the Montreal-based label).

Électrons libres du québec, Population II’s sophomore album, is more straightforward than À la Ô Terre, its predecessor released on Castle Face Records back in 2020. On this new effort (produced by Emmanuel Éthier) the three-piece band — made up of singer/drummer Pierre-Luc Gratton, guitarist/keyboardist Tristan Lacombe, and bassist Sébastien Provençal — delivers a heavy, psychedelic rock-infused sound with feverish funk rhythms, a hint of jazz philosophy, a burst of early punk energy, and a love of minor scales that harkens back to the roots of heavy metal. With Électrons libres du québec, Population II once again showcases their sharp sense of songcraft and an undeniable expertise of their instruments. This is an album that effortlessly maintains a balance between challenging compositions and creating instantly memorable melodies.

You can order the album HERE.

Population II: À la Ô Terre [Album Review]

Population IIÀ la Ô TerreCastle Face Records [2020] It seems that 2020 has been the year for the power psych genre to move from the shadows and into the spotlight. Montreal’s, Population II is the newest in the genre with their Castle Face Records debut LP À la Ô Terre. The name of the group … Read more