Against Me! Transgender Dysphoria Blues Red Distribution [2014] Fire Note Says: Against Me! has made an album that deserves the attention it has received. Album Review: It can be difficult to separate the story from the music. This is the case with Against Me!, and fairly or not, the punk band does nothing to separate … Read more
Shy Boys Shy Boys High Dive Records[2014] Fire Note Says: Debut album from Kansas City trio quietly satisfies. Album Review: Sometimes the name a band chooses for themselves is a dead give-away. And then other times a name can serve as subterfuge. In the case of Kansas City’s Shy Boys it may be a bit … Read more
together PANGEA Badillac Harvest Records [2014] Fire Note Says: LA trio does garage punk the way it’s supposed to be done. Album Review: I’ll be perfectly honest: I hadn’t heard of these guys until Badillac started getting some positive reviews in the music press. Although this is their third long player, it is their first … Read more
Damien Jurado Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son Secretly Canadian Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Damien Jurado creates a masterpiece in an underrated career. Album Review: There is a lot of music out there to discover. I’d heard of Damien Jurado and even owned a few of his records before giving a listen to … Read more
The Shine Brothers Hello Griefbirds! Cardinal Fuzz Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The bands’ name says it all, Hello Griefbirds sure does shine. Album Review: It‘s funny, searching online I find a fair amount of info on The Shine Brothers. But, where are the reviews for their debut Hello Griefbirds!? There sure is a disservice … Read more
The Rebel Set How To Make A Monster Burger Records/Silver Hornet [2014] Fire Note Says: The Rebel Set revel in paying tribute to the Surf Rock kings of yesteryear. Album Review: Surf-rock in landlocked Arizona? Sure, why not? Remember: JFA was from Arizona too and did a fantastic job of combining The Ventures with The … Read more
Young The Giant Mind Over Matter Fueled by Ramen Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Young The Giant’s sophomore LP is slick and crisp. Album Review: Young The Giant’s second LP, Mind Over Matter, is at times irresistable. The California band, consisting of Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), … Read more
The Revered Horton Heat REV Victory Records [2014] Fire Note Says: The Reverend Horton Heat return with a rockabilly fever on REV. Album Review: I will admit that as a Reverend Horton Heat fan I have been left a little empty with their last several releases. The live material on 25 to life (2012) was … Read more
Mode Moderne Occult Delight Light Organ Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Mode Moderne’s Occult Delight is dark and catchy. Album Review: Mode Moderne is a neo-New Wave band based out of Vancouver. When I think of Vancouver I think of the Pacific Northwest – a little dark and rainy but also progressive. This description fits … Read more
Jack Name Light Show GOD?/Drag City Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Jack Name creates a musical funhouse with Light Show. Album Review: In a time where anything goes, Jack Name aka John Webster Johns aka touring guitarist for White Fence aka Fictional Boys etc. etc.—you get the idea: unidentifiable and prolific. Described by White Fence … Read more
Mogwai Rave Tapes Sub Pop Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Mogwai takes things to another level with Rave Tapes. Album Review: I have never been the world’s biggest Mogwai fan. I have always thought they were good at what they did, and sometimes even great, but other than Young Team and Mr. Beast, I never … Read more
Warpaint Warpaint Rough Trade Records [2014] Fire Note Says: Warpaint provide a technically and musically sound sophomore record. Album Review: It took some time with Warpaint’s debut record, The Fool (2010), to really absorb their sound but after repeat listens their smooth but somewhat cold delivery won you over. On the band’s self-titled sophomore return … Read more