Saint Motel: My Type EP [Album Review]

Saint Motel My Type EP Elektra Records [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: From the opening sax on “My Type,” California’s Saint Motel hook you with the latest infectious song of the summer. Pretty good for a track that has been around since 2013 but Saint Motel are proof that sometimes it takes time for music … Read more

Ex-Cult: Cigarette Machine EP [Album Review]

Ex-Cult Cigarette Machine EP Castle Face Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Ex-Cult delivers an excellent, adrenaline-filled punk rock EP. Album Review: I have to say I am quite impressed with Memphis-based punk band, Ex-Cult. Cigarette Machine is a lean and mean EP filled with punk rock rage reminiscent of 80’s hardcore. They have a solid … Read more

José González: Vestiges & Claws [Album Review]

José González Vestiges & Claws Mute Records [2015] Fire Note Says: José González’s third album shows why he gives indie singer-songwriters a good name. Album Review: José González has always been on the periphery of my music radar—”recommended if you like” lists, collaborations or tours with artists I’m more familiar with, or just word of … Read more

The Juliana Hatfield Three: Whatever, My Love [Album Review]

The Juliana Hatfield Three Whatever, My Love American Laundromat Records [2015] Fire Note Says: The Juliana Hatfield Three return to the indie scene after 22 years. Album Review: “There is history in this place” is the first line from Sebadoh’s “Skull” which is a track from the same era when The Juliana Hatfield Three were … Read more

Frankie And The Witch Fingers: Frankie And The Witch Fingers [Album Review]

Frankie And The Witch Fingers Frankie And The Witch Fingers Permanent Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Frankie and the Witch Fingers will hit your 60’s garage rock nerve! Album Review: Frankie and the Witch Fingers are a garage rock group originally from Bloomington, Indiana that are currently making the big move to Los Angeles. Their … Read more

Axis: Sova: Early Surf [Album Review]

Axis: Sova Early Surf God? Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Early Surf puts the depth and nuance at your control. Album Review: Wand’s Ganglion Reef was one of my favorite albums of last year—our favorite garage rock prodigy, Ty Segall, hand-picked the band’s album for release (with help from Drag City Records) on his God? … Read more

Steve Earle & The Dukes: Terraplane [Album Review]

Steve Earle & The Dukes Terraplane New West Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Terraplane finds Earle & his Dukes exploring the swampy blues stomps of the Deep South. Album Review: One of the benefits of a long career is that it gives an artist a chance to celebrate their influences and explore artistic tangents without … Read more