Atlas Genius When It Was Now Warner Bros. Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Atlas Genius crafts an indie pop gem with When It Was Now. Album Review: Atlas Genius’s core is two brothers, Keith and Michael Jeffery. Having seen the band perform at Bunbury 2013 this summer, the band’s live lineup much bigger. Atlas Genius … Read more
Connections Private Airplane Anyway Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Columbus, Ohio band brings a new grit to the lo-fi rock that flourished in the 90’s. Album Review: From opening track “Finally” you know the number one influence of Columbus, Ohio band Connections, is Dayton, Ohio’s Guided By Voices. The song is only 1:14 long, the … Read more
Mark Kozelek Live At Mao Livehouse Shanghai & Beijing Caldo Verde Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Live Mark Kozelek showcases the true talent of this veteran singer/songwriter. Album Review: Mark Kozelek has worn several hats over the years but when you get a chance to check out his live sets you typically get to hear … Read more
The Grenadines The Grenadines Communicating Vessels [2013] Fire Note Says: The Grenadines debut album is a diverse and uneven ride. Album Review: Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, The Grenadines make zero effort to conceal their Southern roots. Fronted by husband/wife team of Michael and Lauren Shackelford, they make a noise approximating a Dixie Yo La Tengo … Read more
Mark Kozelek Like Rats Caldo Verde Records [2013] Fire Note Says: It is all about the song selection on Mark Kozelek’s genre hopping covers album Like Rats. Album Review: I have always said that Mark Kozelek has one of those voices which could sing the dictionary and it would be awesome. His emotional tone and … Read more
Eat Skull III Woodsist Records [2013] Fire Note Says: III strips away the noise and shows off a psychedelic west coast vibe. Album Review: Has it really been four years since we last heard from Eat Skull? On their first two lps, both on the venerable Siltbreeze label, Eat Skull were your typical “better than … Read more
Sin Fang Flowers Morr Music [2013] Fire Note Says: Sin Fang takes some risks on third LP Flowers – and they payoff! Album Review: Indie pop this sweet and orchestrated has some sort of crazy appeal to my listening taste. On Sin Fang’s third solo record, Flowers, the Seabear frontman once again finds the right … Read more
Big Dick Big Dick Dirt Cult Records [2013] Fire Note Says: If you like post punk, you are going to love Big Dick. Album Review: I almost passed on this record without giving it a listen. How can a band named Big Dick be any good? It has to be some sort of moronic jokey … Read more
Beach Fossils Clash The Truth Captured Tracks Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Beach Fossils change the sonic output but retain the quality! Album Review: What is the saying? All good things must come to an end? Well Beach Fossils won’t be the first lo-fi basement do-it yourself band to move out of the cellar as … Read more
Dawn McCarthy & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy What The Brothers Sang Drag City Records [2013] Fire Note Says: McCarthy and Billy pay respect to one of the most famous pairs in rock history. Album Review: I will be the first to admit that an album of Everly Brothers covers seems to be a stretch even for … Read more
Iceage You’re Nothing Matador Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Iceage returns stronger than ever on sophomore record You’re Nothing. Album Review: When Danish group Iceage burst on the scene two years ago with their debut New Brigade most people were not only taken back by their DIY post-punk rock but just as surprised that they … Read more
STRFKR Miracle Mile Polyvinyl Records [2013] Fire Note Says: STRFKR’s Miracle Mile is an indie pop, dance blasted, mother funker that’s worth running! Album Review: So when you see a name such as STRFKR, you might have to ask yourself a question. What in the hell is a STRFKR? Does the Galactic Empire not care … Read more
Guided By Voices Flunky Minnows b/w Jellypop Smiles Guided By Voices Inc. [2013] Let the fun begin! “Flunky Minnows” is the first of (count them) five 7-inch singles from Guided By Voices that come to you from the forthcoming full length English Little League that is due out on April 30th. The 7-inch singles will … Read more
Various Artists Son Of Rogues Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs & Chanteys ANTI- Records[2013] Fire Note Says: Sometimes a sequel is better than the original — but not this time. Album Review: As Ralphie declared, hunched over his Little Orphan Annie decoder ring and discovering the secret message was nothing more than an ad for … Read more
Dead Confederate Peyote People Spiderbomb Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Dead Confederate’s mini album Peyote People gives an interesting look on what’s to come. Album Review: Rollin’ across the southern sands, like a psychedelic tumbleweed out of Augusta, Georgia we have Dead Confederate which may be new to you but the band has some history. … Read more
Psychic Ills One Track Mind Sacred Bones Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Psychic Ills’ One Track Mind might be too honest for its own good. Album Review: I’ve always had a liking toward the psychedelic music genre and enjoy searching out which artist can create the biggest noise wall, which can have the best acid … Read more
Steve Adamyk Band Third Dirtnap Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The Steve Adamyk Band is back with another quick shot of punk rock for the soul! Album Review: Canada’s Steve Adamyk Band have emerged over the last several years as a top group in the punk pop world with their no-nonsense approach to the genre … Read more