Wolf People Fain Jagjaguwar Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Wolf People compose a codex entitled: Progressive Rock for Beginners. Album Review: When a band goes after its influences and tries to hit near the roots of the progressive rock tree a few concepts, places, and bands come to mind. Headley Grange being a great place … Read more
Alessi’s Ark The Still Life Bella Union Records [2013] Fire Note Says: With her third full-length album, Alessi’s Ark provides another round of young, indie/folk music. Album Review: The third full-length album from Alessi’s Ark, The Still Life, gives listeners another blend of her folk, indie, and mello sounds. At only 22, Alessi Laurent-Marke’s music … Read more
Over The Ocean Be Given To The Soil Spartan Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Virginia post-rock band wears their dark heart on their sleeve on sophomore album. Album Review: “I have seen the sky turn black/And a storm is coming.” Those lines from the first song on Virginia Beach post-rock band Over The Ocean’s second … Read more
Denison Witmer Denison Witmer Asthmatic Kitty Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Denison Witmer blends past and present on his ninth LP. Album Review: Coming close on the heels of his last album, 2012’s stellar The Ones Who Wait, Denison Witmer’s new self-titled album feels like both a natural follow up and a conscious return to … Read more
The Airborne Toxic Event Such Hot Blood Island Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The Airborne Toxic Event swings for the fences with their third LP. Album Review: The Airborne Toxic Event is a frustrating band. It’s difficult for me to reconcile the different directions in which they pull me. At times their songs soar and … Read more
Purson The Circle And The Blue Door Rise Above Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Purson explores all that was good about late sixties/early seventies folk, prog and hard rock. Album Review: It’s not very often that we here at The Fire Note take notice of a heavy metal band. I personally find all the satanic … Read more
Koji Crooked In My Mind Run For Cover Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Koji’s solid singer/songwriter debut brings intensity back to the acoustic guitar. Album Review: Rarely in these days of digital downloads, streaming and playlists do you come across a record that makes you want to sit down, kick back and just enjoy the … Read more
!!! Thr!!!er Warp Records [2013] Fire Note Says: !!! wants us to party like it’s 1983. Album Review: It’ll be 30 years this December since Michael Jackson dropped Thriller onto an unsuspecting world. (That is almost as hard to believe as the fact that next month will mark the fourth anniversary of his death.) It … Read more
Iggy And The Stooges Ready To Die Fat Possum Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The album may be called Ready to Die, but the band is nowhere near death! Album Review: Let me start this review by saying that I am one of the only people I know who really enjoyed The Stooges 2007 album, … Read more
Coliseum Sister Faith Temporary Residence LTD [2013] Fire Note Says: Coliseum make a heavy and rhythmic fourth record that does not let up! Album Review: Do you ever feel like you just need an album to blow off some steam to? Something that is heavy, rhythmic and hits full throttle from track number one? Well … Read more
Pretty & Nice Golden Rules For Golden People Equal Vision Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Boston’s Pretty & Nice resurface with an excellent third LP! Album Review: Back in 2008, Pretty & Nice seemed to be on the indie circuit rise as their sophomore record Get Young was receiving positive praise (#50 in our Top … Read more
Sharks Selfhood Rise Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Sharks return with more rock anthems from across seas. Album Review: I have been pulling for the UK’s Sharks since their early singles release several years ago. The band is somewhat like the UK version of The Gaslight Anthem mixed with some classic styling of The Smiths. … Read more
Guided By Voices English Little League GBV Inc. [2013] Fire Note Says: Guided By Voices return with the complex and addicting English Little League! Album Review: After three roaring full lengths last year from Guided By Voices, the classic lineup are back with album number four – English Little League. It is a record that … Read more
Akron/Family Sub Versus Dead Oceans Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Akron/Family goes for a more wide open experimentation with Sub Verses. Album Review: After a friend of mine introduced me to Akron/Family with their 2009 album Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free my interest and excitement grew for what came next. That album for me … Read more
BAMBARA DREAMVIOLENCE Emerald Weapon Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Musical chaos crammed between moments of decency. Album Review: While along the same vein as groups like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Isis, BAMBARA’s DREAMVIOLENCE lacks certain finesse. The album starts out promising with “All the Same,” a melodic, ambient track with a very interesting, dreamlike … Read more