Jake Bugg Jake Bugg Mercury Records [2013] Fire Note Says: At only 19, Jake Bugg electrifies the indie/rock scene with his self-titled, debut album. Album Review: It’s hard to believe Jake Bugg is only 19. His deep voice and timeless rock music are comparable to Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and Johnny Cash. At 17, Jake … Read more
Todd Rundgren State Esoteric Recordings [2013] Fire Note Says: The State of Todd Rundgren’s Union of Pop and Art. Album Review: Although Todd Rundgren stepped away from his band Nazz to begin his eventually successful solo career in 1970, in the 43 intervening years that lead up to this 23rd solo release, State, Rundgren has … Read more
Dirty Fences Too High To Kross Volcom Entertainment [2013] Fire Note Says: Dirty Fences’ first full-length is a nitro-fueled punk ride. Album Review: Dirty Fences is a punk band with roots in both Boston and Brooklyn. Its members include Max Comaskey (bass/vocals), Jack Daves (vocals/guitar), Max Hiersteiner (drums/vocals), and Max Roseglass (guitar/vocals). As described above … Read more
Paramore Paramore Fueled By Ramen Records [2013] Fire Note Says: With new sounds, well-known rants, and heartfelt anthems, Paramore’s new album shows both growth and familiarity. Album Review: With their fourth studio album, Paramore is all grown up. Self-titled Paramore, the new album has less angst and more rock, but is not without the familiar … Read more
Keaton Henson Birthdays ANTI- Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Keaton Henson’s Birthdays is an album of strange beauty and grand self-loathing. Album Review: For his second full-length release visual artist Keaton Henson continues searching the depths of his psyche and again finds darkness. Fleshed out (somewhat) compared to last year’s impressive debut, Dear, the mood … Read more
The Knife Shaking The Habitual Mute Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Shaking the Habitual is a jaw dropping psychedelic record dressed up in electronic clothing! Album Review: The Knife, the Swedish duo comprised of brother and sister Olof Dreijer and Karin Dreijer Andersson, have taken a long time to release a follow up their 2006 … Read more
Broadheds Broadheds Dangerbird Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Peter Walker returns with a 2 tone spirit and a quick guitar. Album Review: You may know Peter Walker from his band Eulogies or his earlier solo work but Broadheds represents his new gig with James King (Fitz & The Tantrums), Justin Meldal-Johnson (Beck, M83, NIN) and … Read more
Fourth Of July Empty Moon High Dive Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Fourth Of July return with another batch of infectious indie jangles. Album Review: Lawrence, Kansas band Fourth Of July are as indie rock as you can get with their laid back vocal approach, tight musicianship, and memorable lyrics. Empty Moon is their third … Read more
Deap Vally Get Deap! EP Cherrytree/Interscope/Island Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Deap Vally bring the noise with scorching guitar and killer drum beats on debut EP – Get Deap! Album Review: Don’t believe the hype – isn’t that what people always tell you. That especially holds true in the music business where the next “it” … Read more
White Fence Cyclops Reap Castle Face Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Cyclops Reap is the best White Fence record to date! Album Review: Tim Presley, the main man behind White Fence, had a banner year in 2012. Not only did he release two stellar records as White Fence, Family Perfume Vol 1 & 2, but … Read more
The Postal Service Give Up (Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition) Sub Pop Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Give Up from The Postal Service easily passes the 10 year test! Album Review: Side projects are supposed to be something that keep artists busy when they are on a break from their main gig. They should be a … Read more