Chelsea Wolfe Abyss Sargent House [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: Chelsea Wolfe brings a lot of her native California’s sunniness to her work…well, maybe not. Wolfe has a knack for the dark and brooding. I enjoyed her haunting vocals on label-mates Russian Circles’ album Memorial. However, the synth-heavy approach of Abyss lacked the depth of … Read more
Deaf Wish Pain Sub Pop Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Noisy Aussies find the right balance between clamor, chaos and beauty. Album Review: Let’s get this out of the way right up front: Deaf Wish like to make a racket. On the Melbourne, Australia band’s first album for Sub Pop they explore the full gamut … Read more
Big Awesome Party On Jetsam-Flotsam [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: There is always something to be said for heart on your sleeve rock n roll and that is exactly what you get on Big Awesome’s debut album Party On. John Blanken’s slightly throated vocals never give up or let down in intensity, which keeps pushing … Read more
HEALTH Death Magic Loma Vista Recordings [2015] Fire Note Says: The interstitial moments on Death Magic are the weapons this band has been sharpening for a decade. Album Review: HEALTH is a slow drive downtown after dark. A stretch of sodium lights, a rotting out office building, a peek down the riot alley in Mouth … Read more
Blackheart Honeymoon Mountains Speak Self-Released [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: With a sound that goes back n forth between Band of Horses and New Pornographers, Seattle’s Blackheart Honeymoon hit a sonic sweet spot on their debut album Mountains Speak. From the more modern indie jangle found on “Bodies” and “Love It All” to the increased … Read more
Mac DeMarco Another One Captured Tracks [2015] Fire Note Says: Grab a cup of coffee with Mac and enjoy his latest record! Album Review: It’s always a big deal around The Fire Note Headquarters when Mac DeMarco releases a new record, since the release of Rock and Roll Night Club back in 2012, we have … Read more
The Mynabirds Lovers Know Saddle Creek Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Mynabirds return with a dream-pop gem. Album Review: The current landscape in pop music is dominated by women; this is now extending to rock music as well. With acts like Speedy Ortiz, Sleater Kinney, Sharon Van Etten, and Jenny Lewis (to name a few), … Read more
Eric Gaffney A Cassetterospective Joyful Noise Recordings [2015]