After initially releasing their first two albums with the label Asian Man, Alkaline Trio made the switch to debut on Vagrant with their third release. From Here to Infirmary was the only album to include drummer Mike Felumlee alongside Matt Skiba (guitar, vocals) and Dan Andriano (bass, vocals). From Here to Infirmary’s titles were written … Read more
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Wrong Creatures Vagrant Records [2018] Fire Note Says: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club delivers another solid outing shaped by riff-rock and post-punk distortion. Album Review: There are those bands that you just want to root for, they may not yet have produced that breakthrough album you know they are capable of, but … Read more
Blitzen Trapper All Across This Land Vagrant Records [2015] Fire Drill Album Review: In the track “Nights Were Made For Love” off of the new Blitzen Trapper album All Across This Land, lead singer Eric Earley repeats “All I wanna do is rock and roll.” That line captures the band’s goal on their eighth studio … Read more
Albert Hammond Jr Momentary Masters Vagrant Records [2015] Fire Note Says: This confident new solo record from The Strokes guitarist is a pleasant surprise and continues his artistic rebirth! Album Review: The title of Albert Hammond Jr’s new solo album, Momentary Masters, was inspired by a quote from Carl Sagan of all people, in reference … Read more
Justin Townes Earle Absent Fathers Vagrant Records [2015] Fire Note Says: Earle delivers a heart felt album with the new Absent Fathers. Album Review: It looks to be hard enough to make a name for one’s self, shape a sound, build a following, but when you add climbing out from beneath the shadow of a … Read more
Just last week Justin Townes Earle announced his fifth studio album , Single Mothers, which is to be released on September 9 on Vagrant Records. Today, you can watch the live performance of the album track ‘White Gardenias’ at McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA. You then can check out Justin’s tour dates below … Read more
You may remember that we really enjoyed the Headphone Approved EP from Wake Owl last year and TFN has some anticipation for their debut full length, The Private World of Paradise, that releases March 4th via Vagrant Records. Recorded with producer Swift (Tennis, Foxygen), The Private World of Paradise expands past the more folk focus … Read more
James Vincent McMorrow Post Tropical Vagrant Records [2014] Fire Note Says: James Vincent McMorrow sings from the heart on his sophomore outing Post Tropical. Album Review: There is nothing better than sheer vocal talent. James Vincent McMorrow has one of those voices that pushes each of his tracks with his floating soft voice and instantly … Read more
The 1975 The 1975 Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The 1975’s debut is promising but its identity is hazy. Album Review: The 1975 are an English band consisting of Matthew Healy (vocals, guitar), Adam Hann (guitar), George Daniel (drums), and Ross MacDonald (bass). Healy (not related to Fran Healy of Travis) and company have … Read more
Mark Lanegan Imitations Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Lanegan’s second album of covers is so good it will make you forget the original versions. Album Review: To say Mark Lanegan is one of the most distinctive and important singers of the past 25 years is a huge understatement. Not only was he singer for … Read more
Black Joe Lewis Electric Slave Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Black Joe Lewis unleashes a rip roaring rock party on third LP – Electric Slave! Album Review: In our recent interview with Joe Lewis he stated that his third full length, Electric Slave, represents a new beginning for himself and the band. He went … Read more
We caught up with Joe Lewis of Black Joe Lewis at the Bunbury Festival in Cincinnati and had the privilege of asking him some questions. The good news is that he answered them! Without any more delay the Joe Lewis interview awaits you below. TFN: Talk about the new record – Electric Slave. Joe Lewis: … Read more
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros offer up another batch of freedom rock. Album Review: I remember the first time I heard “Home” off of Edward Sharpe’s debut record Up From Below (2009) and thinking that with … Read more
Rogue Wave Nightingale Floors Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: The new Rogue Wave serves as a kind of return to form – with mixed results. Album Review: Zach Schwartz (aka Zach Rogue) has had the kind of career most indie rock bands at the beginning of the 21st century could have only dreamed of … Read more
The 1975 just premiered their new video for “The City” and have announced US summer touring plans! The guys will return stateside as support for The Neighbourhood for three weeks of dates in June. They will also perform two headlining shows in California in July and will shortly be announcing a full US headline tour … Read more
Rogue Wave will release their fifth studio album, Nightingale Floors, on June 4 via Vagrant. This release follows the band’s 2010’s album Permalight and the debut track from the album, titled “College,” can be heard on below. Meditations on life and death dominate Nightingale Floors, in large part because Zach Schwartz’s father passed away during … Read more
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Specter At The Feast Abstract Dragon/Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club mourn the loss of a loved one on the emotional Specter At The Feast. Album Review: There comes a time in every band’s career where life overshadows the music and for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club that … Read more
Eels Wonderful, Glorious Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Eels gives a valiant effort but has problems living up to the new album’s title, Wonderful, Glorious. Album Review: It’s difficult to not judge an artist’s current work against what they have made in the past. Mark Everett, the heart and soul of eels, knows this … Read more
Manchester natives The 1975 have a new music video for their new single “Chocolate”. The track is featured on the band’s forthcoming EP Music For Cars, which will preceded the band’s full-length debut on Vagrant Records early this summer in the U.S. The 1975 recently announced their first ever live dates in the United States. … Read more
Manchester’s The 1975 are finally coming stateside. The guys will play their first US shows down at SXSW before kicking off a headline run that will visit Chicago, NYC, and DC among other markets. You can see all dates below. In celebration of the announcement, the band just posted their new track “Head.Cars.Bending”. The band … Read more
Wake Owl Wild Country EP Vagrant Records [2013] Fire Note Says: Wake Owl’s EP Wild Country leaves an incredible first impression, making the listener want more. Album Review: Wake Owl’s EP, Wild Country, leaves an incredibly hopeful first impression. The band’s sound is mello and folksy, blending upbeat notes with country undertones. Wake Owl resonates … Read more
The Hold SteadyHeaven Is WheneverVagrant Records [2010] The Hold Steady make albums not singles. Their work takes time to absorb, multiple listens to like and relies on transitions and pacing to bring it all together. On the groups fifth long player Heaven Is Whenever, all of the previous points come into play. The big different … Read more
The Night Marchers See You In Magic Vagrant Records [2012] Fire Note Says: The Night Marchers debut is here! Album Review: The Night Marchers are a new band but the players will be very familiar to many. John Reis (Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes, Sultans) is leading this foursome along with Hot Snakes guitarist … Read more