John Eichleay: John Eichleay

John Eichleay
John Eichleay
Copper Beech Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The eponymous debut album by New York musician John Eichleay is a simple lesson what a solid voice, lyric and melody can do that will draw you in immediately. Eichleay started out on classical guitar but has explored everything from blues and funk to jazz and bluegrass. In 1997 he moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University, where he became friends with guitarist Alfonso Ponticelli and played the Chicago Jazz Festival. His album shows off his experience as it is just a solid, catchy and smart Beatlesque record.

Key Track: "Friends And Family"

Band With Similar Fire: Jonathan Richman

Friends And Family (mp3)
Yesterdays (mp3)

Official John Eichleay Website
John Eichleay MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Girl Talk: Feed The Animals

Girl Talk
Feed The Animals
Illegal Art Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
An artist that is considered a mash-up maker like Girl Talk (aka Greg Gillis) can go really well or really bad. When it goes really well there ain't nothin' better and Girl Talk's sophomore album Feed The Animals is a great follow up to the entertaining Night Ripper [2006]. Girl Talk represents a modern day mix master that has the ability to tie snippets together featuring Jay Z, Avril, Tears For Fears, Britney and Radiohead, to just name a few, into one satisfying beat boppin' record that takes life on its own!

Key Track: "Give Me A Beat"

Band With Similar Fire: The Avalanches

Girl Talk MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Unwritten Law: Live And Lawless

Unwritten Law
Live And Lawless
Suburban Noize Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Before you write this off please try to remember the total skate-punk roots of this band and that they had some pretty rocking stuff in their catalog. This was recorded last March in Hollywood and has a solid setlist that covers plenty of the early stuff with the intensity of a revived punk outfit. This release also includes a DVD that features a five song acoustic mini set that couldn't fit on the CD.

Key Track: "Teenage Suicide"

Band With Similar Fire: Face To Face

Official Unwritten Law Website
Unwritten Law MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Tom Morello The Nightwatchman: The Fabled City

Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman
The Fabled City
Epic Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Best known as the guitarist in Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, Tom Morello releases his second solo record under the Nightwatchman moniker. The Fabled City is a superb different side of Morello that has not been heard before as politics fall to the side and songs concentrate on his more recent life experiences that had deep impact such as the death of seven close family and friends. The style is also different from his band albums because of Morello's deep and commanding voice that leads the listener through each song and really showcase what a good songwriter and storyteller he is.

Key Track: "Whatever It Takes"

Band With Similar Fire: Nick Cave

Official Tom Morello Website
Tom Morello MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Off Today

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Sorry we are off today - check back on Monday!

I Set My Friends On Fire: You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter

I Set My Friends On Fire
You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter
Epitaph Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
This duo from Miami are set to release one of the more unique records you will hear this year on Oct 7 for Epitaph that is a real mix of electronic, hardcore and pop packed into 35 minutes. Miami teenagers, Nabil Moo and Matt Mihana became an overnight hit with a rock/screamo cover of Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat", which attracted over 50,000 plays per day on MySpace, then they caught the attention of Epitaph label owner Brett Gurewitz. Their style and approach are unique to the genre while still being catchy plus Matt can really sing, which all combine for a memorable experience.

You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter
I Set My Friends On Fire

MFOF is Matt Mihana (vocals/lyrics) and Nabil Moo
(instruments/programming/arrangements/backup vocals)

All songs written by Matt Mihana and Nabil Moo, except "Crank That", written by Deandre Way

Published by I Set My Friends On Fire, LLC (ASCAP) / Fig Music (ASCAP) except "Crank That", published by Croomstacular Music, Inc. (BMI) / Soulja Boy Tellem Music (BMI)

Produced by Travis Richter & Nabil Moo

Engineered & Mixed by Lee Dyess at Earthsound Recording, Valdosta, GA

Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, New York, NY

Management: Kamal Moo

Legal Representation: Sally Koenig, Koenig Law Offices

A&R: Brett Gurewitz

Product Manager: Jeff Abarta

ISMFOF would like to thank Brett, Lee, Travis, Sue, Jeff, Nick, Austin, Mike, Jason and the rest of the rest of the Epitaph crew, Kamal, Sally, Andrew and Jackie Moo, Atif Mehana and Lillian Abraham, Candace, Lauren, Chico The Murderous Penguin, Ruby R., Sheisa, Gio, Brittany, Brandon, Damien, Jovan "The Mummy" Johnson, Natalie, Aunt Ivy, Anthony AF, Ashley P. Contessa Brewer, Peter Neubacker, Katoktak, Sauron, Jacques The Octopus, Sonic, Macadoos, Steve Jobs, Steve Busch, Myspace, our Myspace fans (and ALL our fans!) We love you!

Key Track: "Things That Rhyme With Orange"

Band With Similar Fire: Silverstein

Official I Set My Friends On Fire Website
I Set My Friends On Fire MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Alkaline Trio: Agony & Irony

Alkaline Trio
Agony & Irony
Epic Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
It took awhile but Alkaline Trio finally made the jump into major label land with Agony & Irony and although the record sounds a bit more polished it still has some remaining parts of the goth punk we loved from these guys. The album has some highs and lows but overall has consistent punk pop formulas. Hardcore fans may scream sellout but there are still catchy songs and a bit of snarl left in Alkaline Trio that followers will still recognize - I just wish the claws would have come out a bit more!

Key Track: "In Vein"

Band With Similar Fire: Less Than Jake

Official Alkaline Trio Website
Alkaline Trio MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

These United States: Crimes

These United States
Crimes
United Interests Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
When you hear that a band has recorded their sophomore record in six days and that same band just released their debut last year you know it can only go two ways and there is no in-between. For These United States it went the good way because Crimes is more focused and consistent then their debut. These United States are able to find the balance between knowing when to turn it up so they are a killer bar band or keep it under control with layered melodies that simply make Crimes a solid and fun record to listen to.

Key Track: "Get Yourself Home"

Band With Similar Fire: Langhorne Slim

Get Yourself Home (mp3)
West Won (mp3)

Official These United States Website
These United States MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

The Shaky Hands: Lunglight

The Shaky Hands
Lunglight
Kill Rock Stars [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Lunglight is The Shaky Hands sophomore record and the first thing you will notice is that their mood has changed somewhat from the upbeat young band to a band that is still developing their sound and diving into darker spaces. The band now has some extra musical help expanding to a quintet while dabbling into some more psychedelic numbers like "Neighbors". Lastly even though Lunglight is lyrically tighter and more introspective there are still plenty of upbeat number like "Settle On" to retain early fans and give The Shaky Hands a balance that will lead to longevity.

Key Track: "Air Better Come"

Band With Similar Fire: Talking Heads

A New Parade (mp3)
We Are Young (mp3)

The Shaky Hands MySpace

Buy at Amazon

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Robyn Hitchcock: Luminous Groove [Box Set]

Review has moved here to The Fire Note!

Joshua James: The Sun Is Always Brighter

Joshua James
The Sun Is Always Brighter
Intelligent Noise Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
Joshua James debut album The Sun Is Always Brighter is another example of the strong singer/songwriter types that don't get the airplay they deserve. His subject matter is deep from the war in Iraq, a song about his younger brother's drug addiction and even the Holocaust but his delivery is effortless and appealing. He has already opened for the likes of David Gray and John Mayer, which his style fits right in and his songs could easily find their way onto television or radio with their memorable choruses and Joshua's soft but direct vocals.

Key Track: "The New Love Song"

Band With Similar Fire: Bon Iver

Official Joshua James Website
Joshua James MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

I See Hawks In L.A.: Hallowed Ground

I See Hawks In L.A.
Hallowed Ground
Big Book Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
If you were looking for a rocked up country tinged band that is politically and socially charged then I See Hawks In L.A. could be your new favorite band. On the Los Angeles groups fourth album Hallowed Ground they continue their message on tracks like "Carbon Dated Love" and "Environmental Children Of The Future". They have a solid band vibe that kicks each track up with their vocal harmonies while mellowing them out a perfect slide guitar and violin that gives the tracks the right balance between genres and will attract new fans in the correct forum!

Key Track: "In The Garden"

Band With Similar Fire: Son Volt

Official I See Hawks In L.A. Website
I See Hawks In L.A. MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

ZZ Top: Eliminator [Collector's Edition]

Review has moved here to The Fire Note!

Sonya Kitchell: This Storm

Sonya Kitchell
This Storm
Decca/Velour Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I know people love to jump on bandwagon's and I am suggesting a new one in the young 19 year old Sonya Kitchell. Given her younger age it might be a surprise that this is not her first album but along with her seasoned veteran sounding voice it will make you a believer and forget about birthdays. This Storm was produced by Grammy Award-winner Malcolm Burn (Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris), and it offers a rock, country and alt-pop side to Kitchell, that showcases her multi-talented vocals.

Key Track: "Here To There"

Band With Similar Fire: Fiona Apple

Official Sonya Kitchell Website
Sonya Kitchell MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sound And Fury: Sound And Fury

Sound And Fury
Sound And Fury
Rebel Youth Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I am not sure why I even put this record on - I mean look at the cover - really? For whatever reason it ended up in my player and I must admit these Canadian rockers made me smile. Sound And Fury are a modern day AC/DC that have a little punk underlining snarl to them that all makes for an entertaining, rip-roaring, beer guzzling and plain kick your ass type of record - trust me - I know it has a scary cover but prepare to rock out!

Key Track: "Can't Get Enough"

Band With Similar Fire: AC/DC

Official Sound And Fury Website
Sound And Fury MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Sing It Loud: Come Around

Sing It Loud
Come Around
Epitaph Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Sometimes record labels have a hard time shaking stereotypes and for me Epitaph is a punk label. Sing It Loud is more of an alt pop rock band that was produced by Motion City Soundtrack guitarist Josh Cain and mixed by Mark Trombino (Jimmy Eat World, Blink 182) and has the same sound as the bands listed. Overall, Come Around is not a bad debut and although Sing It Loud blend in with many acts already out there, if played in the right venue this band could catch on because as singles the tracks may be more memorable.

Key Track: "No One Can Touch Us"

Band With Similar Fire: Motion City Soundtrack

Sing It Loud MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

The Subways: All Or Nothing

Review has moved here to The Fire Note!

Chris Cotton: The Big Sea

Chris Cotton
The Big Sea
Little Fish Large Pond [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
If you are looking for a change of pace then folk blues artist Chris Cotton's fourth album The Big Sea could be your fix. Cotton's music is hard for people to categorize but if Leadbelly and Tom Waits could do an album together that might be close. The Big Sea is a solid listen all the way through because you can just tell that Cotton has poured everything into it and regardless of how you categorize him the album grabs hold of you and really does fit in a shuffle playlist with all of your indie friends!

Key Track: "Heartbreaking Mind"

Band With Similar Fire: Tom Waits w/ the Blues

Going Home (mp3)
What Would You Do? (mp3)

Official Chris Cotton Website
Chris Cotton MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

31Knots: Worried Well

31Knots
Worried Well
Polyvinyl Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:

31Knots fall into that math-rock category and Worried Well is their new album that follows closely to last years growler The Days And Nights Of Everything Anywhere [2007]. Worried Well puts lead singer Joe Haege right in front and lets him lead the ripping till his voice goes slightly hoarse on several tracks which just stirs most of the record into a frenzy. Worried Well does not expand the bands sound but maintains their essence giving the listener another album of complex and textured tracks that have multi-instruments, hand claps and shout out choruses which fans should enjoy.

Key Track: "Something Up There This Way Comes"

Band With Similar Fire: Firewater

Official 31Knots Website
31Knots MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The Youngers: Heritage

The Youngers
Heritage
Obuck Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The Youngers represent what real Americana music is all about - solid sing-a-long anthems, solid songwriting, solid stories and a solid and believable lead vocal. The Youngers are entrenched in the authenticity of their music even down to having their sophomore record Heritage produced by John Carter Cash and recorded in the historic studios of Cash Cabin. The band has released an excellent album that kindles the best of Springsteen, Young and Parsons while setting their own path and tackling the genre with a modern flare!

Key Track: "Heritage"

Band With Similar Fire: Drive-By Truckers

Official Youngers Website
The Youngers MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Greg Camp: Defektor

Greg Camp
Defektor
Bar/None Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Greg Camp's introduction is easy - he was the guitarist and Grammy nominated songwriter for the band Smash Mouth. Defektor is his solo debut and it is full of different ideas and styles that can be as straightforward rock as Costello but also contains some record trickery like Beck. I am not sure if anything here will find the same commercial success as his previous band but the quality of penmanship and work is still in high gear, which makes Defektor a worthy listen that might capture a whole new audience for Camp!

Key Track: "Cat's Game"

Band With Similar Fire: Jason Falkner

Greg Camp MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Mason Proper: Olly Oxen Free

Mason Proper
Olly Oxen Free
Dovecote Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
The sophomore record from Mason Proper finds the band continuing its angular sound to create 10 tracks at middle tempo that experiment with different instruments and directions to generate one cohesive album. It are the different directions that make Olly Oxen Free so interesting because songs take sharp turns when you don't expect them to, which takes your average song and turns it into a keeper. How the tracks work together is important because the albums strength is really the collective because there are no immediate standout singles but when the album completes you still find yourself going back for another dose!

Key Track: "Point A To Point B"

Band With Similar Fire: Les Savy Fav

Official Mason Proper Website
Mason Proper MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Dead Confederate: Wrecking Ball

Dead Confederate
Wrecking Ball
TAO/Razor & Tie Records [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
This debut full length was on our most anticipated list for 2008 after the release of the bands stellar EP at the end of last year got us all crazy with excitement. Wrecking Ball absolutely does not disappoint and it is a sprawling southern rock out record that is just as every bit as catchy as the EP with Dead Confederate's unique style of growling spaced out rock. From the opening rocker "Heavy Petting" to the killer closer title track Dead Confederate have released an album that just gets better with every spin and has one of those timeless appeals to it that all bands dream of making!

Key Track: "Wrecking Ball"

Band With Similar Fire: The Whigs

Dead Confederate: Dead Confederate EP [Fire Note Review 12/14/07]

Official Dead Confederate Website
Dead Confederate MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

FOX Japan: Hell

FOX Japan
Hell
Small War Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Hell is FOX Japan's sophomore record and it is full of super energized tracks that sound like Pavement on steroids. It is singer Charlie Wilmoth that leads the charge with his Ted Leo "nothing can stop me attitude", which carries each track to a new level. The band supports this direction and backs it up with feverish playing making Hell a worthy listen if you are looking for something new and different when the album becomes available in October!

Key Track: "Divorce"

Band With Similar Fire: Ted Leo + The Pharmacists

Kill Them With Kindness (mp3)

FOX Japan: And Now This! [Fire Note Review 8/14/07]

Official FOX Japan Website
FOX Japan MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Shannon McArdle: Summer Of The Whore

Shannon McArdle
Summer Of The Whore
Bar/None Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Shannon McArdle brings a lot of experience to the table even though the name may be somewhat unfamiliar. McArdle was a long time member of The Mendoza Line and left the band last year along with divorcing from band member Timothy Bracy, so her solo release Summer Of The Whore marks a new beginning for the seasoned artist. It is an album that has her emotions completely exposed, which hits you to the core because it feels so real and makes the perfect concoction for something special.

Key Track: "Paint The Walls"

Band With Similar Fire: Eleni Mandell

Official Shannon McArdle Website
Shannon McArdle MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Metallica: Death Magnetic

Metallica
Death Magnetic
Warner Bros. Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
For any veteran band calling on producer Rick Rubin to help revive your roots always seems to be a good idea. After the debacle that was St. Anger [2003] that call was one of the most important because Death Magnetic finds Metallica more energized than ever before and successful in resurrecting the power from their 80's era catalog. Interestingly enough, even with most tracks surpassing the 7 minute mark they still have some of the catchy choruses that made the "Black" Album [1991] so successful, while absolutely assaulting and crunching you with Hammett's guitar fire. Turns out this is the Metallica we want - this is the Metallica that is important!

Key Track: "Cyanide"

Band With Similar Fire: Old School Metallica

Official Metallica Website
Metallica MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Week That Was: The Week That Was

The Week That Was
The Week That Was
Memphis Industries [2008]







Fire Drills Review:
If you were a fan of the band Field Music then The Week That Was should be on your list to check out because this is the new output from drummer Peter Brewis. He also employed the help of Field Music members David Brewis and Andrew Moore which really makes The Week That Was an extension of the former band while offering more complex song structures, intricate piano arrangements, background horn placement and an overall prog rock approach. The Week That Was music direction follows some of the more experimental artists of past such as Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel, while keeping most of their tracks around the 3 and 4 minute mark and really offering something outside the conventions of most indie-guitar music.

Key Track: "Yesterday's Paper"

Band With Similar Fire: XTC

Learn To Learn (mp3)

The Week That Was MySpace

Buy at mTraks

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony