BM Linx: Black Entertainment

BM Linx
Black Entertainment
Craze Factory [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
BM Linx are a powerful electronic rock n roll band from New York, New York and their sophomore record Black Entertainment is a real mix of Muse meets The Killers with Orgy joining the party. Everything found here is amped up and sound great with headphones. There are the pulsating bass lines, heavy beats, the in front vocals, precision drums make Black Entertainment a top notch effort but the inclusion of the instrumental "White Limousine" and the smooth appropriately acoustic closer "UO Acoustic" help set the album apart from the crowd. It is also worthy to note that the record was mixed by Alan Moulder (NIN, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode), which seems like the perfect selection and resulted in Black Entertainment's slick sounding tracks!

Key Track: "Kids On Fire"

Band With Similar Fire: Muse

Official BM Linx Website
BM Linx MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Mavis Staples: Live - Hope At The Hideout

Mavis Staples
Live: Hope At The Hideout
ANTI- Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Mavis Staples marched, sang and protested alongside Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960 so it is refreshing to hear her still bring the noise at age 69. Staples states that she was at Chicago's Hideout to "bring joy, happiness, inspiration and some positive vibrations" which are all tasks she completes on this live record. Regardless of your normal listening genre, Staples is an artist that everyone should take a second to check out because she is the picture of what passion, heart, spirit and dedication looks like and it is all captured here on her hour long set!

Key Track: "Down In Mississippi"

Band With Similar Fire: Solomon Burke

Official Mavis Staples Website
Mavis Staples MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Maybe It's Reno: Maybe It's Reno

Review has moved here to The Fire Note!

Or, The Whale: Light Poles And Pines

Or, The Whale
Light Poles And Pines
Seany Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Sometimes more is better and San Francisco's Or, The Whale utilizes every piece of energy supplied from the seven members in their band. This allows the band the freedom to create many different sounds on their debut Light Poles And Pines, be it on country rockers, folk styled ballads or just straight forward indie rock. Their male/female vocals give them even more artistic room for exploration along with memorable harmonies that combined with solid songwriting the collective create a smart and sincere Americana record that will give you a positive reaction with each indie country soaked spin.

Key Track: "Call And Response"

Band With Similar Fire: Drive-By Truckers

Call And Response (mp3)
Rope Don't Break (mp3)

Official Or, The Whale Website
Or, The Whale MySpace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Pit Er Pat: High Times

Pit Er Pat
High Times
Thrill Jockey Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
On Pit Er Pat's third album High Times I can tell you that they have pulled out all the stops to use instruments that you didn't know even existed like the electric kalimba, a bobo balaphone, the vibraslap and let's not forget the Burmese temple gongs. All kidding aside because Pit Er Pat really do incorporate those plus an even more expansive variety of instruments to create their 70's style Eastern lounge vibe complete with the sultry vocals of Fay Davis-Jeffers. With the spooky sounding space sounds in "Cooper Pennies" and the infectious jive noise on "The Cairo Shuffle", Pit Er Pat bring another dose of intrigue with High Times that will retain their fanbase while capturing any indie spirited listener who just happens to stumble into their realm.

Key Track: "Omen"

Band With Similar Fire: High Places

Official Pit Er Pat Website
Pit Er Pat MySpace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Rahim: Laughter

Rahim
Laughter
Pretty Activity Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
It sort of surprises me that Rahim are not bigger on the indie scene because their style of jangular indie pop is not only catchy it is pretty good. Now on their sophomore record, Laughter finds the group evolving from the harder edged and J. Robbins influenced debut into more of a subtle indie group that represents more like a Death Cab. This of course is not a bad transition because Rahim still bring smart lyrics, humable choruses and bundle their eleven tracks into a nice thirty minute package. Laughter is one of those albums that after repeated listens you still find something new and it sinks in that Rahim are a band you love to hear but you just don't tell anybody - shame on you!

Key Track: "Cities Change"

Band With Similar Fire: Q And Not U

Rahim: Ideal Lives [Fire Note Review 6/9/06]

Official Rahim Website
Rahim Myspace

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears [EP]

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears [EP]
Lost Highway Records [2009]






Fire Drills Review:
You might not expect this combo of soul, blues and attitude to smoke up out of Austin, Texas but Black Joe Lewis and his Honeybears bring it right at you with their 12 minute 4 song preview EP. With songs like "Bitch, I Love You" and "Master Sold My Baby" it is definitely new school but Lewis reincarnates the energy and spirit of James Brown, which is instantly likable. This preview will certainly build some anticipation for their Lost Highway full length Tell 'Em What Your Name Is! due March 17th.

Key Track:"Bitch, I Love You"

Band With Similar Fire: RL Burnside

Official Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Website
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

J. Tillman: Vacilando Territory Blues

J. Tillman
Vacilando Territory Blues
Western Vinyl Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Tillman joined up with Fleet Foxes after the Sun Giant EP, which we know turned out pretty good for him but he was originally a solo artist and Vacilando Territory Blues is his fifth record. Besides not having the constant lush harmonic choruses of the Fleets, his record follows the same kind of format and Tillman's voice shines with his acoustic guitar accompaniment plus he rounds things out with Foxes Christian Wargo and Casey Wescot helping out. If the Fleet Foxes are the Yin then Tillman's solo record is the Yang because even if they are not supposed to, they really do compliment each other and once again puts an exclamation mark next to the future output of this groups members.

Key Track: "Steel On Steel"

Band With Similar Fire: Fleet Foxes

James Blues (mp3)
Steel On Steel (mp3)

Official J. Tillman Website
J. Tillman MySpace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

MarvelAnn: Bad Advice

MarvelAnn
Bad Advice
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
Simon Honisett and Jonathan Jubera make up the Portland duo MarvelAnn, which have been around for about ten years. They don't have much output since Bad Advice is the groups sophomore outing but their soft style of indie pop grows with you on every repeat listen. The pair recruited a gob of other artists for a contribution to Bad Advice, which is why it is filled with lush and large arrangements that include pedal steel, accordion, vibes and strings. The extra instrumentation provides a sculpted soundscape that helps MarvelAnn achieve the surreal dream pop that makes for a pleasant listen and will turn you into a fan!

Key Track: "How Long Can You Stay Angry"

Band With Similar Fire: Mercury Rev

MarvelAnn MySpace

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta

Neko Case: People Got A Lot Of Nerve [Single]

Neko Case
People Got A Lot Of Nerve [Single]
ANTI- Records [2009]







Fire Drills Review:
“People Got A Lotta Nerve,” is the first single from Neko Case’s forthcoming album Middle Cyclone which is do out on ANTI- Records March 3. The song is a short and sweet 2:31 and soars with Neko's voice that is a bit more poppy like her work with The New Pornographers. The other cool thing about the single is that that for every Blog that reposts the song and/or iLike user who adds it to their profile, Neko Case and ANTI- will make a cash donation to Best Friends Animal Society.

People Got A Lotta Nerve (mp3)

Neko Case: Live From Austin TX [Fire Note Review 1/30/07]

Official Neko Case Website
Neko Case MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Said The Whale: Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia

Said The Whale
Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia
Upper Management [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
This Vancouver five-piece play a very dramatic indie pop that is instantly appealing to the ear. The group has been gaining popularity through their created videos on YouTube and this album re-releases the bands 2007 debut Taking Abalonia and adds seven new tracks to create the 15 you get here. Said The Whale have a very rhythmic clear vocal and playing style that mixes in some organ and harmonies that keep Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia interesting and make Said The Whale an import from up North worth checking out!

Key Track: "This City's A Mess"

Band With Similar Fire: The Decemberists

Said The Whale MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Reel Big Fish: Fame, Fortune And Fornication

Reel Big Fish
Fame, Fortune And Fornication
Rock Ridge Music [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Reel Big Fish were one of those bands that had the right song ("Sell Out") at the the right time (Ska Launch) but if you knew anything about them you would know that they were just as much about the fun as they were about the music. Fame, Fortune And Fornication finds the band 13 years after their breakout album and long after ska is back underground, so it is no surprise that this is an album of interesting covers from the likes of Poison, Slade, John Mellencamp, Eagles, Tom Petty, and more. It is a fun listen but at the end of the day is it necessary - probably not but it still is enjoyable and fans will definitely check it out - the rest will just pass it over.

Key Track: "Authority Song"

Band With Similar Fire: Less Than Jake

Official Reel Big Fish Website
Reel Big Fish MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

The Wrens: Pulled Fences (Live) [Single]

The Wrens
Pulled Fences (Live) [Single]
Self-Released [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
It is official - this is new Wrens material and we are all giddy with excitement. "Pulled Fences" comes to us via The Wrens website and the song was recorded last year live on WorldSpace Sessions at Abbey Road. It is a five minute pop nugget that slow builds itself, peaks in the middle and then just gracefully fades away as smoothly as it came in. Basically, another solid track in their catalog. In other Wrens news this year marks the bands 20th anniversary, they have signed to Absolutely Kosher Records and are looking to release a new record in the Spring - lets say a little indie prayer!

Official Wrens Website
The Wrens MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

Slumdog Millionaire [OST]

A.R. Rahman
Slumdog Millionaire [OST]
Interscope Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
I can't say that I am a person that ever really cares to relive a movie through its soundtrack but on occasion a film comes along that the music integrates so marvelously that listening again is a must. The charming Slumdog Millionaire is just one of those movies as composer A.R. Rahman and director Danny Boyle make you feel emotion through their perfectly sequenced pieces. The soundtrack already has won a Golden Globe for Best Original Score and has been nominated for three Academy Award nominations. If you have not seen the film the soundtrack is full of fast paced heavy beats that represent the culture while giving them an electric jolt of modernization plus the ever powerful M.I.A., making listening a fun experience every time.

Key Track: "O... Saya" (M.I.A./A.R. Rahman)

Official A.R. Rahman Website
Official Slumdog Millionaire Website

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

LeATHERMOUTH: X0

LeATHERMOUTH
X0
Epitaph Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
You may be unfamiliar with the band but probably not the guitarist because LeATHERMOUTH is the hardcore-punk side project from Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance. Now before MCR fans run out to make a purchase I got to warn you...X0 is punishing, bashing, pounding, harsh and crack your head brutal. If I still have your attention then LeATHERMOUTH is for you and compared to others in the genre the band kills it. 10 songs in 20 minutes leaves no room extras and with songs like "I Am Going To Kill The President Of The United States Of America" and "Sunsets Are For Muggings" you realize quickly that LeATHERMOUTH are not playing. Iero says that X0 was his way to deal with depression and anxiety - after taking it for a spin it will heal all that ails you too!

Key Track: "Catch Me If You Can"

Band With Similar Fire: Some Girls

Official LeATHERMOUTH Website
LeATHERMOUTH MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael

My Morning Jacket: Live At The Palms [EP]

My Morning Jacket
Live At The Palms [EP]
iTunes [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
This iTunes exclusive digital EP may have a live title but you would never know by listening because the crowd noise has been removed. This may be a quick letdown for My Morning Jacket's huge touring following but for many this might pull you in to to check it out. The EP contains six tracks with "Dear Wife" being the only new song on the list. A key point to make about this EP is that the songs have been re-recorded and each one has been updated with some new tweaks. This simply shows that once again My Morning Jacket are the band to see live because they can take any of their catalog and make it feel fresh!

Key Track: "Dear Wife"

Band With Similar Fire: Dead Confederate

My Morning Jacket: Evil Urges [Fire Note Review 6/11/08]

Official My Morning Jacket Website
My Morning Jacket MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

The 88: Not Only... But Also

The 88
Not Only... But Also
Island Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The 88 are power pop band from sunny California that has a total British invasion sound to them. Not Only...But Also possesses a confidence that comes through song after song and The 88 have that big sprawling sound which is made for radio. The album was produced by Babyface and Matt Wallace (Faith No More) which is an interesting combo and it must have led to the balance of pop and rock that can found here. The 88 is not putting earth shattering life changing music but Not Only...But Also is a good album from beginning to end with just the right mix of rockers and ballads to keep you entertained.

Key Track: "Go Go Go"

Band With Similar Fire: Stereophonics

Official 88 Website
The 88 MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Octomutt: Please Betty [EP]

Octomutt
Please Betty [EP]
Drizzoletto Music [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
You may be surprised to learn that Octomutt call San Francisco home after hearing their more traditional country sound on the groups new Please Betty EP. The record has a very mild flow with Ted Savarese's vocal draw that is balanced with simple country songs that are delivered with simple instrumentation and have a distinct twang. It is this simplicity that with repeat listens Octomutt gain appeal because you appreciate the honest and sincere approach!

Key Track: "Please Betty"

Band With Similar Fire: Hank Williams

Official Octomutt Website
Octomutt MySpace

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox

Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion

Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Domino Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Not only is this one of Animal Collective's most accessible albums to date it is also one of their best. Merriweather Post Pavilion finds duel vocalists Dave Portner and Noah Lennox sounding completely comfortable in their roles and displays a sixth sense that each one knows what the other is thinking because their vocals completely gel, which increases the catchiness on every track. The in your face noises beep and blip in and out but you don't even notice because they lock into the dance rock beats and the layered harmonies that keep the listener totally mystified - that does not happen very ofter consistenly on any album but Merriweather Post Pavilion does it to you track after track. This is an album that not only will probably land high in the 2009 Top 50 but also in the decade Top 50!

Key Track: "Brother Sport"

Band With Similar Fire: Deerhunter

Official Animal Collective Website
Animal Collective MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Bon Iver: Blood Bank [EP]

Bon Iver
Blood Bank [EP]
Jagjaguwar Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
Bon Iver's debut For Emma, Forever Ago was technically self-released in 2007 and then of course the critical praise came upon its re-release in 2008. It would seem now that Bon Iver is golden and this four track Blood Bank EP is exciting because it is his first new material in awhile and it shows that his debut was no fluke. The songs are consistent, hush and the closing track "Woods" is completely different with vocal effects that are intriguing and haunting while allowing you to realize that this is why Bon Iver is the "it" artist right now!

Key Track: "Woods"

Band With Similar Fire: Iron & Wine

Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago [Fire Note Review 2/15/08]

Official Bon Iver Website
Bon Iver MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

Sholi: Dreams Before People [EP]

Sholi
Dreams Before People [EP]
Self-Released [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
This avant-rock trio from the San Fran area are ready to take the indie world by storm. This is a tour only EP that showcases their capabilities in a small package. The group has a very mellow vibe with their soft vocals and calm strumming, while each song has an inner layer that is completely infectious. The EP concludes with "Hejrat" which is a cover song from Googoosh that puts a exclamation point on Sholi's range. Their new self-titled record releases on Quaterstick Records 2/17/09 which should be great if it follows this formula! Make sure you visit to Touch and Go/Quaterstick for a free download of this EP.

Key Track: "Dreams Before People"

Band With Similar Fire: Fleet Foxes

Hejrat (mp3) (Originally by Googoosh)

Bonus mp3 found on Hejrat 7"
Sprout And The Bean (mp3) (Originally by Joanna Newsom)

Official Sholi Website
Sholi MySpace

Buy at iTunes Music Store

-Reviewed by Christopoher Anthony

Andrew Bird: Noble Beast

Andrew Bird
Noble Beast
Fat Possum Records [2009]








Fire Drills Review:
This is Andrew Bird's fifth solo record and like Armchair Apocrypha [2007] he has stayed the course of the singer/songwriter crafting an indie pop record that is full of exciting turns and spins. What you know you are going to get with Bird is his intricat arrangements and detail to lyrics which shine though track after track on Noble Beast. The other thing about Bird that never vanishes from his records are the throwback jazzy moments of his Squirrel Nut Zipper days, which I believe add depth to his superb catalog and right here on another solid offering with Noble Beast.

Key Track: "Fitz And Dizzyspells"

Band With Similar Fire: Sufjan Stevens

Official Andrew Bird Website
Andrew Bird MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Blue Eyed Blacks: Black Eyed Soul

Blue Eyed Blacks
Black Eyed Soul
Chicken Ranch Records [2008]








Fire Drills Says:
Black Eyed Soul is the hard work of Jason Moon Wilkins and it represents a stand out resume and a solid two years putting the record together. He has been in several bands and more notably a bassist for Josh Rouse and Garrison Starr. Wilkins has made a lot of friends along the way and Black Eyed Soul taps into those contacts which include Garrison Starr, vocalist Betsy Roo (who co-wrote the Dolly Parton song "Jesus & Gravity"), Justin Townes Earle (Bloodshot Records), Billy Mercer (Ryan Adams), and Rollum Haas (The Features, Brendan Benson). It is this solid musicianship and Wilkins honest vocals that make Blue Eyed Blacks a band to check out and a debut record in Black Eyed Soul to take for a ride.

Key Track: "The Trouble With Kate"

Band With Similar Fire: The National

Blue Eyed Blacks MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

National Snack: Apply Machine [EP]

National Snack
Apply Machine [EP]
Scatty Cat Records [2008]








Fire Drills Review:
The National Snack are a three piece from the UK that play a very funky rock that shows off that they were influenced by the likes of the B-52s and Frank Zappa but also have a grinding rock side to them like The Subways and even the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The group shifts lead vocals from track to track between Gemma Storr and Joe Carlo that works to keep things interesting and offers up a lot of different looks in just 15 minutes. The band is working on a full length and if Apply Machine is a tell it should be a rockin' fun time with their energy and sass!

Key Track: "Rock N Roll"

Band With Similar Fire: The Subways

Official National Snack Website
National Snack MySpace

-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri

Angus And Julia Stone: The Beast [EP]

Review has moved here to The Fire Note!

Sarah Rabdau And Self-Employed Assassins: Sarah Rabdau And Self-Employed Assassins

Sarah Rabdau And Self-Employed Assassins
Sarah Rabdau And Self-Employed Assassins
Say It With Scissors Records [2009]





Fire Drills Review:
When you have a stellar voice like Sarah Rabdau everything else really should fall into place. On her self-titled album with the Self-Employed Assassins that is exactly what happens as her crystal clear and siren like vocals meld with the instrumentation of piano, violin and drums. The songs very in tempo from some more outright upbeat foot tappers like "Weekend" or the more quiet "Autumn Spills" that rely heavily on Rabdau's pleasant vocals. Sarah Rabdau And Self-Employed Assassins have been honing their skills since 2005 and this release showcases all of their hard work and it is solid from beginning to end!

Key Track: "Weekend"

Band With Similar Fire: Tori Amos

Jackie (mp3)

Official Sarah Rabdau Website
Sarah Rabdau MySpace

-Reviewed by Reece Michael