Tagged: rd9109

Farewell Run It Up The Flagpole Epitaph Records [2009] Fire Drill Review: Not only is there nothing wrong with a straight forward pop punk album but it is almost refreshing to hear a record today without tons of gimmicks while being full of catchy anthems supported only by guitars, bass and drums. That is exactly what you get on Farewell's sophomore album Run It Up The Flagpole , as it bounces and hops [...]

A.A. Bondy When The Devil's Loose Fat Possum Records [2009] Fire Note Says: Excellent sophomore release from ex-Verbena lead singer! Album Review: One thing you most certainly will agree on upon hearing A.A. Bondy's sophomore record When The Devil's Loose , is that he has one of the smoothest deliveries out there right now. His songs glide and move with a somewhat haunting voice and spanning melodies that [...]

Hollis Brown Hollis Brown Vibe Theory Music [2009] Fire Drill Review: Queens quartet Hollis Brown have just released a southern fueled self-titled record that has all the elements of success. The band contains the modern rock flare of current chart toppers Kings Of Leon with a bit more classic country tinged sound like Ryan Adams & The Cardinals. Hollis Brown have already built a solid following in the NYC and with the records sing [...]

Drive-By Truckers The Fine Print (A Collection Of Oddities And Rarities 2003-2008) & Live From Austin TX New West Records [2009] Fire Note Says: This is truly a career band! Album Reviews: There are many ways to measure the success of a band and the Drive-By Truckers have just recently released two of them with a rarities disc and a live cd/dvd set. Sure many bands have pulled off a stellar studio album here and there but you can [...]

The Medders The Medders Self-Released [2009] Fire Drill Review: The Medders are a band of three brothers (Cheyenne, Carson, Will) and piano player Joshua Stauter, that have just released their self-titled debut record. The album is a solid slice of roots rock and Americana, which is a product of being raised by musical parents that exposed them consistently to Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Elton John and Johnny Horton. The Medders passion for music emotes [...]

Chuck Ragan Gold Country SideOneDummy Records [2009] Fire Note Says: When punk and folk collide! Album Review: I am not sure that when the punk rock group Hot Water Music came to a conclusion that many would have predicted the emergence of its gravely voiced frontman Chuck Ragan. His power folk is nothing but simple upbeat inspired country, that has everything you want from this genre: emotion, stories, and skillful playing. [...]

The Reverend Horton Heat Laughin' And Cryin' With The Reverend Horton Heat Yep Roc Records [2009] Fire Note Says: Plenty of rockabilly fun! Album Review: You can always count on a good time when the Rev releases a record and Laughin' And Cryin' is full of some classic sounding rockabilly to lighten your mood. More so than their other records, Laughin' And Cryin' maintains a mid-tempo level [...]

Octoberman Fortresses White Whale Records [2009] Fire Drill Review: Fortresses is Octoberman's third full length record which is driven by frontman Marc Morrissette. It is an album that is full of energetic mid tempo numbers that highlight Morrissette's soft vocals and attraction to subtle indie instrumentation. Fortresses is the perfect closure record as its themes cover endings of relationships, places and scenes since Morrissette has now relocated to [...]

Liam Finn + Eliza Jane Champagne In Seashells [EP] Yep Roc Records [2009] Fire Drill Review: Liam Finn's new EP continues his songwriting strength found on his debut I'll Be Lightning [2008] . The record shares billing with touring band member Eliza Jane Barnes but she plays more of a supporting role as Finn's voice drives just about every track. Liam has the same smooth vocal delivery as his famous father and uncle, [...]

Datarock Red Nettwerk Music Group [2009] Fire Note Says: Datarock can still elctro-rock you up! Album Review: Red is the sophomore album from Norway's electro-rockers Datarock, which brings another blended mix of tracks that try to rekindle the spirit of their debut, while offering up something new. What stands out in Datarock's music is their 80's intrigue, as they vocally sound like and make reference to [...]

David Bazan Curse Your Branches Barsuk Records [2009] Fire Note Says: Pedro The Lion is gone but David Bazan is alive and well! Album Review: There is Christian music and then there are Christians who play music. David Bazan falls into the later category as his music has always been entrenched in religious themes. This was definitely the case in his adored band Pedro The Lion, surfaced in his [...]

The Apples In Stereo #1 Hits Explosion Yep Roc Records [2009] Fire Note Says: Fun, Sunny and Poppy - This is Apples In Stereo! Album Review: I remember when you couldn't turn anywhere on the indie scene and not run into an Elephant 6 band. The Apples In Stereo were of course one of the ground zero groups that created this tag with leader Richard Schneider and his unique [...]