Afternoon Coffee w/ Fire on Fire

Fire on Fire , named as one of Stereogum's "Bands to Watch" in 2007, has gone seemingly unnoticed since achieving that distinction. Hailing from Portland, Maine, the band produces a feeling and a sound that is reminiscent of their surroundings: raw and rustic. Their most recent hand-made EP WAS available on Young God Records (YGR), however, it is now sold out. Not all is lost. Available via the YGR website is a free download of what may be the band's most promising track, " Hangman"

The song's hook," You've got to have a friend/ even the worst of men have friends/ even the Hangman has friends", is preceded by full-band backed "la la la"s. The kick drum, jangling tambourine and Band- era mandolin line all push the tune forward. The track is structured like an Arcade Fire song with layered vocals (here, Colleen Kinsella fills the Régine Chassagne role) and eclectic instrumental noise. The difference, though, is that Fire on Fire sounds dirty, like the recording was done in a living room. Enjoy.