Catchy power-pop from Winnipeg

This Canadian rock trio’s been kicking around in one form or another since 1997. Formed in Brandon, Manitoba, the original trio recorded their debut (1998’s Tight Perm) as teenagers. After relocating to Winnipeg, the band added a brass player, recorded 2002’s Clark Days, and eventually returned to a threesome of guitar, bass, drums. The band is led by bassist/vocalist Shane Smith, who writes and sings with his brother/guitarist Chad. Together with drummer John Huver the band rocks hard, but their hummable melodies, riffing guitars, head-bobbing rhythms, thick productions and harmony vocals make them more more power-pop than power-trio; more Rooney than Cream. You can still hear the DIY ethos of their earlier albums and traces angular post-punk flavors, but the bulk of this album’s productions are catchy throwbacks to the golden age (and multiple revivals) of power-pop. The Smith Brothers’ vocals are nicely polished this time, and though the rhythms still have plenty of punch, they aren’t punk-rock staccato and the guitar’s roar has more sustain and chime than before. Fans of Rooney, Sugar, Greenberry Woods, Shoes, Material Issue, Fountains of Wayne, Matthew Sweet, Teenage Fanclub, Motors  and Velvet Crush should check this out, lest you smack yourself in the head ten years hence when some pimply college DJ pulls this from the library and makes you wonder how you missed it. [©2009 hyperbolium dot com]

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