Album Reviews
Featured review: MxPx
MxPx
On the Cover II, Tooth and Nail Records
A-
ON THE COVER II is the first release from American Christian-rock band MxPx since 2007. A follow up to the original On the Cover, this latest release is another full record of covers. While the first release was only an EP, the band opted to produce a full album this time around, bringing in several other artists—including Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly—for a different effect.
Focusing specifically on ‘80s hits, such as “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers, “Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle, and “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash, the covers are surprisingly original and well executed. It’s actually quite refreshing to hear these classic tunes brought out and dusted off with a little pop-punk. While the band doesn’t hit the mark on every song, the album is a great reanimation of long-time favourites. This album is a total success.
—Eleni Armenakis
Great Bloomers
Speak of Trouble, Maple Music
B+
SPEAK OF TROUBLE, the Great Bloomers’ first full-length album, is a great new addition to the folk-rock, indie-blues tradition. The Toronto quintet stands out most through their subtle, poetic songwriting, which manages to capture the listener even before the light musical backdrop kicks in. On top of the band’s obvious talent, the organization of the album in itself is phenomenal; the tracks seem to melt one into the other almost seamlessly. The only potential weakness lies in Lowell Sostomi’s vocals, which occasionally sound more whiny than melodic. However, Sostomi’s voice does provide a striking contrast to the actual music, creating a fragile balance of smooth sound. “Honey Blanket” and “Speak of Trouble” flow with ease, bringing the listener along. On the other hand, the band shows they can slow it down with mellow tunes such as “Admit Defeat,” “Fever Days,” and “Dark Horse.” Despite some minor problems, the album pulls through in the end, making it a perfect listen.
—Maja Stevanofska
Chris Velan
Solidago, New Song Recordings
B+
EXPERIENCED MONTREAL MUSICIAN Chris Velan is back with his third solo album, Solidago. Although the record lacks a consistent style, Velan certainly offers variety with tracks including reggae, rock, and folk acoustic tones. While the album has an overall calming effect, it also offers a couple of more upbeat songs, like “Hunting Season,” which has a ska/reggae feel, or “I’m In Come In,” which is sure to get you moving. Velan’s lyrics, which focus on issues particular to him as an artist, are sincere and offer a sense of brutal honesty and passion. Tracks like “A Year Can Change A Lot” present his socially conscious take on his travels to Africa, bringing their musical issues to the forefront. Velan can’t avoid focusing on the issues that move him the most in his music. Solidago is a soothing album, showcasing Velan’s passion and knowledge of music.
—Larissa Cahute
Jamie T
Kings & Queens, EMI
A-
KINGS & QUEENS, the follow-up to 2007’s Mercury Prize-nominated debut Panic Prevention, a raucous little genre-bending masterpiece, finds British musician Jamie Treays still slurring about all his friends and living, surviving, and fucking up. But this time around, Treays has honed his punk/rock/folk/hip-hop style and moves away from his youthful storytelling to let everyone in on his more reflective side. This album, like its predecessor, is chock full of tight, jaunty, would-be singles, but what shines are heavier tracks like “368,” the killer opener complete with strings, and “The Man’s Machine.” The oddly elegiac album-closer “Jilly Armeen” is the most striking effort yet in his still-young career. With Kings & Queens, Treays has successfully avoided the dreaded sophomore slump and hints that there’s still much to come.
—Michael Olender
