Genre: Indie-Rock, Indie-Folk/Pop.
Being a big fan of the TV series Elementary I was bewitched when I heard a clip from their song "Unofferable" during one of the scenes. The detective in me rushed to Google and within seconds I learned the identity of this great Canadian band.
The first track is one of my favorites on this album and is called "Full Circle". When the vocals enter the song they swept me of my feet. The lyrics are about religion and some kind of addiction without being childish. The perfect amount of vocal harmonizing mesmerizes and creates the mood along with well fitting instrumental parts.
Second track on this album, "Call me in the afternoon", starts more upbeat than the first song. Even though the song itself is more upbeat the lyrics are on the sadder side. The percussion in this one made me nod my head more often than I realized. This one is filled with more vocal harmonizing without overdoing it. Being next after one of my favorite songs on this album, I can't give it a full score.
"No More Losing the War" is next. More melancholy than the second track, it takes away any light from your soul, if you had any. But does so in a good way (if you know what I mean). It speaks of a regrettable encounter with a woman called Karen. The singer makes you sympathize while wailing her name with the help of emotional guitar parts.
Fourth song, "She Wants to Know", is one that stood out for me because of the vocal parts in the beginning (You will know what I mean). Another song with the perfect usage of vocal harmonizing and interesting instrumental parts. At this point it feels like the band has put the songs in that order so you get an upbeat song and then a downbeat one.
Following that recipe: "Need It" is the fifth song and a sad one. This one is about a failing relationship where the storyteller wants something more than the other person is ready to commit to. The organ in this one creates the scene along with the laid back drums and the charming bass. The simple, yet fitting, guitar solo complements the style of the song and fits perfectly. Can't think of a way to improve this song in any way.
"Give Up" is next and starts with an upbeat drumbeat but only to fool you. This song is about, like the title suggests, surrendering to something and not seeing reality the way it really is. Far from being one of the shortest song on this album but it is over before you realize it. The instruments complement each other but the lyrics don't tell the entire story and you crave more of it.
The next song, "Judgement", makes me pull out the air bass every time and dance like a crab on a hot stove while mouthing the words (imagine that if you will). However...
It is followed by "Unofferable", the song I fell in love with while watching the TV series Elementary. The play count is in the dozens and I still get goose bumps when it plays. After watching the live videos and seeing how they do the song justice it makes me want to order a ticket to Canada and hold someone hostage to get them to play me this. This is easily the best song on this album (if you have the international version of the cd). There is nothing more to be said!
"Drug You" will do just that. Again, the usage of interesting vocals and lovely lyrics makes this song a perfect follow up to "Unofferable". Even though following a personal favorite I never find it in me to skip this one. The falsetto is very fitting and adds to the fitting atmosphere. The lyrics are very simple but it still gives a fulfilling image of the setting. This song is followed by another great number called:
"Nerve". Apparently there is someone that has a lot of nerve and had this song written about them. It is hard to follow two great numbers as the ones ahead of this one and even though it is good it never gets your undivided attention. Do not get me wrong, even though this is the low point of the album it is still miles higher than many other bands reach in their lifetime. The lyrics and vocal usage are fun and interesting. This song is different from the others in some ways and has a Degraw feel to it from time to time.
After that it is recommended that you take the "Fire Escape" and run to the church. Pads and the harmonica have rarely been united in a song as well as in this one. More of the great vocal harmonizing and the melancholy, along with being the shortest track on the album, leaves you craving more. I find myself singing along with this one even when on a crowded bus (if you live in Reykjavík and witness this; say hello). The lyrics resemble a simple poem more than a full fledged song but it is spot on.
The final track is called "21 Gun Salute". More electronic than the others. After listening to the album a couple of times through I skipped this song the most. However! This is truly the underdog that comes around and wins your heart in the end of the movie.
Overall: This album doesn't have have the feel to it that it is one unit. It is rather a showcase of different things that these great musicians are capable of and it leaves you with water in your ears/mouth for the next album. It was difficult to decide between four and a half or to just skip the half and have it an even number. After giving it a hard thought I decided to take a look at the play count again and decided the half should be there as well.
Listen if you like: Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Arcade Fire, The Lumineers, Jeff Buckley, Indie-Music.
Author: Hlynur M.
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