They’re doing something right up there in Montreal. Despite boasting the coldest winters this side of Siberia, Montreal is also rapidly garnering a reputation as the Seattle of the new millennium, as rising indie bands like The Unicorns, The Arcade Fire and now Wolf Parade show how cold winter months spent with a guitar and a bottle close at hand can result in some kick-ass tunes.
Wolf Parade’s full-length debut, Apologies to the Queen Mary, pairs edgy lyrics with a strong electronic keyboard presence. The music is reminiscent of recent Modest Mouse offerings, but it would be a mistake to write these guys off as Canadian copycats. In truth, any hints of Modest Mouse stem more likely from a close working relationship-Mouse frontman Isaac Brock discovered the British Columbian boys playing the Montreal indie rock circuit, got them a record deal with Sub Pop and produced the album.
“Ostensibly, we’re just making folk music without any of the musical connotations of folk music,” frontman Dan Boeckner told the Montreal Mirror.
So besides good connections, what else does Wolf Parade have going for it? An upbeat, whimsical sound, vocals that are occasionally slightly off-key (in a good way) and one or two tracks so catchy they wouldn’t be out of place on the O.C. soundtrack. (“Modern World,” “This Heart’s on Fire”).
The low points of the album occur when the raw level of intensity becomes abrasive and annoying, as on “I’ll Believe in Anything.” If you’re only going to download one song from iTunes this week, though, go with “Shine a Light.” With its great lyrics and straightforward melody, it’s guaranteed to make you bob your head.
And with the just announced additon of former Hot Hot Heat guitarist Dante DeCaro to their fall tour, Wolf Parade appears to be the band to watch (and listen to) this fall.
