AWmusic

There are probably about four of you who will remember when I mentioned the first Black Hat Brigade EP and said flat out that it was better than anything Wolf Parade has ever done (note: this claim will only make any sense if you know that the Black Hat Brigade get compared to Wolf Parade). Well, this EP/album is equally good, maybe better.

Certainly Fathers covers a little more ground that the BHB EP, in part, because its longer; but also because the band has branched out from using (incredibly catchy) guitar riffs to carry their songs. The band has kept the (incredibly catchy) guitar riffs, but has built in the use of keys, a few more vocal harmonies, and an unidentified instrument which I’ll call the suzaphone (for entertainment purposes). In addition to branching out instrumentationally (yes, instrumentationally, when you have your own blog – which I realize you probably do – you can invent your own words), they also demonstrate that they’ve got a softer side toward the later half of the album with “Lost Boys”, “Vera” and “Vera (reprise)”.

And, those who are fans of the BHB should make note of a couple of things:

• Fathers meets the length requirement for the Polaris Prize, so, expect them to get a few votes (hopefully, a lot of votes).
• Matthew at i(heart)music has reviewed their album and also thinks its excellent.
• The band is posting a new song (presumably from Fathers every day this week) on their myspace page.
• They’ve got a few shows coming up, in particular Torontonians will want to check out their May 29 CD release at the El Mocambo as part of the Pitter Patter Music Festival (which, is a pay-what-you-can or $7).
• You may want to (or not) check out “Exchanging emails with… the Black Hat Brigade“

[mp3] Black Hat Brigade – Zombie City Shake
[mp3] Black Hat Brigade – Kitchen Party

Tags: EP