IN REVIEW: Japandroids - "Near to the Wild Heart of Life"

The long-gestating third album by Japandroids (nearly five years have passed since the release of their highly acclaimed Celebration Rock) carries are a few subtle shifts in overall tone, most notably the addition of acoustic guitars and synths. The duo's chops cut through any frills, though, and they're still very much adhering to their standard M.O. of brightly coloured and brash rock. It's every bit as exultant as you'd expect if you're familiar with them, and that it packs a few more tricks into the bag isn't a detraction or a distraction.

On the whole, it may not be quite as energetic or build as much momentum as Celebration Rock did, but when tempos dip and the songs stretch out, as on album centerpiece Arc of Bar, there's more room for the music to breathe; think of it as less of a white-knuckle thrill ride and more of a vibrant scenic drive.

To simply repeat what came before likely wouldn't have served these songs justice, and neither would a drastic sonic departure. So, in the end, Japandroids strike a balance and come out with their most accessible, diverse album yet.

January 27, 2017 • ANTI-
Highlights Near to the Wild Heart of Life • North East South West • Arc of Bar