(Murder Records/High Spot)

Prolific power-poppers return with ninth studio album

Canadian four-piece Sloan are among the world’s leading modern players of power-pop, blending their Beatles, Kiss, Cheap Trick and Big Star inspirations into a good-time brand of melodic pop ‘n roll. Parallel Play is their ninth studio effort and shows the quartet still at the top of their game. From the rockin’, singalong opener Believe In Me, you’re immediately aware that it’s business as usual. The group also finds a softer McCartney element in If I Could Change Your Mind, a 10CC-esque reggae pastiche in Too Many and a darker, brooding form of psychedelia in The Dogs. Their chunky guitars and ringing vocal harmonies are as potent as ever, while they also continue their tradition of dispensing with gaps between songs, resulting in a breathless, non-stop collection of hook-laden guitar pop. Their seemingly effortless way with catchy melodies is still present and correct, as is their sense of humour – check out this lyrical nugget from I’m Not A Kid Anymore: “I relied heavily on Styx and The Stones/Not so much Styx once I heard The Ramones”. A band to treasure.

****

MATT THROWER

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*