Tuuli

Here We Go - (Linus Entertainment)

Those that are already converted have been highly anticipating this one - the full-length debut from Toronto punk-fueled power poppers Tuuli. And why not? Their Hotrods And Honeysuckle EP (slightly modified to become Rockstar Potential for its Sympathy For The Record Industry release) proved an exciting sign of things to come. Gorgeous melodies married to punk rock urgency are always welcome.

Well, Here We Go has arrived - and we see a kinder gentler Tuuli. Point to the production being a little too slick here, adversely affecting the band's raw energy. Thankfully, the material here is strong, making Here We Go a solid endeavor.

The opening Wake Up is a solid call-to-arms, while the band clearly makes the most out of their hyperactive numbers like Summer Song (with its "y-y-y-yeah yeah"'s). They also convince of their love for what they do on 10 Miles To Go ("before we rock again"). And, although a little too sweet compared to what the band does best, It's Over is unbelievably catchy. It's only songs like Thousand Stars that stick out like sore thumbs in their overtly polished execution.

I'd love to see the band have their material delivered with rough edges intact, because that's the "walk" that they walk. Nevertheless, Here We Go remains a most welcome CD in the player of most any powerpop fan.

7.8