The Constantines

Shine A Light - (Three Gut Records)

Bound to get wider recognition by way of their US distribution through Sub Pop, Canada's The Constantines have already garnered much praise for their high energy proto-punk anthems. In fact, the closest comparison to their emotional impact would have to be Fugazi and that, friends, isn't a stretch here at all. In fact, The Constantines may even out-do those standard bearers in some ways. If you've read about the band at all, I'm sure you've come across the Fugazi comparison before, or that the vocals often sound like a cross between Bruce Springsteen and Joe Strummer. Well, it's largely true (don't laugh! Think the screaming Darkness On The Edge Of Town version of Springsteen). Don't be fooled into thinking that The Constantines are derivative, though. In fact, their aesthetic and diversity is a solid kick to rock and roll's teeth that seeks to break rules - even in the "hipster" class (which, to me, is saying a lot since they are a "buzz" band). Much of Shine A Light , their sophomore full-length, doesn't have time for games. The Constantines mean business, and they're far too talented to be taken lightly.

Shine A Light isn't self-righteously confrontational, though (the contradictions to musical norms here are often staggering). No matter what Bryan Webb sings, you end up believing every single word. The Constantines "sell" their songs convincingly whether through the charging shout of "National Hum" (which scores regional points for its mention of the Don Valley Parkway, my non-mortal enemy) or through the folkier "Sub-Domestic". The feat becomes more impressive when you consider the band's musical style. Methodical and calculated, The Constantines employ almost tribal-type rhythms with precision guitar playing that, for some acts, convey little more than by-the-book indie noise. But when you have the sonic diversity of the brooding "Goodbye Baby And Amen", the sweetly melodic "On To You", and the fuzzed out vocal featured on "Tiger And Crane", you know you're talking about a band that use their musical self-awareness to its fullest rather than resort to any kind of "default" sound.

Only "Insectivora" borders on being a little too familiar, but there are even touches here that don't make for an unsatisfying listen (notably the noise at the end of the song). Otherwise, The Constantines make the most of the twelve tacks here. The aforementioned "Sub-Domestic" should be noted on its own however - it stands out from the rest of Shine A Light a little stronger and hopefuly represents a direction the band will continue to explore in the future.

There's no shortage of creativity on Shine A Light , and it conveys much of the same spirit that the band's live shows have become renowned for. Look for this one to appear on a number of "best of the year" lists. Deservedly so.

8.0