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Since the
Dears' 2000 debut, End of a Hollywood Bedtime
Story, critics and fans alike have filed the band under
the "orchestral indie pop" genre, because the band
has always relied on the use of stringed and brass instruments.
But on their latest effort, playfully entitled Gang of
Losers, lead vocalist Murray Lightburn has opted out
for a more direct and raw sound this time, a sound that best
represents the band's electrifying live shows. Despite
this little change to their sound, you can still easily compare
the Dears to early Brit-pop bands like Blur, the Verve, and
of course Radiohead. Yet, tracks like the first single "Ticket
To Immortality," the punk-ish "Hate then Love," and the electro-beat
box-infused "Ballad of Human Kindness" offer something different
to their thoughtful soundscapes. Fortunately, the holdover sounds the Dears do retain from
past records is emotive drama enhanced by Lightburn's soulful
croon, which has matured from years of touring.
While some might find the Dears a tad bit too dramatic for their
taste, there's no doubt that with Gang of Losers, the
Dears continue to build their reputation as being one of Canada's
most exciting, and innovative groups. (Maple
Music Recordings)  |
