Two hours of dankness
Today we’re talking about two records. Two records that are joined at the hip, both philosophically and by personnel. Two records that share a love of major chords, handclaps, and classic pop sensibility. Two records that should offer yet another bump in profile for Prince Edward Island’s burgeoning rock scene.
Two Hours Traffic broke out thanks to an upbeat radio rock single a couple years ago and rode the album it was taken from to a Polaris Prize nomination (recently losing out to blog favourites Fucked Up). “Stuck For The Summer” was a cherry piece of guitar pop with an undercurrent of melancholy that was so good it (and two other gems) were taken from a preceding EP and re-recorded for the album Little Jabs. A few years later, the boys are back with another full-length, produced once again by Island chum Joel Plaskett.
The band is continuing to develop its own rock and roll take on radio pop of an era long since past. Most of the songs here coast along on a mid-temp groove, propulsive bass providing a solid backbone to the relaxed feel of tunes like “Weightless One,” “Drop Alcohol,” “Painted Halo,” and others. Not to say its a “softer” album, but the record as a whole is a more down-tempo affair, relying less on upbeat, peppy arrangements and focusing more on tense, airy grooves and an expanded lyrical focus. There are more sing-song tracks, greater use of acoustic guitar and sunny vocal harmonies.
Taking a more serious approach this time around, there are songs about the dangers of alcohol dependence, one-sided relationships, and the camaraderie of misguided youths. Possibly their most engaging and atypical song yet, “Sing A Little Hymn” is an honest number about singer Liam Corcoran’s modicum of faith. He talks about a simple method he uses to lift his spirits without being overly spiritual. He’s far from evangelical, professing his adoration for both Darwin and the triceratops. But the gentle, piano-led track is quietly respectful of all levels of worship, emphasizing that Corcoran is mainly concerned about the wonder of love and its profundity.
Lead single “Territory” is one of few uptempo songs, recalling the rush of “Stuck For The Summer.” But by expanding on their sound and grabbing for the next rung Two Hours Traffic is taking another step towards longevity, even if youthful enthusiasm takes a hit.
The Danks flip the script, providing an eerily similar sound to Two Hours Traffic’s more upbeat moments, but with a quicker, more aggressive pace and tone. The guitar and bass comes courtesy of Two Hours Traffic personnel, but the vocal melodies and general tone of the songs definitely have a few things in common as well.
The general pop sensibility has close ties to both bands. Bouncy, simple bass lines, jangly guitar parts, and quietly emotive singers are common traits. Highlights on Are You Afraid Of The Danks? like “No Radio” and “Shifty” are the archetypes: jagged, raw-sounding guitar grabs your attention right out of the gate, falling off slightly as the vocals come in before reasserting itself in the chorus. Its a basic song structure as old as time itself, but the Danks’ unaggressive, unpretentious attitude puts the focus solely on the hooks and the strength of their arrangements. The bouncy “Die Young” sounds like a classic THT cut, its slinky bassline and tweaked guitar solo providing a danceable moment. The synth that opens “What’s The Rush?” could be ripped from a Cars album.
Frankly there isn’t a single dud in the bunch here, each song catchier than the one before it. This is driving music so good it will have you looking for an excuse to hit the road, even if only for a track or two. It cries out for motion, the blinking of the highway’s white line the perfect accompaniment.
I can only imagine that when these two groups hit the same stage back to back it rips open a hole in the time/rock continuum, plunging the audience into dizzying fits of ecstasy one has to see to believe. Dig it tonight in Regina at the Exchange and later elsewhere. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but definitely when it comes time for next year’s Polaris nominations.
Two Hours Traffic - Territory [2:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Two Hours Traffic - Just Listen [3:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download the Danks - No Radio [2:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download the Danks - 374 [2:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadTwo Hours Traffic merch is at Maple Music, as is the Danks. Convergence, meet synergy! Tour dates below!
October 8, 2009 - Sault Ste Marie, ON @ Lop Lops
October 9, 2009 - Sudbury, ON @ The Townehouse
October 10, 2009 - Brantford, ON @ The Ford Plant
October 13, 2009 - London, ON @ Call The Office
October 14, 2009 - Hamilton, ON @ Casbah
October 15, 2009 - Guelph, ON @ E-Bar
October 16, 2009 - Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
October 17, 2009 - Ottawa, ON @ Zaphod Beeblebrox
October 23, 2009 - Halifax, NS @ Coconut Grove (Halifax Pop Explosion)
October 24, 2009 - Charlottetown, PE @ Hunters Alehouse
