Expo 86

Artist: Wolf Parade
Label: Sub Pop/Stomp
Website: myspace.com/wolfparade

Not many times do I really dig a record right from the package but that was my immediate reaction to the third LP from Wolf Parade titled Expo 86. For whatever reason I launched this album over my loud speakers instead of my typical reviewing headphones and I was taken back by how the album poured out of my speakers.

The talented duo of Spencer Krug and Dan Broeckner have made an even more dense "rock" record here that seems to musically explode around every corner. The group once again splits the songwriting duties almost in half with Krug penning six to Broeckner's five, as each guy is an excellent storyteller.

On At Mount Zoomer [2008] I think this back n forth writing at times disturbed the cohesiveness but it is not an issue here, as each track blends well right into the next. The one element that may have helped to achieve this cohesive rock out vibe is that the group recorded Expo 86 live to tape, which made the band look at each other and work it out. This process puts all members on alert and also contributes to the good urgency sound that runs throughout the record.

When you have a group like Wolf Parade that has each of its members having great responsibilities outside the unit, it would be easy for them to take the easy road and crank out another album over the Internet but you can hear how every note, every backing vocal, every drum strike and every tempo change was heavily thought out to get this top-notch result that is Expo 86.

Wolf Parade is one of those bands that will be hard pressed to release a clunker due to sheer talent and Expo 86 just showcases the group's respect and passion for music that we are lucky enough that they want to share with everyone.

Christopher Anthony

For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note