Arkells
Morning Report
(Last Gang Records)
Hamilton, Ontario-based group Arkells have won four Juno Awards (Canadian Grammy), but, unfortunately, most Americans are unfamiliar with the group. Canada’s indie rock scene has been big for a while, with groups like Said The Whale, Metric, and Tokyo Police Club (not to mention Arcade Fire, meh) doing quite well south of their border. Arkells hail from Canada’s Steel City, Hamilton, and their blue collar roots fit well into this, the group’s fourth record. Of course, Morning Report really is a departure for the band, away from danceable, poppy indie rock into something a little more pensive and mellow. That doesn’t mean this is a somber, sad sack affair.
The band worked with four producers on various tracks, so it’s no surprise that the record really does offer a great range of sounds. Opening duo “Drake’s Dad” (with a gospel choir!) and “Private School” are reminiscent of Ben Fold’s more upbeat numbers. The similarity is more apparent with the piano-led tracks (throughout the album, really) and vocalist Max Kerman’s solid vocals and smart, sometimes silly lyrics. Even some of the mellower, more acoustically driven tunes like “Savannah” and “Round and Round” do a great job of elevating the standard pop-rock formula. The former recalls early Coldplay, but Kerman’s contributions make the song worthwhile. Hell, there are some lesser songs (especially in the album’s second half), but with stark lyrical honesty throughout, Morning Report is able to rise above the standard. “Passenger Seat” rings somewhere between a Copeland and Coldplay ballad, but the simple lyrical hook is surprisingly sharp. Elsewhere, “Making Due” feels like a mix of 80s synth-y ballad and a John Mellencamp ditty. “Hung Up” is a neat little power pop gem that’s snug into between two slow jams.
Morning Report is an incredibly diverse listen that’s not always incredible, but it’s almost always interesting and fun. Ultimately, the band’s dexterity (especially Kerman’s vocals) helps buoy even the lesser numbers to great effect. Certainly, the band’s best is when they go for maximum fun factor, but with the honest storytelling, it never feels like cheap, dollar store balladry. Arkells’ passion does a number to keep everything afloat.
Purchase Morning Report on iTunes.
