Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life
Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life
I'm usually not a big fan of what I've come to call "arena indie", even as it dominates so-called "indie" stations on terrestrial radio. I'm just not one for big sing-a-long moments and power chords in my indie rock. That said, I'll never dismiss a genre out of hand. After all, I like Arcade Fire, I like Bruce Springsteen - there's bound to be at least one band that redeems all the phoney triumphalism of today's mainstream indie.
I think Japandroids are that band. Instead of using the big emotions of their chosen style for vapid self-celebration and vague battlecries, they instead devote themselves to a sense of yearning, a romantic hopefulness. I'd call it nostalgic if it wasn't so forward looking. They accomplish this mood with a surprising nuance in their songwriting. Sure, there are the big, simple hooks, but there's more under the surface - more articulation and dynamism. It feels complete and filled-in, where other records in this sub-genre feel empty.
Basically, this album hit me in a way I didn't expect it to. That's rare enough to be worth a strong recommendation.
Stream in full below via Bandcamp.
Highlights: Near To The Wild Heart Of Life • North East South West • Arc Of Bar
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