Calgary indie rockers Napalmpom endeared themselves to listeners with their 2014 debut The Unconditional Love of Napalmpom, and they've just revealed plans for the full-length follow-up. The Core Competencies of Napalmpom will arrive on February 24 via Teenage Rampage Records.
The band's second album hears the fun-loving five-piece joining forces with producer Lorrie Matheson, while Can-rock mainstay and Cowboy Junkie Ian Blurton also hopped on the record for some guest vocals. Caitlin Dacey, Kenna Burima and Chris Nevile also get guest credits.
"Guided By Voices will release 32-track double LP August by Cake on April 7. Not only is it the biggest Guided by Voices record yet (first-ever double LP), it also is Robert Pollard’s 100th album!
The 4.5 year wait is finally over for more Japandroids! Their new album is a little more polished and less heavy sounding than their previous efforts but damn I'm just happy to have more tunes from this great band.
Also I'd highly recommend seeing them live. I've never seen two guys go so hard for so long.
Spoiler!
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The 4.5 year wait is finally over for more Japandroids! Their new album is a little more polished and less heavy sounding than their previous efforts but damn I'm just happy to have more tunes from this great band.
Also I'd highly recommend seeing them live. I've never seen two guys go so hard for so long.
Spoiler!
Love it. I really feel they'd benefit from taking the Black Keys route and adding a bassist and extra guitarist for the bigger shows, especially festivals. They have so much power, melody and drive, but a lot of it gets lost in translation in big venues.
They record multiple guitars in the studio, so it would definitely work well to add live guitars. Either way, great band.
RE: Japandriods. Short album though, eh? 8 songs seems a little short for a 4.5 year wait. Much more depth and very ambitious, but I think I could have done with three or four more songs reminiscent of their first album - pure rock songs with overdriven guitar.
The reviews aren't too favorable so far, this quote kind of struck a chord with my listening
Quote:
It seems Japandroids sought out a new way of writing, and when a band takes risks, they run the chance of losing their heart. At various points throughout, Near To The Wild Heart Of Life seems victim of exactly that
Not to diminish the album, I still think it's great, but if you're expecting the fist pumping, punk rock anthems you may be disappointed.
Love it. I really feel they'd benefit from taking the Black Keys route and adding a bassist and extra guitarist for the bigger shows, especially festivals. They have so much power, melody and drive, but a lot of it gets lost in translation in big venues.
They record multiple guitars in the studio, so it would definitely work well to add live guitars. Either way, great band.
I saw them in a small sweaty punk rock bar and it was awesome. Good point that it wouldn't translate well at big outdoor festival shows.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayswin
RE: Japandriods. Short album though, eh? 8 songs seems a little short for a 4.5 year wait. Much more depth and very ambitious, but I think I could have done with three or four more songs reminiscent of their first album - pure rock songs with overdriven guitar.
The reviews aren't too favorable so far, this quote kind of struck a chord with my listening
Not to diminish the album, I still think it's great, but if you're expecting the fist pumping, punk rock anthems you may be disappointed.
Good review, I feel the same way. It is tough to be a band these days though. If you stick to the same formula you get critised for becoming stale and repetitive, yet if you experiment you risk alienating your hardcore fan base.
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I saw them in a small sweaty punk rock bar and it was awesome. Good point that it wouldn't translate well at big outdoor festival shows.
Good review, I feel the same way. It is tough to be a band these days though. If you stick to the same formula you get critised for becoming stale and repetitive, yet if you experiment you risk alienating your hardcore fan base.
Yeah, it's a tough business. Since you've seen them live you know their hardcore supporters, I can't see them eating this stuff up live. They attracted punk rockers looking to let loose at small clubs, making a transition or new direction especially difficult.
Yeah, it's a tough business. Since you've seen them live you know their hardcore supporters, I can't see them eating this stuff up live. They attracted punk rockers looking to let loose at small clubs, making a transition or new direction especially difficult.
Yeah punkers seem to be a fickle bunch that are hard to please. Interestingly the venue I saw them at, The Zoo in Brisbane, just installed much needed air conditioning. I think this is great but others are angry it will ruin the sweaty experience.
First single from their new album which will be released later this week. Saw these guys open for Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings back around 2011 at Mac Hall. They really know how to put on a show.