Note: This is the second album from the duo comprised of Wolf Parade singer/guitarist Dan Boeckner and his wife Alexei Perry.
Sound: Predominately upbeat and danceable indie rock with digital beats and handclaps, scraggly guitars, a wide variety of synth sounds and Dan’s ragged, and strained-but-melodic yelping. An Eastern European (sometimes rigid and icy) vibe pervades.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “I’m Confused”; “Radio Kaliningrad”; “Legal Tender”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Officer of Hearts”; “Thy Will Be Done”; “Evangeline”
Recommended: Wolf Parade’s second album At Mount Zoomer (my #12 Album of 2008) was a major improvement from their debut, and the same can be said of Handsome Furs’ sophomore release. Dan Boeckner’s really hitting his stride right now as an artist.
Grade: A- (Top 20 Albums of 2009 Candidate)
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