Some moments of epiphany are absolutely priceless. I don't mean “priceless” in an ironic or contrary way, I mean they're the sort of moments that you just can't buy because you just don't see them coming – and that's pretty awesome. Such a moment exists, perfectly enough, nestled in the unhinged punk tirade that is “Every Man Needs A Cape Breton” – the third song on The Motorleague's sophomore album (first for Sonic Records), Acknowledge, Acknowledge. Prior to that, the record doesn't start strongly at all – in fact. The best thing about the first two songs on this album is the title of the second, “Litany For The Completely Forgetable” (which is really just the pinnacle of irony) – but after it opens and fails to make a good first impression, listeners won't be expecting it when “Every Man Needs A Cape Breton” walks up, boxes their ears and wins them over – all in one smooth movement. That's exactly what happens though.
“Every Man Needs A Cape Breton” is the perfect kind of pop punk anthem from top to bottom. The song has it all; between serrated guitar parts, a chunky bass and driving drums, lyrics which outline tentative hope and the courage to bark off all doubts ring out and effortlessly convince listeners to fall in line behind them. Here, the catharsis is palpable and perfectly comforting, and so perfectly accessible that the band is guaranteed to have more than a few fans made and belting lines like “We won't live long but we will live proud” before the song ends. One listen will claim victory; the song will conquer anyone who hears it and totally capture their attention.
The hardened, proud clip in the band's collective voice which helped win fans in “Every Man Needs A Cape Breton” holds up through songs like the folkier “Oh, How The Mighty Have Fallen,” “Failsafes,” “North America” and “We Are Chemical,” and will hold listeners enthralled as the record plays out because it's just so unrelenting. It's funny too because, in spite of the heart that is very clearly present in the vocal performances of these songs, they are also very hard-edged and unforgiving. That dichotomy and the way it plays is Motorleague's secret weapon on Acknowledge, Acknowledge, and it's sweet enough to ensure that listeners don't get lost or left behind anywhere in this run-time, but it will also guarantee that they'll come back when the band is ready to issue a follow-up. It might be their second record, but everything about Acknowledge, Acknowledge registers as a really strong start for The Motorleague; with this album, it feels like they're on their way.
Artist:
www.themotorleague.ca/
www.facebook.com/themotorleague
www.twitter.com/TheMotorleague
Download:
The Motorleague – Acknowledge, Acknowledge – “North America” – [mp3]
Album:
Acknowledge, Acknowledge will be released by Sonic Records/Warner Music on June 11, 2013. Pre-order it here on Amazon .
