Rating: NNN
“Soon enough, work and love will make a man out of you” goes the line from the Constantines’ Soon Enough, possibly the inspiration for the title of Elliott Brood’s fifth full-length album. Even if it’s not, it’s still a fitting moniker, given how drastically more mature the band sounds on this powerful nine-track effort.
Lead singer Mark Sasso’s perpetually raspy vocals are packed with even more gravel, and he’s wise with years of experience, doling out advice on horn-infused, totally danceable Mission Bell. Taken, meanwhile, rises slowly toward a grandiose climax, and continues to haunt after repeat listens.
There are still elements of rollicking, small-town, banjo-driven twang – including punchy two-minute drinking tune Nothing Left. Thankfully, it’s the shortest track on the record – far less memorable than the expansive folk-tinged rock turns.
Top track: Taken