ELLIOTT BROOD play the Phoenix November 18. See listing. Rating: NNN
Elliott Brood’s new album marks a departure for the Toronto trio, who’ve moved to Paper Bag Records and ditched their raucous, stomping, death-country shtick in favour of a fuller Canrock sound complete with drums, piano, backup vocals and lots of electric guitar.
The new textures suit singer Mark Sasso’s gravelly voice and Days Into Years’ historical themes, inspired in part by a visit to a World War I cemetery in France. A nuanced rocker, the album moves between big distorted jams, soundscapey interludes and quieter banjo songs. Nostalgic opener Lindsay is about emptying a house, while If I Get Old imagines retiring to the country in old age.
An interesting turn for the well-loved rabble-rousers.
Top track: Northern Air
