Rating: NNN
The guys in Harlan Pepper are mature beyond their 21 years: they’ve managed to distill some great nuggets of rock ‘n’ roll – going back at least to the 60s – better than many bands more advanced in age.
Yet their new record isn’t pretentious. It’s a statement of youthful lust for life and love that draws liberally from rootsy and bluesy contemporary Canadiana (with a touch of Joel Plaskett casual flair) as well as the Stones, British Invasion and sometimes, the Band.
At some of its best moments, the album literally rocks – not in a loud sense, but in its tasty, mellow back-and-forth grooves. The band also tries out folk and quirky alt rock on Allison and Left Out respectively.
Top track: Party Shoes
Harlan Pepper play the Cameron House Tuesday (March 25).