Rating: NNN
The Dudes’ bland band name might be the worst thing about these long-trucking Albertan alt-rockers. Their latest disc finds husky, emotive singer Dan Vacon in fine form. The band’s at its best on upbeat road-trip rock-outs like Terrified and Pretty Lies that would sound great on a summer mixtape next to Sloan or Two Hours Traffic.
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The Dudes lose some lustre when they slow things down, like on the lackadaisical, Sublime-like Ghosts We’re Buried On. Things improve with Had Enough Of It, a sweet duet with Lisa Lobsinger from Broken Social Scene. Still, they’re strongest when they’re energetic – a trait best amplified during their balls-out live show.
Top track: Pretty Lies
The Dudes play the Reverb Saturday (June 20) as part of NXNE.