Rating: NNNN
Despite the relative youth of Toronto’s Great Bloomers (both the band itself and its five members), their debut full-length is an accomplished exercise in inventive songwriting. The 11 songs draw from Brian Wilson, Neil Young, Queen and other respectable vintages, but often the tracks move effortlessly in surprising directions partway through, making Speak Of Trouble feel incredibly diverse and substantial.
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The title track, for example, begins as jaunty ragtime-piano-driven indie pop. A minute in, doo-wop harmonies take over, soon evolving into a gorgeous, almost a cappella breakdown. A minute later, the band switches to twangy roots rock (complete with lovely whammy-bar overtones) that, another minute in, quickens to a gallop. Phew.
Solid musicianship, memorable melodies and singer Lowell Sostomi’s sincere, unruffled vocals hold everything together.
Top track: Speak Of Trouble
Great Bloomers celebrate their CD release at the Horseshoe Saturday (May 2).
