Calgary’s Napalmpom play swift-paced, punk-informed rock ‘n’ roll as full of tough Thin Lizzy riffage and dual guitarmonies as hooky melodies, Misfitsesque “whoa” gang vocals and rabble-rousing lyrics.
Despite the punk elements, the five-piece let a few songs unfurl past the six- and seven-minute mark, and Greg Ginn’s Sweater starts out as a sensitive, dynamic instrumental that wouldn’t be out of place on a Weakerthans album before roaring to life. Ashes To Ashes, meanwhile, channels the best stoner rock and was inspired by Nick Cave spec scripts. Singer P.J. Lavergne, discovered by the band members at a local karaoke bar, brings tons of no-holds-barred personality to the proceedings and is as good at singing as hollering.
It all makes for an invigorating listen that bounces between super-fun party music and thoughtful, genre-stretching rock and roll. There’s a sense of freedom to it all, something we all need a good dose of as often as possible.
Top track: Greg Ginn’s Sweater
