This year, as are most now that I think about it, was a no-brainer. The number of times I saw this band live, the anticipatory salivation that would hit my mouth each time news broke about a new recording they were slated to release, the excitement I would have before every show, the rock that would be rolled every time I listened to I Ain't Gonna Live, or Vault Doors. It all heralded one thing: Blurton was back... as though he ever left.
And he came back with his latest foray into sonic madness, Public Animal. Granted, the Animal got started in 2013, however, 2014 was the year that they hit their stride, with the release of their full-length, Habitat Animal, and the opportunity to open for countless great bands as a go-to in their local Toronto. You could ask me to try to explain or define why I gave the nod for artist of the year to Public Animal, but at the end of the day, the only good answer I could give is the way I feel when I hear Blurton's sweet tone fading into the powerful drone of Dacey's keys, alongside the smooth lines of Larock's bass, and all the while driven forth by a monster known as Ryan Gassi on drums.
The way I feel when I hear that music is what matters... and nothing else.
-Everything can be alright when everything can never be wrong
Mr. Gainer... I must bow in respect and awe of your awesome musical knowledge. Just last week, the man introduced me to the band which is fast becoming a near-obsessive listening experience. I've listened to this album roughly 20 times in the past week and each time, I'm finding new elements that I fall in love with.
This is the point at which any expectations of this being a critical review should be thrown out the door and your should prepare yourself to simply listen to me gush for a while.
The Motorleague just fucking rocks. When Jesse told me that Sir Ian produced their album, I should have stopped talking, emptied my wallet and eagerly awaited my impending spiral into audio repetition. For me, this band crafts songs in a way that resonates perfectly. They combine MASSIVE riffs with driving punk beats, anthemic lyrics, sing-along hooks and a perfect balance of taking themselves seriously enough to be amazing musicians, but also not lose sight of the fact that music still has to be fun. I bought their 2010 release Black Noise and I'm still finding it hard to believe how many songs on this album I would be willing to call 'singles.' My mind has shifted between around 6 or 7 of the 10 tracks as my favourite, and while I would love to share my current #1 (Fossils) with you, I can't find a video on YouTube. That said, see below for their video for yesterday's starchild, You Wear Me Down and below that for Saturday's jam, Hymn for the Newly Departed.
Do the band (and more importantly yourself) a favour and go buy their album. If you don't trust me (shame on you), you can preview the whole thing on their website (please listen to Fossils), but for only $8.88 on bandcamp, this will be the best use of money since you bought new underwear.
-Keep staring at your hips and the back of your brain
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