'Guitar bands, we need them so much', de Volkskant writes in apparently growing desperation. If so, it is tempting to see the savior in every infectious rocking band. Like beginning of this century. Against this background, it is not even surprising that the third album by Japandroids often receives rave reviews. To start with, the previous album ( from 2012) already caused quite a stir, after
… which the Canadian duo took the time for a successor. The exciting single Near To The Wild Heart Of Life raised expectations. However, these are only partially redeemed on the album of the same name. North East South West is another pleasant punky rock song, with just the right doses of , and . After that, the tension quickly diminishes, especially in the Arc Of Bar, which continues for more than 7 minutes. We will see Japandroids again at the festivals, and they probably don't make a mess there. But it remains to be seen for the new saviors of guitar music. (RME)more
