Frontier Index

While it may not be unusual anymore for Canadian bands to immerse themselves in California-inspired country-pop, few have interpreted it as well as Frontier Index do on this debut album. The Toronto quartet keep their sound relatively sparse — just guitars, bass, drums and harmonies — but manage to conjure gorgeous melodies that rival the recent work of similarly-styled bands like the Thrills, as well as echoing the grit of Kings Of Leon at times, without sounding at all derivative. Although the first few songs lean toward the power pop side of the band, things proceed in a more country-rock direction from there on in with the brilliant mid-tempo ballads "San Antone,” "I Ain’t Hurtin’” and "Picture in Pocket.” The interplay between front-men Corey Hernden and John Hunter is the real strength of the band, best displayed on "Silver Suns,” where their guitars weave together like Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd at their best in Television. Kudos must also go to bassist Matt Francis, whose daring lines contribute just as much. It would certainly be interesting to see what these guys could do with a wider sonic palette, but for now, Frontier Index is an excellent sample of their top-notch musicianship and songwriting.