Imaginary Cities

'Fall of Romance' (album stream)

BY Alex HudsonPublished May 21, 2013

Imaginary Cities' acclaimed debut album, Temporary Resident, won over Canadian indie fans with its blend of breezy rock and Motown soul, but the group aim for something much grander and more ambitious on the follow-up.Fall of Romance is out on May 28 through Hidden Pony Records, and you can stream it ahead of time on Exclaim.ca.

Some of the record consists of ornately arranged pop, with cinematic string arrangements that harken back to the golden era of Brill Building pop. Elsewhere, the record takes diversions into barroom piano on "Silver Lining," surging rock on "Who's Watching You," and campfire folk on "A Way with Words." The songs also include drum machines, elements of found-sound samples and some atmospheric splashes of synth.

Recording took place between Winnipeg and Vancouver, with Howard Redekopp (Tegan & Sarah, the New Pornographers) receiving a co-producer credit. Guests on the collection include Sloan drummer Andrew Scott, Sheepdogs singer Ewan Currie, and Mother Mother members Ryan Guldemond and Jeremy Page.

Listen below and be sure to read Exclaim!'s interview with Imaginary Cities member Rusty Matyas here.

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