Malajube

Proficiency in French is not a prerequisite for loving this infectious pop record by Montreal’s Malajube. The band have the chops of any art pop band you can name but their focused energy puts them head and shoulders above many of their peers. They can rot your teeth with the "Come on Eileen” pop of "Montréal – 40ºC” or be mistaken for the Golden Dogs thanks to the riff-laden flair of "Pâte Filo” and "Le Crabe.” Without coming off contrived, they adopt varied sounds to create real dynamics on this ambitious record. Whether it’s the francophone rapping on "La Russe,” symphonic pop of "Fille à Plumes,” or the Queen/Flaming Lips-inspired ambition of "Casse-Cou,” Malajube get it right every time on this fantastic sophomore record.