The Doers

Having somehow endured line-up changes, toured the country and written and recorded 16 new songs since the release of Whatcha Doin’? just last year, Vancouver trio the Doers show no signs of slowing down on Gaiety. Drawing from influences as disparate as the Violent Femmes and former collaborator Mike Watt’s Minutemen, the record showcases the Doers’ acoustic-but-oh-so-loud approach to punk rock. Whether they’re working with laid-back anthems like "I’m On Sale” or chaotic post-punk like "Art For $,” the Doers do it well and benefit from Jesse Gander’s lush production. Closing with a cover of Jonathan Richman’s "New Kind of Neighborhood” and a tasteful drum solo courtesy of new recruit Shawn Mrazek, Gaiety is the best the Doers have done yet.