Glory Glory Man United

The title of leadoff track "Pop Song Automaton" is quite telling. Although Glory Glory Man United have only released one EP, you get the feeling after a few spins of Zombies!!! that this Halifax, NS-bred three-piece could write perfect, hook-driven pop songs in their sleep. The manner in which they crank out the ten classics on Zombies!!! is so pure and seamless that it's a little disconcerting ― these three are really onto something. When you consider Glory Glory Man United's musical allegiances are as classic as Sloan and Thrush Hermit, with harder hints of Constantines for good measure, things become a little clearer. These kids may be students, but they're at the top of their class. The juxtaposition of the super-smooth, progressive punk fever of "Loud, Quiet, Loud" against the rippling "Mountain Town" is a memorable one. It's when the record winds down, however, during the five-minute assault of "Fish In The Water," that listeners get a sense of not only their dexterity, but the depth of sonic possibilities. The legacy of Halifax's pop scene has never diminished, but Glory Glory Man United may be the kind of act that can carry the torch and bring back wide scale attention. It's a big weight on their shoulders, but something about the honest, well-rounded feel of Zombies!!! tells me these guys are up for the challenge.