The Rural Alberta Advantage

In many ways, this Toronto, ON trio are emblematic of the "Canadian Rock Band," as we understand it. Moved from the country to the city? Check. Grew up in earshot of country and folk-rock radio, but chose to rock that sound out? Check. Striving for universal meanings, but sprinkled with the "North Star[s]" and "Coldest Days" of their native land? Check. Sharp-witted but big-hearted and seeking to escape generational boredom, Departing is a rare sophomore effort that rises to the standard set by Hometowns, keeping to the effective minimalism of that debut. Nils Edenloff's classic Neil Young-ian nasal delivery keeps his prairie promises about traditions, secrets and heartache, letting the edge of weariness mask a deep well of feelings ― very Canadian. In a year where the Arcade Fire Grammy win has created a whirlwind of confusion, why not start stumping for something rooted even deeper in our home ground?