Two Hours Traffic

On their second full-length release, Two Hours Traffic showcase an accomplished musicianship that defies their years (average age: 22). The Charlottetown quartet have been looked upon as possible harbingers of an East coast explosion renaissance but the full-bodied warmth of Little Jabs seems somewhat more in line with American trad rock than the cheeky power pop of the band’s predecessors (Sloan, the Super Friendz, Plumtree). This Joel Plaskett-produced effort gets off to a meandering start (the voiceovers on the opening track seem out of place and unnecessary) but it hits its stride with a new, "softer around the edges” version of "Heroes Of The Sidewalk.” This is immediately followed up by summer treat "Jezebel,” easily the band’s catchiest tune to date. Although it bounces around the ring for a few frustrating rounds, Little Jabs eventually delivers a satisfying knockout punch.