Constantines - s/t

Constantines
s/t
Sub Pop Records
Grade: B+

This is a reissue of the phenomenal Constantines’ first record that was originally released in 2001 on Canada’s Three Gut Records. The Toronto-based four-piece first stunned the international music world with last year’s Shine A Light, a record that smoked and singed your indie rocking eyebrows right off. It is clear on this thirteen track debut why the increasingly awesome Sub Pop signed these guys. While most of the American music press slept on this record when it was released, it was thoroughly embraced by Canadian college radio and got them nominated for a Juno Award for best alternative album. For those who have missed on Constantines, the band excels in a traditional rock-based indie moments with their defining sound coming from vocals that echo a possessed Bruce Springsteen. Most tracks move at a moderate pace with bluesy elements floating in from time to time and with vocal stresses coming in the choruses. Some highlights from this record include “Arizona,” “The Long Distance Four,” “No Ecstasy,” “Steal This Sound” and “Little Instruments.” Even after the Constantines’ great Shine A Light, we haven’t heard much about them; and that is embarrassing for all that is right and good in the world. Hopefully with the added push for this re-issue, the Constantines will get their due notice.