Constantines - Shine a Light

Constantines
Shine A Light
Sub Pop Records
Grade: A-

The Constantines launch twelve tracks of sweet musical goodness on their latest release Shine A Light - a release that will likely earn a number of "featured artist" in scores of publication (came damn close to artist of the month here). The Constantines are a five-piece hailing from north of the border in Ontario. This, as their second full-length, is the first to be widely available in the U.S. The buzz they created out of their debut self-titled release on Canadian Three Gut Records in 2001 helped cement them in numerous festivals and smoke the Canadian college radio charts. After a quick listen of Shine A Light the reasons are obvious. The twelve tracks all contain thick instrumental compositions with Bryan Webb and Steve Lambke providing the vocal content. Their sound comes across as mature post-punk similar in nature to Dischord and Saddle Creek releases. However, the Constantines can pull off a Bruce Springsteen with the best of the them and, in fact, some of the best songs on the record are those with eerily similar vocal cadences and a pure dedication to rock. This includes "Young Lions," "On To You" and "Shine A Light," songs that singe "Rock" across your forehead. I wouldn't be surprised if any of these three get picked up as staples on your local college radio station if not mainstream. Though these songs are characteristic of their sound, they simply punctuate the quality of the record. Since their debut release, the Constantines have added keyboardist Will Kidman, allowing them to add variance to their song composition strategies. This comes through on the dazzling "Sub Domestic" and "Insectivora." Shine A Light will in no doubt propel the Constantines to a shower of praise and a new level achievement. If nothing else check it out to imagine what Springsteen might sound like fronting a post-punk band.