Release Date: April 15, 2008
One of the more slightly awkward questions asked in the course of small talk is often, “Who’s your favourite band?” -You’re supposed to answer, “I don’t have one favourite, but I like…” which will lead to a discussion of genres and tastes. I am one of the few with a definitive answer: Constantines.
I can’t recall the first time I heard them, but it would have been on CD, their first, self-titled 2000 release. It came in a beautiful hand-made package that contained a wooden match, an appropriate way to light a long creative fuse that led to 2002’s brilliant Shine a Light, through to the even stronger Tournament of Hearts in 2005, and culminating now in the explosive Kensington Heights.
I love that they are a real band—five distinct and original musicians working together to produce this democratic roar of music. Primary vocalist Bry Webb has a beautiful, distinct voice—rasping, plaintive, yet powerful and fluid. His lyrics are just as unique—a strong, observant writer full of feeling and whimsy and insight, a writer who gently distorts the world and makes us hear it in a new way. This unique voice is set to equally unique music—drummer Doug MacGregor and bassist Dallas Werhle split open the seams of regular rock patterns and stitch together something surprising and distinct, while multi-instrumentalist Will Kidman, along with Webb and Steve Lambke (who is also brilliant in his role as sometime vocalist/lyricist) on guitar, embroider something challenging and instinctually melodic.
The Constantines are the best live band I have ever seen, entirely dedicated to communicating with an audience. Able to produce moments of sustained and complicated quiet, they are also one of the loudest bands I have encountered. Yet the volume is never used to repel the listener. Instead, they co-opt the sometimes aggressive conventions of rock to express the overwhelming parts of being alive, to explore the themes of community and struggle, to remind us we belong to something larger than our individual selves. The decibels tell us we are not alone.
This new record might be my favourite simply because it best captures the elements of the live show that has so often moved and inspired me. Named after the street in Toronto’s vibrant Kensington Market area where they practice in a basement, Kensington Heights, like the neighbourhood itself, is a vibrant maze of histories and sounds. The album is fittingly dedicated to the late Gar Gillies, the Winnipeg amp-maker who designed and built the Garnet amplifiers that defined the overdriven classic Canadian-rock sound of the Guess Who and BTO. Gar was building and refurbishing amps right up to his death last year at the age of 85, and some of his last work was used on Kensington Heights, a familiar sound finding a radically new voice.
From the massive opening number, Hard Feelings (“Some people’s love isn’t strong enough”) to the gorgeous thudding close of Do What you Can Do (“You do what you can do with what you got”), Kensington Heights is a tour of original themes and multiple genres, full of infectious hooks and evocative lyrics. It is the sound of my favourite band at the height of their considerable powers.
– John K. Samson
“Once the Constantines start heading off-stage, the “woo hoos” start going off like air-raid sirens. No one’s saying it, but everyone’s thinking it: we have something to believe in again. The Constantines are the children of Fugazi, stepbrothers to Make-Up and Trail of Dead, the grand-kids of Springsteen and Strummer. They call what they do soul music, not because of what it sounds like, but where it hits you.” – EYE Weekly
New music posted ! hope you enjoy and if you're in town come see our next performance at The Triple crown . San Marcos Texas, on North Edward Gary st #206 at 11 pm November 6th.
Hello les amis deux nouveaux morceaux en ligne sur mon espace.. enregistreés comme d'hab à la maison en chaussettes entre deux coups de sonnettes des voisins.... dites quoi vous en pensez.... Bloody fate & Overdreamt.
Hello buddies, two new songs uploaded on my space... recorded live at home, in socks between two rings of the neighbours... tell me what you think.
With Rocktober wrapping up, November looks like it's gonna kick ass: NOV 7th at RIVOLI (Queen St. W, Toronto) NOV 13th at BLUE MOON (Queen E & Broadview) see ya there
hi guys long time! me and paul are almost finished with our record and gigging about. come out to the dakota nov 12th. very special guests from ATHENS GEORGIA will be rocking the house! not to be missed!! xo colleen
Hey Everyone, We finally posted the video for 'An Empty Space' on youtube. Please take a few minutes to check it out. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tA47WFa8lw You can also find the video (and a few other songs from our upcoming album) on our myspace @ www.myspace.com/blueskydown If you enjoy it pass along the link. Thanks, Scott Lucier Blue Sky Down
Only a couple of days away... Vedette playing LIVE at Sneaky Dee's (corner of College & Bathurst) THIS THURSDAY (Oct 22). Joining us is Forces and Sun Satellite!
Yo! just spreading the word! The Gone 'til November Tour with Farewell Cool Reason and AssembleMe starts October 22 in Toronto. We're bouncing around Ontario and capping it off with a Halloween show in Montreal. show dates up on our page. let us know if you can help with any of our missing dates. see you at a show somewhere/sometime. keep it real. -d/fcr
Online Now!
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