MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: THE TOWN HEROES - EVERYTHING (Will Be Fine When We Get To Where We Think We're Going)

Everybody's favourite music/fun duo is now twice as big, and arguably twice as musical with this gem of a new album. It's the first album as a four-piece, with guitarist Mike Ryan and drummer Bruce Gillis now joined by Aaron Green on more guitar, and Tori Cameron playing bass. The results are obvious on this album, with its thickened sound and wider scope.

The songs are filled with beautiful guitars, great ringing notes over big pulsing washes or strong chords. It's a post-New Wave sound, energetic, melodic and very urgent, each song filled with drama and the feeling there's something important being passed on. Topping all this is the passionate voice of Ryan, often at the top end of his register. He ups the ante on songs such as Only One, as he grows more intense as the song progresses, matched by the sharp guitar lines and Gillis' increased punch. It's crazy-danceable, hypnotic and haunting all at the same time, even euphoric in places.

The two-piece Town Heroes were charming and solid. Judging the results of the first four-piece album, now they're bigger and better. Check out the release shows coming up at:

Oct. 12 - The Seahorse Tavern, Halifax
Oct. 13 - The Cave, Sydney, N.S.
Oct. 19 - Hunter's Ale House, Charlottetown
Oct. 20 - Glasgow Square, New Glasgow, N.S.
Oct. 26 - Pepper's Pub, Saint John, N.B.
Oct. 27 - Plan B, Moncton, N.B.