Originally published in The Aquarian Weekly

October 22, 2008

The Dears

Missiles

Dangerbird

The Dears are a Montreal

band, and founding members

of that city’s vibrant indie-rock

scene. Swirling psychedelia

abounds on their fourth album.

Led by singer/songwriter,

Murray Lightburn, The Dears

proffer a lo-fi take on the classic

rock influences that they have

assimilated.

“Lights Out”, clocking in at

eight minutes-plus, comes

halfway through the album, and

offers an impressive blend of

interesting guitar contrasts,

harmonies out of the Beatles

songbook, and a closing guitar

solo clearly informed by the

playing of David Gilmour.

“Crisis 1 & 2” opens with a

pounding drum and bass riff

juxtaposed against the sweet

voice of Natalia Yanchak.

Lightburn creates a lovely piece

of theater on “Meltdown In A

Minor” which ends with a sound

collage that is accurately

described by the song’s

title. The closing “Saviour” finds

him seeking salvation by baring

his soul to the sound of organ

swells and a chorus of

children’s voices.

The Dears aren’t blazing any

new trails here, but Lightburn

offers the kind of commitment

to his music that is too rare

these days. Besides, there are

some nice atmospherics. So

put Missiles on in a darkened

room, late at night, and lie back

and enjoy it.

In A Word: Middling

Grade: B-

—by Ken Shane