Champion Lover - Champion Lover (Unprofitable Records)
Champion Lover - Champion Lover |
Release Date: 20th June 2014
BANG! Let's go. Toronto's
Champion Lover waste no time in getting this album underway as the rifle shot
drums and hot-rod engine guitars of 'Read My Mind' remind of a mis-spent summer
listening to the likes of Engine 88. 'Shooter' calms things down a notch but
the slacker punk ethos is the same and so it is on 'Just Hollow' although this
track in particular wants to rut with you like an over sexed uncle at a wedding
disco. The beautiful chaos continues on the flailing, hell for leather riff-a-thon
that is 'Could You Be Mine' while 'Bad Day' has a more QOTSA meets Death From
Above chug about it that is all aviator shades, Marlboro reds and leather
driving gloves even though there isn't a car in sight.
The absorbing grunge-punk of 'How
Will I Know' not only displays a flagrant disregard for question marks but also
speeds through like the Ramones on a mission before 'I See You' rumbles along
and you soon realise that Champion Lover live life in the fast lane because
that's the only way they know how. 'She Likes Wu-Tang' reminds me of a great
University 'debate' I had with a girl in a club about what a great song 'Gravel
Pits' was only to realise an hour later she had no idea what I was saying -
it's also a low slung, sleazoid of a song. I love the low-end riffing on this
album as well as the drummer that sounds like one of those guys who just can't
sit still no matter what medication he takes and these aspects are both in
great display on 'Lost'. 'Vacant Heart (Spring Break)' brings things to a shuddering,
heart-attack stop after a punishing 6 minutes that climaxes in a melee of
feedback, distortion and the realisation that you've been drinking for 4 days
straight and you're late for work - 4 days late. Champion Lover don't give a
shit whether I like them or not and I don't think they care too much for you
either but I do like them (alot) and you probably should too. Just don't expect
them to hang around for a chat after the gig unless you're at least willing
bring them some beer or have a talented tongue.
More information: http://www.championlover.ca/
Listen/Download: http://championlovermusic.bandcamp.com/
Live Dates:
20th June - Rancho Relaxo, Toronto