Mounties is a Canadian supergroup consisting of Hawksley Workman, Hot Hot Heat's Steve Bays and Limblifter's Ryan Dahle. It’s not always possible to bring together so many separate talents. However, with numerous jam sessions and the collaboration of creative minds, Mounties has been able to make it work.
The band recently released Thrash Rock Legacy, their debut album, which came out with a bang. This dynamic album is stuffed to the brim with catchy hooks and a wide range of sounds. Mounties put everything into this release: There is hardly a moment to rest with all of the upbeat and enchanting melodies. Although this album is a lot to take in all at once, there is definitely a lot of skill and mastery demonstrated in their music.
There are too many high points in Thrash Rock Legacy to mention them all. The wistful gleaming of “Tokyo Summer” takes you out of this world as they mesmerize you in their sweet tunes. “Headphones” is the perfect jam for strutting to class each morning with your headphones in. Their most catchy song, however, is easily “The Twig & The Tree.” The quirky refrain and psychedelic keyboard meld seamlessly together to make a rocking beat.
Although this album shows off decent diversity for the band, there is hardly time to unwind. Empty of ballads, or any sort of slow song for that matter, the lack of breaks makes this album difficult to keep on repeat. Maybe next time Mounties will show off their softer side.
The album is lively and riddled with opportunities to get sucked into their many rhythms. That is not to say that Thrash Rock Legacy is not chill-worthy. Even with the energetic beat, their voices allow you to sit back and relax as they draw you in. By and large, Mounties has really come through with this album and I highly recommend listening to it.
Rating: A-
