IllScarlett — All Day With It

Why IllScarlett begin their major label debut with a lone guitar line that doesn't sound dissimilar to the infamous opening of The Eagles' mega-hit "Hotel California" is anyone's guess. I can't imagine they're targeting the classic rock band's fans as fertile crossover territory. But it's those kinds of extra flourishes that help set the album apart from last year's EPdemic mini-album. Though the band retain their sense of brevity and penchant for reggae-inflected pop punk, All Day With It is a more ambitious affair, with huge pop vocals and lots of extra layers of instrumentation. Recorded mostly in L.A. with producer Matthew Wilder (best known for his work on No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom breakthrough), the 10-song collection sees the rising Mississauga, Ont. band sliding handsomely into a slicker sound. And with infectious anthems such as the straight-up rocker "Nothing Special" and the mid-tempo "Life Of A Soldier," which showcases the band's powerful lyricism, it shows that the guys haven't lost their ability to craft an excellent tune in the process.

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