Boys Night Out — Boys Night Out

At first listen, Boys Night Out's third full-length is a bit of a disappointment. You immediately assume that the Burlington, Ontario band have backtracked and ditched the artistic progression of their excellent sophomore effort, 2005's Trainwreck, opting instead for a catchier sound. Upon your second listen, you begin to realize that this isn't accurate, and in fact the guys have refined their sound and made it as focused and concise as ever. The progressive elements are still there, just mixed in more seamlessly. The dynamic shifts are far more efficient. "Swift And Unforgiving" switches gears midway through without drawing attention to itself. Sure, it's poppier, but it never panders to the listener. Instead, it demands attention, which is indicative of the band's deceptively simple songwriting. It may not be as surprising as Trainwreck, but BNO show they have plenty more aces up their sleeves.