Arkells — Jackson Square

It's a safe bet that someone in the Arkells has become jaded by a stint as a corporate lackey. Thundering opener "Deadlines" — a transplant of the title track from their debut EP — is chock full of board rooms, men in suits and all the irony that comes with working for the man. The business theme continues into "Oh, The Boss Is Coming!" (a sure winner for blue collar song title of the year) but soon wanes in favour of a mid-album chunk of power pop songs about girls and socializing. It's interesting to see this nearly-emo side of the Hamilton-based rockers sandwiched between Constantines-like grit-rock. It's the kind of formula that'll work to earn these boys indie cred as well as air time on alternative rock radio stations. Things happen fast and furiously on Jackson Square. There's barely time to breathe before it's over. If there's a complaint to be lodged here, it's that nearly half of these songs are repeats from their debut.