Republic Of Safety — Vacation EP

The second EP from Toronto party-starters Republic Of Safety sees the band make a lineup change (trading two bassists for one) and swap the home production for a real studio. The result is this four-track pack of dynamite that perfectly harnesses the band's infectious energy in a scant 15 minutes. Frontwoman Maggie MacDonald is at her best on the title track, where she dares those who heed her call to take some time off, "If you like it so much, then quit your job." Johnny Dovercourt's guitar is searing throughout — the brash yin to MacDonald's sassy yang. Signing to new label Ta Da! will likely be the catalyst for a 30-minute (or so) effort and, frankly, it can't come soon enough.

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