Republic Of Safety — Passport EP

We might be a small country in population but/we burned down the Whitehouse once!" Republic Of Safety lead singer Maggie MacDonald screams on "Get Your Horses Back." The Republic's debut is a smoldering piece of ragged punk rock. It's a slightly under-produced, but exciting introduction to one of Toronto's best up-and-coming acts. Guitarist Jonny Dovercourt's Hot Snakes-esque guitar licks sear menacingly beneath Hidden Camera MacDonald's whip-smart lyrics. Republic Of Safety display substantial pedigree and promise on Passport and even manage to make Canadian exports seem sexy — no doubt the best is still yet to come. Massive props also to The Complaint Department for their brilliant passport-style package design.