Constantines — Tournament Of Hearts

The Constantines' third full-length record marks the end of Three Gut Records, but rather than eulogize, Tournament Of Hearts is more a call to arms. While the last two Cons records were full of greatness, it seems they've always performed at three-quarters of their potential. On TOH, they are unequivocally at 100 per cent. From the opening beat of "Draw Us Lines," it's obvious that Bry Webb's voice has become a staggering weapon — he's among the most compelling singers in Canada today. Musically, the band unleash pure energy on TOH. Their songs sound full and crisp, yet the entire affair is almost stolen by wispy-voiced Steve Lambke. His two tracks, "Thieves" and album closer "Windy Road," show the band at their lyrical peak. To the Cons, it doesn't matter how hard or quietly you rock: it's the message that matters.

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