Soft Copy — Vicious Modernism

Today's Soft Copy aren't quite the same trio that gave away their debut power pop album, Wolf, Wolves And More Wolves, for free back in 2006.

The change more or less took place when the trio's founding bassist departed and was replaced Wes Hodgson, formerly of Newfoundland punk rockers Hung Up. This change, the band suggest, swung their sound "from Stooges to Shellac."

Soft Copy are certainly angrier, and their guitar work (at times) has a much harder edge, but it's safe to say they haven't yet crossed over into noise rock territory. The metamorphosis is somewhat similar to the change we saw when Starling became The Hundreds And Thousands.

Vicious Modernism is decent stuff, but it's hard to pinpoint any particular strength. Soft Copy are good at what they do, but no part of this music stands out from any other — aside from the fact that it doesn't become grating by album's end.

It's evident these three haven't peaked yet. They should do well when they find their niche. Vicious Modernism's most enjoyable moments come when their punk sides more clearly take over on "Domestic Policy" and "Tequila Thursday." It's energizing, if nothing else.

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