Many gave up on punk years ago, considering the style dead. The Sex Pistols faded, The Ramones broke up and The Clash finally decided that they should go rather than stay. The fathers of punk have passed and left only bands like Green Day and Blink-182 to carry on their legacy. The problem is, these bands rejected the independent culture that made punk music thrive and conformed their style to fit into mainstream music.
Now, however, four friends created a band as seniors in high school, introducing the world of underground punk to Tokyo Police Club.
Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Tokyo Police Club formed in 2005 and the post-punk outfit has not stopped making great music since. After releasing two EPs in three years, the band went to the recording studio and made their first album. The LP Elephant Shell stands as one of the year’s best releases to date.
Though not as upbeat as past works, Elephant Shell demonstrates a maturity that takes other bands much longer to achieve. With only one song lasting over three minutes, the album offers bite size portions that stimulate the brain and delight the senses.
‘Centennial’, the opening track, introduces new listeners to the band’s unique sound. Lead singer Dave Monks testifies that Elephant Shell is, ??skin you can wrap all of your arms and legs in.? This well-paced start makes use of classic punk elements such as quick, succinct beats while incorporating post-punk synthesizers.
‘Graves’ and ‘In A Cave’ both combine power cords with edgy guitar picking and brilliant lyrics. ‘Juno’ follows with Monk pleading for his girlfriend to follow her heart rather than her head. The song ‘Sixties Remake’ expertly revisits the tone and attitude that defined the 1960s.
Though essentially a rough ride, Elephant Shell offers pleasantly mellow tracks as well. ‘Listen to the Math’ describes the effect of current technologies and our own logic on love. ‘The Harrowing Adventures of You and I’ commemorates a lost relationship’s impact on the lives of those involved. Both offer slow, melodic tones while delivering deep, vibrant lyrics.
The high point of the album comes in ‘Tessellate’. Monks croons about the reconstruction or ?tessellation? of shattered hearts and the ability of broken people to heal one another. The band?s incorporation of keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, and a great deal of distortion achieve an incomparable effect.
With a great mix of fast-paced and driving lyrics, Tokyo Police Club has found a sweet spot. They reinvented punk while staying true to its heritage. Sure to please longtime fans and newcomers alike, Elephant Shell is a definite must have for any music connoisseur.
Elephant Shell is available at most music retailers for about $13. For buying information, visit Amazon online.
