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by Chris Dowbiggin
"Move with the times or they'll leave you behind"
It would be easy to take those lyrics from Human Heat out of context when describing the change in direction Sam Roberts has taken with his music in recent years. But while the Montreal-based can rock veteran and his band has made a science out of grooving, rhythmically-enhanced arena rock for years, the new album Lo-Fantasy boasts a collection of tracks that explore new ventures in hook-heavy, shimmering pop production.
To say that Roberts has gone full clubland on his repertoire is an overstatement. The signature sounds are still very present, James Hall’s pulsing basslines, Dave Nugent’s and Roberts’ gorgeous palm-muted guitar rhythms and Josh Trager’s cruising drum beats strike much familiarity with the listener, especially on lead single “We’re All In This Together.” However, the hiring of the tenured Martin “Youth” Glover, a notorious oddball genius to grab hold of the production reins has had a direct impact on the swift rock soundscape that is Lo-Fantasy. Glover incorporates his eclectic method and style in a way the band eventually grew accustomed to during the 12 days spent in studio working on Lo-Fantasy.
Roberts said in a recent interview with the Montreal Gazette the band wasn’t keen on experimenting in different styles just for the sake of doing so.
“It has to be natural. I don’t want to just do it so that we can say that we’re doing it. It has to still be musical. It has to still move me in some way as a songwriter when I’m sitting there.”
The first track “Shapeshifters” sets the tone for the record. The mid-tempo disco groove coincides well with Eric Fare’s siren-like synths hiding in the background. “Human Heat” is the floor-stomping anthem that carries the momentum early in the record, while “Metal Skin” rewards the listener with the first impression of danceclub atmosphere on the album. “Kid Icarus” picks up where “Human Heat” left off, projecting itself as a large-venue blast of rock energy, packing more than a few punches in three minutes. The cruising indie-pop jam “Chasing The Light” is easily the most intriguing track on the album. Flanked by casual synths and drum machine beats, Roberts' confident vocals stroll right along side the whole time. The closer “Golden Hour” is a blissfully flexible track, especially when it comes to the interesting percussive styles of Trager.
The deluxe edition of the record features a selection of remixes produced by Glover and Primal Scream technician Andrew Weatherall that provides escape to an electronic dimension of the original playlist.
Lo-Fantasy is more than a testament to potentially venturing out of one’s musical comfort zone. Every aspect of the record shows that while he continues to stay true to his roots, Roberts and his band are not afraid to bend their own dynamic rules. The album has moments of lost momentum, but they are quickly compromised with little delay. It’s no secret that Roberts wants people to recognize his band as less of a one-man show and more of a collective effort. This is demonstrated perfectly throughout Lo-Fantasy where every track showcases the true extent of talent each member has. If anyone thinks a veteran rocker like Sam Roberts is exempt from the need to mature his sound, that would be very naive. However, it’s evident Roberts has figured out a perfect musical equilibrium in which to work with, and he’s very comfortable at the moment.
Score: 4/5
Album highlights: Shapeshifters, Human Heat, Metal Skin, Chasing The Light
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