Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell [Saddle Creek; 2008]

Canadian indie rockers Tokyo Police Club have come a long way since their debut back in 2006, "A Lesson In Crime". Though a hit, it was raw and rough. I could sense pressure in this EP that muffled the sound TPC are so capable of. I felt as if A Lesson was missing something. With such emptiness inside me, I went on to forget about the bands first release, only to find my jaw open wide two years later when the world was introduced to "Elephant Shell", an album up there with the best. The energy bestowed upon there debut full-length is ridiculous. Parts are in perfect order. "Elephant shell, you're my cave and I've been hiding out, will you tell me a little bit about, a bit about yourself" Front man, Dave Monks, sings in a distinct tone on "In a Cave". Every time I hear this album I want to open my mouth and scream the words. "The harrowing adventures of you and I before our eyes lit up", Monk projects behind bells and violins in twinkly wonder "The Harrowing Adventures of", another certain hit of the Elephant Shell. It's extraordinary. According to many listeners, though, it was anything but the eighth wonder of the world, and came across as rushed and incomplete. Apparently these boys released this album early because of timing issues, regardless of whether they were "done" or not. However, I could care less about this school yard gossip. I thought the album was perfect. If you ever see me driving 90 down route 202, screaming at my Jeeps windshield, I'm probably singing along to these poppy creations (badly). So don't call the police in fear, I'm just enjoying myself.

Download: Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell