Review / Giveaway: The Junction's "Another Link In the Chain."

The Junction, a Toronto-based three-piece (with suburban roots), released their second album last week. A great example of danceable Canadian indie pop-rock, Another Link In the Chain will appeal to indie kids as well as commercial radio stations programming for the broader music-listening audience.

This is a group clearly inspired by the rock they grew up with in the 90s and indie rock bands of the 2000s. By bringing these two influences together with a nod to classic Brit-pop, the Junction has crafted a strong rock album that should appeal to indie rock fans as well as audiences looking for something a little more accessible. Expect melodic guitar lines, heavy drumming, clear vocals, and so on. But just when you might think you’ve got the band’s sound pinned-down, screamo-vocals, handclaps, tambourine, and horns come in to shake things up. It all makes for a good outing with enough interest in to keep me from getting bored, but plenty of pop-rock hooks to keep the kids happy.

The first single is the happy, peppy, rock anthem “My Love Was There”—obviously so. It’s sure to get audience members jumping, clapping, and singing along. “And if you hear my song, sing along, sing along. A-La da da....” Fun! I don’t like the fade-out at the end, but that’s probably a wise radio-friendly decision on the band’s part. Other strong pop-rock tunes include “Pick Your Battles,” the slower Brit pop-inspired “Miles in Denial,” “Level with Me,” and “Lonely Road.” “No Road” showcases the band’s rockier side. Not all songs work as well, but nothing completely disappoints. The band has a sound that’s both a little interesting and totally accessible. Catchy and fun, it should translate well in a live setting (though maybe not all those horns).

Download: “My Love Was There” (Another Link In the Chain, 2009)
Video: “My Love Was There”
Download: “Miles in Denial” (Another Link In the Chain, 2009)

The Junction celebrate the album’s release in Toronto at the Horseshoe Tavern on Thursday, 13 August. Support acts include rockers The Reason and Songs From A Room. Thanks to Audio Blood Media, I’ve got a pair of passes to give away for the show, plus a copy of the new CD. Yipee! If you want in on this, send me an email with “The Junction” in the subject line and your full name in the body. If you win, your name + 1 will be on the guestlist; you’ll be able to pick up your CD at the merch table. This is +19 show. The deadline to enter is 11:59pm on 11 August.

I’m giving away a copy of the album over at NxEW.ca, so if can’t make the show feel free to enter that giveaway!

The Junction have a few shows in southern Ontario coming up:

Aug. 8 @ Rock the Mill, Cambridge
Aug. 13 @ Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto (CD release)
Aug. 15 @ Secret Sessions at TARA, Toronto (5pm, free, all ages)
Aug. 28 @ Call the Office, London
Aug. 29 @ MC/DC Festival, Toronto

[Top photo by David Waldman.]