This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Turning It Up to 11

Fans of hair metal, grunge, and punk will find something to like in this up-and-coming Canadian duo.

Japandroids are not concerned about longevity. Their 2009 debut, Post-Nothing, was a welcome jolt of garage and noise rock, a very enjoyable, if not terribly consequential record; the joyously vapid lyrics and reckless abandon with which Brian King and David Prowse played didn’t exactly lay the foundation for a long, storied career. While Post-Nothing was well-received by critics and independent music fans alike, the simplicity and similarity of its songs seemed to set Japandroids up for the dreaded sophomore slump.

And frankly, when the first reviews of their follow-up (Celebration Rock) began to trickle in, I was a bit skeptical. Could it really be that much better? Surely Polyvinyl (their label) were only letting out the most positive reviews in an effort to build positive buzz. But from the first searing guitar chords on “The Nights of Wine and Roses” (the record’s first and best track), I knew I was wrong.

The most aptly titled album of the year, Celebration Rock is exactly that, a celebration of life, youth, and living in the moment. The qualities that made Post-Nothing such a fun listen: the carefree attitude, brash, boisterous drumming, guitar work ready for both clubs and arenas, are turned up to 11 the second time around. If Post-Nothing was a caffeine rush, Celebration Rock is an adrenaline shot, racing along at full speed for 35 minutes. It’s exciting, life-affirming stuff, full of rousing, fist-pumping anthems that will undoubtedly leave you with a smile on your face.

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When the album’s first single (“The House That Heaven Built”) was released in May, some worried Japandroids were merely retracing their steps. And while Celebration Rock will certainly sound familiar to Japandroids fans, it marks enough of a progression to feel like more than a retread. The guitars and vocals are sharper this time around, giving the album a welcome bit of punk edge, while the triumphant “whoa oh’s,” a staple of Post-Nothing,  manage to be even more buoyant.

As one can tell within seconds, Japandroids are not a subtle band. They’re big, heartfelt, and most of all fun. Do most of their songs sound fairly similar? Yes, but they’re such a blast that you don’t really care. Admittedly, barring some major, unexpected changes, they probably won’t be relevant five years from now, as they have one very specific sound and have done just about everything they can with it. But, like the subjects of their songs, they don’t need to think about tomorrow until today’s over. They’ve accomplished more than most bands ever will, and that’s something they can always hang their hats on.

Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While Japandroids may not have the longest shelf life, Celebration Rock will, serving as the soundtrack for the countless sweaty, reckless nights of irresponsible twentysomethings. Joy has no expiration date, instead its meant to be cherished, experienced, and fondly remembered. It may only be July, but when the end of the year rolls around, I’m almost certain the buzz from Celebration Rock will not have faded.

For this and other reviews, check out my blog here.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?