Quick Hitters:: Milks & Rectangles Troubleshooters

Last year, PEI's Milks & Rectangles exploded out of nowhere and out of your speakers with a surprisingly ambitious debut EP. Civic Virtues may sound like a title to a Weakerthans track, but quite quickly the EP showed the band's influence came from across the pond, not simply across the Confederation Bridge. More importantly, the songs reached for the rafters and the young lads from Charlottetown seemed determined to make entire stadiums rock, not just small, smoke-filled clubs.

Whether it's the experience of playing more gigs, the simple reality of growing up quickly on the road or the frustration of reading countless reviewers lean on the easy sounds-like comparison, Troubleshooters finds M&R leaving the delusions of grandeur and most of the Franz Ferdinand inspired boomers behind. They still have tons of energy and a tackle box full of hooks, but seem more comfortable playing rock with varied tempos and a darker edge that is tailor made for the size venue they currently reside in.

The transition works well for the young band, and gives them a ceiling much higher than one created by perfecting the sound they exposed on Civic Virtues. Opening with the frantic drums, howling lead vocals and swirling harmonies, Wink And A Gun (The Jury's Hung) is the perfect intro to the band's new sound. Granted, they follow with Unring the Bell, a track that could easily fit on their last EP, but you have to hand it to the PEI outfit; they make that journey to the other side of the pond seem natural and effortless.

These 15 minutes - including a Barnkats cover - should be enough for you to put Milks & Rectangles on your radar and expose a sonic palette ready for a full length release. Not convinced? Well, head over to the band's web site and download the EP for free. You won't be disappointed.

MP3:: Milks & Rectangles - Wink And A Gun (The Jury's Hung)

MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/milksandrectangles
D/L:: http://milksandrectangles.bandcamp.com/

Labels: Canada, EP, Milks and Rectangles, Music, PEI