Explode When They Bloom

Windsor Star Review


Dalson Chen, Windsor Star
Published: Monday, June 23, 2008
EXPLODE WHEN THEY BLOOM - AS THE ANIMALS MAKE THEIR WAY THROUGH THE CROWDS

I have to admit: when I listen to the start of the first song on this disc, Moonlighting Woman, I'm reminded of the melodrama of Danzig. But then the guitars and drums burst into an angular riff and this Kingsville/Windsor post-punk quartet totally redeem themselves. There's stupendous creative energy on this debut album. Seriously, I ended up listening to all 10 tracks in one sitting - that's how interesting the songwriting is. It's a testament to the band's originality that it's hard to describe what they sound like. Imagine if Fugazi had more of a pop sensibility. Or if At the Drive-In beefed up and took singing lessons. At times, the band really does sound on the verge of exploding. Even when things slow down, like on the track Code Blue Baby, there's a manic current under the calm. Great stuff. Online: www.myspace.com/explodewhentheybloom. Rating 5/5

- Canwest NEWS

Explode When They Bloom represents the familiar story of a band situated in a small, boring town. The band’s album As The Animals Make Their Way Through The Crowds initiates admirably; the song is Moonlighting Woman. Commencing in a low-key fashion, the track soon explodes with a flurry of energy, reminiscent of Ash’s Meltdown in terms of drama.

In my experience, bands that contact me with the aim of being featured here do not expect negative reviews; this shall by no means be a negative review, but I shall point out the problems of EWTB’s album. As an alternative rock band, Explode When They Bloom incurs a tendency to record certain songs that are prone to sounding expired -- in The Arms Of The Trees is the glaring example of this -- for the reason that they are too long. There is of course nothing inherently incorrect in recording a long song, but I personally feel that the approach is not varied enough to completely engross the listener. That said, there are elements of such songs that really do strike the listener as quite excellent.

By including a band like Explode When They Bloom in this article, I have included a band that brings a distinctive energy to unsigned music. In We Will Be Sleeping, Explode When They Bloom has a track that simply oozes the quality of being a live favourite. On the whole, and band that poignantly concocts a potion of shout-along verses and harmony-soaked choruses is always welcome here. Here it becomes paramount to recognise the vocal talents of Jay Oullette, whose capacity to both passionately scream and sing is a welcome addition to my play list. Many argue that he really comes to life on the up-tempo songs, but he is equally at his best on The Truth, a song that not only encompasses Jay’s vocal talents, but also the capacity of the band as a whole to record a song that sounds truthful.

There is capacity for improvement, but that is the greatest compliment to any band: latent talent is a big factor in the inclusion of EWTB in this article. This is also the occasion to thank Mr Jay Oullette for taking the time to correspond with me: thank you.

UG Underground Rating: 7


- Ultimate-guitar.com