Record Label: Saddle Creek * Catalog#: LBJ 157 * Country Of Release: NLD * Year Of Release: 2011 With The Rural Alberta Advantage's album, 'Departing', the band further refines the exuberant guitar work; everything-on-the-table singing; songwriting full of conviction and detail; and majestic, keyboard-sprinkled arrangements that have won it so many fans. 'Departing' strings together themes of small towns, Canadian fall and winter, breakup, and redemption and serves as a companion piece to their beloved debut album 'Hometowns.' Highlights include the affecting "North Star," the stark regret of "Tornado," and the storming, percussive surge of "Stamp," all of which vividly set the scene.
I've checked out so many of the 2011 releases, thus far, and Departing definately tops my list. Of course, I love the Jeff Mangum-esque vocals (being a huge NMH fan for a long time), but it's also refreshingly simple, well-written, well-played, and well constructed. I think it's even better than their debut, and as such, deserves even greater acclaim. I always like great two or three member bands, I think fewer band members works very well in this case (and none more are needed). Basicly, buy Departing,..
I totally agree with all the reviewers before me, but I wanted to just echo how great this album is. I recently listened to the new Strokes album and after it was over, this album came on. And wow, the difference is amazing. While the Strokes album is good, it lacks something, and that is melodies that stick out. The Rural Alberta Advantage caught my attention with "Hometowns", an album that is incredible on its own right, with great emotional lyrics, guitar bliss, and solid melodies, but not as polished as..
Recently, there has been a lot of good music coming out of Canada, and The RAA is no exception. I am surprised there are no reviews yet. This is their second album and I believe it holds up as well as their first. With vocal styling reminiscent of Jeff Magnum of NMH and musically similar to Frighted Rabbit's first album makes this worth checking out (just go by it already and stop wasting your time reading this mediocre review... geesh!). The only complaint I have is this band only has 3 members so it is mu..
