Album Review
Acres Of Lions – Collections
I must admit to being unfamiliar with Acres Of Lions until this album dropped through my door. But I’m glad to have discovered the Canadian rockers, whose powerful guitar based indie sounds are compelling and entertaining. The rather good Collections is actually the group’s second album (their debut Working was released in Canada in 2009), but the first to be released in the UK.
Musically, Acres Of Lions match emotional lyrics and strong vocals with driving guitars and subtle keyboards to produce anthemic and memorable rock music that has a distinctly upbeat pop feeling. Rhythmic and melodic with clever and catchy choruses, this is radio friendly and sounds great with the volume turned high. If you don’t see cheerful songs about break ups as too much of an oxymoron then you will love this album.
The opening Set Me On Fire is a song about wanting to be in love, to feel that burning. The pace is immediately set to breakneck, the guitars burst into action and Jeffrey Kalesnikoff’s powerful vocals just drip with emotion. Fingers Crossed then sees Tyson Yerex on piano, a steady melody picked out behind the vocals before the guitars burst through.
Reaction was big as a single for Acres Of Lions in their native Canada, and it’s easy to see why. The chant-along chorus and almost doo wop style phrasing on the harmony vocals take this one further into pop territory than the rest of the album. It’s catchy and a perfect three minute single.
Kids is probably my favourite track on the album. It’s an ode to lost youth, the yearning for a childhood long gone clearly expressed. Early girlfriends, small towns and mix tapes all get a mention in a song that will resonate for many. But, “The kids we were back then, we could never be again.” The lyrics are simple but their melancholic accuracy can’t be denied.
Forgive And Forget starts slowly, the vocals backed only by a steady beat and a subtle organ sound. Once more the lyrics are straightforward and emotionally delivered. Celebrate is bright and fast paced with another anthemic chorus. There’s a lovely keyboard part here that is simple and lively, adding much to the track. And the slower chorus is lovely. Narrow Miss is a little flat compared to most of the album – not my favourite track although the heavy guitars in the second half of the track do liven it up.
Like A Drum immediately raises the quality, a beautiful slower song. The piano leads initially rather than the guitars and the lyrics have an almost child-like innocence. But then the pace rises and the guitars come in to drive the track forward. The music rises and falls, just vocals and piano at one point, in great style. The penultimate All Your Time is basically a damned good fast paced rock song with fine vocals and a great rhythm.
The title track Collections sums up the album with its message that life leaves us with an assortment of memories that we make from our adventures and troubles. From childhood onwards we add to this store, which helps to define us. The guitars are less strident here and the harmonies added to the lead vocal give a warm feeling to end the album.
Collections is a fine album of emotional songs well delivered. There is good variety and change of pace amongst its ten tracks and Acres Of Lions show themselves to be a talented band with a knack for catchy pop-rock songs. I like this album a lot.
Venue: Collections
Support Band: Fierce Panda & Alcopop