Getting it right once is tough. But getting it right twice is even tougher, and this five-piece band comprised of Ben Fox, Branko Scekic, David Wickland, Josh Byrne, and Lucas Fredette have delivered a solid sequel that feels both old and new.

This time around, the boys travelled south to the Lone Star State (you know, Texas) to work with producer John Congleton, who’s also worked with the likes of The Walkmen and Modest Mouse. Describing their recording process as pulling themselves from their daily routines to create a “fuzzy and dreamlike” second record, the band has managed to accomplish their mission.

Upon first listen, Shaky Dream seems to pick up where the last record left off. Fox’s vocals carry a lethargic quality gently wrapping each song in an energy not far from a ’60s crooner. The appropriately named opening track, “Dreamer’s Song”, (are you catching a theme here?) is quietly addictive with its snappy percussion and vocal-to-instrumental harmonies. Like their first album, heavy bass lines are singled out with shadowy pop melodies that deliver inevitable (but complimentary) Sloan comparisons.

Where this album really excels is in casting its explorative spell beyond any previous work, particularly near the album’s end with tracks like “Pacifist in Camouflage”. The songs feel fresher, a little more edgy, and confident in their experimentation; a mysterious, satisfying musing of the ears within a Shaky Dream.

Album release date: August 6, 2013

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