Where Are They Going?

Highly original, infectious debut from the pioneers of "Saltwater Funk"

     

Over the course of the last decade, Slowcoaster has emerged as Atlantic Canada's premier alternative rock band; after forming in 1999, the band quickly began touring and playing regular shows in their native Sydney, as well as releasing increasingly impressive EPs on an annual basis (2000's Jody's Garden, 2001's Volume II, 2002's Leaves, 2003's Accidents & Excuses). With "Where Are They Going?", Slowcoaster manage to expand their sound while staying true to what makes them great, namely, outstanding musicianship. Steven MacDougall is a nationally-acclaimed songwriter, and there are a number of gems on this album (the slinky "Can't Change Me" and the party anthem "Patio"), but the band's chops take centre stage throughout the disc; witness Darren Gallop's expressive hand-percussion work and MacDougall's jazz-rock guitar on "Boiling Hot Leather," or Mike LeLievre's impressively smooth basslines on the funky "Missin' It". All the while, (since departed) drummer Devon Strang holds down the groove, be it the trippy country blues of "Breadcrumbs" or the disco-funk "Nightlife". I haven't even mentioned the incredible production, but listen for the robotic harmony vocals and backwards guitar on "Patio" and the nasty banjo on "Can't Change Me". "Where Are They Going?" showcases a band in its prime, firing on all cylinders. If you consider yourself a fan of innovative, original music, or you simply need a soundtrack for a party or a road trip, you owe it to yourself.