Reviews

If you thought Canada was only good for churning out maple syrup, Acres of Lions will prove you wrong. These pop punkers from the city of Victoria have perfected the sun soaked, good-time feeling of pop-rock and even make it fresh. This self titled three-song EP is fun and catchy with songs about everyday life and experiences - a sharp contrast from the emo heartbreak anthems that plague scene rock.

The first track, "Let's Get Sentimental," starts off with a powerful drum beat and polished vocals. The lyrics tend to be a little characteristic and yes, corny: "Yes, you are an adventure/excursion to the farthest reaches of some galaxy. / Yes, you are a mystery." Subtle, ain't it? But the catchy poppiness of this track keeps you listening. The guitar work is clear-cut with a scratchy undertone.

"Dance Sequence" is a musical fusion between guitars, keys and edgy pop vocals that find their way past the sugary sweetness of the first track. The chorus is a fun sing-a-long, but gets a bit repetitive after so many "You've got it going on tonight! Whoa oh-oh's."

"Knowing Your Own End" is a slower track and shows off the experimental guitar sounds which are good break from the rest of the album. It starts off with a Yellowcard "Only One" echoy guitar sound and keeps its mid-tempo pace throughout. The mini melodic breakdown is also similar to Spitalfield's "Texas with a Dollar Sign," which is one song you can not and should not replicate.

For the future, it'd be best if Acres of Lions jacked up with originality and toned down the sugar rush. I could totally see this band opening up for Boys Like Girls on their retirement tour in 2010.