Dears - Times Infinity Volume Two
by Dixie Ernill
published: 31 / 10 / 2017

Label:
Dangerbird Records
Format: CD
intro
Fine return to form on eighth studio album from Canadian indie rockers the Dears
Despite having been around for over twenty years, the Dears are still a band that continue to frustrate and delight in almost equal measures, with as many songs hitting the spot as those that fall wide of the mark. Thankfully, 'Times Infinity Volume Two', in stark contrast to the previous below par 'Volume One', is very much in the delight camp, with a sound akin to the rich melody of 2006’s 'Gang of Losers'. Opening track 'Taking It to the Grave' combines the vocal talents of frontman Murray Lightburn and keyboard player Natalia Yanchak to fine effect, while 'All the Hail Marys' is a brooding grower. 'Nothing In It for Me Nothing In It for You' and '1998' are enhanced by some wonderful strings that recall Blur in their most tender moments. The highlight, however, is the stunning 'Guns or Knives' that is as strong as any of the band’s previous output. The first single lifted off the album, 'Of Fisticuffs', is a great alternative pop song and is yet another reason why anyone who may have lost faith in the band on the strength of the previous album should get back on board. The band hit the UK shortly for a run of dates, so time to book some tickets!
Track Listing:-
1 Taking It to the Grave2 All the Hail Marys
3 Of Fisticuffs
4 Nothing in It for Me Nothing in It for You
5 1998
6 Until Deathrow
7 Guns or Knives
8 I'm Sorry That I Wished You Dead
9 I Love You Times Infinity
10 End of Tour
Band Links:-
http://www.thedears.org/https://www.facebook.com/TheDears/
https://twitter.com/thedears
https://www.instagram.com/thedears/
live reviews |
Deaf Institute. Manchester, 10/10/2017 |
![]() |
Dixie Ernill watches Montreal indie rockers The Dears make an excellent live return-to- form at the Deaf Institute in Manchester |
Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, 26/2/2017 |
soundcloud
reviews |
Lovers Rock (2020) |
![]() |
Perseverance is rewarded on excellent eighth album from often under-rated Montreal rockers The Dears |
Gang Of Losers (2006) |
Lost In The Plot (2004) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Pennyblackmusic - Writers and Photographers' Albums of the Year 2024Peter Perrett - In Dreams Begin Responsibilities Interview Part One
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Clive Langer - Interview
Pennyblackmusic - Book of the Year Award 2024
Johnnie Johnstone - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Reflections
Laura Nyro - Profile
Johny Brown - Corpse Flower
Vinyl Stories - Vinyl 2024
most viewed reviews
current edition
Dorie Jackson - Stupid Says RunRingo Starr - Look Up
Beabadoobee - This is How The World Moves
Pixie Lott - Encino
Dusty Springfield - The BBC Sessions
Unthanks - In Winter
Joan Armatrading - How Did This Happen and What Does It Mean?
Rosie Lowe - Lover, Other
Oïmiakon - Comptoir Des Vanites
Emily Burns - Die Happy
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart