Album Of The Week: ’ Near To The Wild Heart Of Life

With an unbridled heart-on-the-sleeve aesthetic and emphatic rock ‘n’ roll songs to back it up, Japandroids have become one of those bands that can hit you with every song. The duo of guitarist and vocalist Brian King and drummer David Prowse combine to form a powerful sound that’s unrivaled by their contemporaries. The act’s third studio , Near To The Wild Heart Of Life, is filled with unbridled emotion and absolute intensity. It embodies a razor-sharp edge while staying honest and true. The year isn’t even one-third over, and I can already predict this album will be mentioned on a ton of best of lists when the ball drops.

With it being released five years after their previous album, , which came out in summer 2012, Japandroids don’t show any rust. What King and Prowse do show is the progression of a sound that will attract both die-hards and punk-rock enthusiasts. It’s no-nonsense rock music that’s the result of a head-first songwriting approach. The production quality is a bit more refined on Near To The Wild Heart Of Life, but there’s still a whole lot of grit. There’s a sense of moving forward versus sticking to a formula from the past.

The world is a crazy, messed-up place, and the insanity has definitely been upped a tad. What better way to release some angst than to listen to a kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll record? There will be plenty of those coming out later this year, but Japandroids’ new album is a great one to start off with. To see why, let’s take a look at my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week.

“North East South West” is a tribute to the massive 13 leg, 228 show worldwide Celebration Rock tour that took place in 2012 and 2013. It’s a Kerouacian description of long nights on the road while King and Prowse convey some righteous rhythms. The anthemic “Arc Of Bar” is in your face and unapologetic. There’s a lot of raging riffs and the chorus is a triumphant “Yeah!” that goes straight for the soul. “In A Body Like A Grave” is a catchy tune that faces mortality and the inevitable.

Japandroids will once again be going on tour starting at The Mohawk in Austin, Texas, on February 7 with all of the proceeds from the show going to benefit Planned Parenthood. For fans in New England, King and Prowse will be taking the stage at Royale in on February 20 with The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn and his backing band The Uptown Controllers opening things up. If they’re coming through your town, head to the show and go see one of the best live bands on the planet. While you’re there, make sure to grab a copy of Near To The Wild Heart Of Life. Its sheer amplification will take your eardrums over.

Stream Japandroids’ Near To The Wild Heart Of Life via NPR here: .org/2017/01/19/510416955/first- listen-japandroids-near-to-the-wild-heart-of-life; Japandroids’ Website: japandroids.com