Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer

Sunset Rubdown’s latest LP is pertinently inscribed. The indie-rock psalms of Spencer Krug have long rested on a mythological mantel, but the Montreal ensemble’s third full-length, Dragonslayer, scythes through his muddied vignettes with taut instrumental throttles, conjuring up the consistency that has eluded the group's previous endeavours. Opening number Silver Moon is indicative of this newfound gusto; bulging bass underpins the frontman’s woozy vocals, while a cavalcade of percussion crashes headlong into nomadic organ chimes. Noticeably, Krug’s succumbed to an accessibility that infuses Idiot Heart and You Go On Ahead with a sway so vigorous it borders on choleric. Lyrically, however, he’s as opaque as ever, blurting out metaphors with unapologetic vim. Yet, so densely orchestrated are tracks like Dragon’s Lair and Paper Lace that the spotlight veers instinctively towards their delicious underlying melodies. It’s not quite prime beef Wolf Parade, but Dragonslayer confirms Spencer Krug’s still got that killer touch.