Shine a Light

The Constantines were building a name for themselves after a self-titled debut album and EP drew the attention of the Canadian music scene. Then their move to Seattle’s Sub Pop Records for their second album, Shine a Light, gained the attention of many U.S. listeners, who were moved by the conviction of singer Bryan Webb; his gruff vocal style recalls Joe Strummer. The group’s terse, demanding rock is built on the brawny drums of Doug McGregor and the thick, rumbling bass of Dallas Wehrle. Together, they resemble a truck fighting against the odds to get out of a dangerous rut. The spurting and spinning is accented by Will Kidman's odd keyboard shapes. Songs such as “National Hum,” “Nighttime/ Anytime (It’s Alright)," and “Insectivora” thrive on their sense of frustration, while “Young Lions” breaks out into an anthem worthy of the open road. Even when they mellow for “Goodbye Baby & Amen,” it’s with a sense of menace and unease that follows everything they do.