Those Who Were Hung Hang Here

Those quick to dismiss Uncut as Canada's answer to Interpol just may count themselves out of one of 2004's best post-punk offerings. In fact, Those Who Were Hung Hang Here might be nearly as exhilarating as the Killers' Hot Fuss if it weren't for frontman Ian Worang's tendency to hush his vocal delivery when he isn't brooding like the '00s answer to Andrew Eldritch. In fact, "Copilot," complete with a swirling guitar rumble built atop a pulsing techno foundation, sounds like a dead-ringer for Sisters of Mercy circa First and Last and Always. Largely fabulous, tracks like the dark, thumping "Understanding the New Violence," and the flat-out magical "Intentions Change" — both boasting jagged guitar lines in the vein of U2's the Edge or Echo & the Bunnymen's Will Sergeant — make for one hypnotic disc. Fans of Joy Division, Lowlife, And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Hot Hot Heat and any of the aforementioned acts are sure to delight in Those Who Were Hung Hang Here. ~ John D. Luerssen, Rovi