A Northern Chorus - The Millions Too Many

A Northern Chorus - The Millions Too Many

I think I decided long ago if I were to pick one country to sum up everything indie rock is about, it would be Canada. I mean, there isn't any country more profilic in its number of successful and innovative bands forming- it really does churn them out. But its the underground movement where you often find the greatest music: the bands with entire careers out of the limelight- and honestly, often unjustly, too. A Northern Chorus' 4th album, The Millions Too Many, is a perfect example of this. The majority probably will never hear of this band- at least, outside of their homeland. But this album is nothing short of amazing: this is an album that doesn't only deserve repeated listens, but forces them.

The Millions Too Many is big. Often opening with just a voice and a simple guitar riff, it's not long until they unleash the full, orchestral scale of their might, with epic webs of sound made with thier overdriven- but never shallow- guitars and string section. They are loud, and unashamedly so. But they're not only loud. The quiet sections that break up the noise are just as powerful and evocative, punctuating the sound and giving it a real emotional impact. Think of it this way: it has the real poignant emotion of Sufjan Stevens. But it has the giant, epic scope of the loudest moments of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. In every song.

I wasn't kidding when I said unforgettable, too: somewhere in the vast, passionate anthems they've found that certain something that every artist strives for: catchiness. You'll find yourself singing along to every track before you've even finished listening to them the first time: I know I caught myself doing that a whole lot at the start. Sublimely melodic and tuneful, this is the same strong, anthemic music that made Arcade Fire big.

Resting strangely in the middle ground between We're Marching On and Bloc Party, The Millions Too Many is a delight to listen to. With all the pop sensibilities to ensure its mainstream accessibility and at the same time all the white-knuckle adrenaline of punk rock's overdriven guitars, and at the same time an entire orchestra of strings and brass to give the epic, almost classical feel to the music. Occasionally, a little-known band will come out of the melting pot with a masterpiece which launches them into mainstream, international success- see Broken Social Scene's or The Dear's sudden rise. If there's any justice in the world, then this album is A Northern Chorus'.

Preview - No Stations (Live)

A Northern Chorus - The Millions Too Many (Zshare)

-Mike (=