Kestrels [Audio CD] Kestrels

Halifax noise pop power trio Kestrels return with their new self-titled LP to be released worldwide on August 26, 2016. Their third album and second for Hamilton, Ontario's fabled Sonic Unyon label, the record sees the band combining a frenzied union of striking melody and sonic bliss. Two years in the making, the full length was teased with 2014's ''The Moon is Shining Our Way'' EP, a collection of four songs from the album sessions. Having toured the EP internationally and shared stages with the likes of Speedy Ortiz, Ringo Deathstarr, Beliefs, Greys, and Ash, the EP's title track was a mainstay on college radio and CBC Radio 3, laying the groundwork for their defining third record. The result was their most accomplished recording to date. Drummer Paul Brown provides mercurial rhythm dynamics, Devin Peck covers unprecedented sonic ground with his bass, and Peck provides soft focus vocals backed by alternately tuned Fender Jazzmasters pushed through all manner of obscure Japanese fuzz pedals and coveted 80s rack-mount processors. As with the 2014 EP, the album was mixed by the peerless ears of Brad Wood (Smashing Pumpkins, Sunny Day Real Estate, Liz Phair, Veruca Salt). ''Our sound has shifted a bit in the past seven years, so the new record is trying to say more with fewer words,'' Peck notes. ''It's really drum heavy and super-sonic sounding.''