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The Constantines have an obvious affection for late 70’s punk, especially the Clash. In fact, singer Bryan Webb's voice sounds as if he’s channeling the late Joe Strummer. However, they are very careful not to plagiarize the infamous band but rather they take elements from many forms of music to create a distinguished vibe of their own.
Hailing from Ontario Canada, the Constantines self-titled debut was an instant hit with critics and listeners alike in their native country. The record would go on to be nominated for a Juno award for Best Alternative Album and almost broke the record for longest charting disc in Canadian campus radio.
Shine A Light, the Constantines debut for Sub Pop, picks up where the debut left off. With aggressive rhythms and a dual guitar assault, the group is unwittingly become a part of the punk rival movement. But unlike the White Stripes or the Strokes, this band tackles social and political issues without apology. This “no fluff” approach to songwriting is what sets the Constantines apart from the pack. Moreover, the complexities of some of the guitar arrangements are also what differentiate the band. Not afraid to experiment, they take a page out of the Tom Waits "how to" book for creating strange sounds using horns on ‘Goodbye Baby’. The band utilizes the acoustic guitar on a couple tracks. ‘Insectivora’ commences acoustic only to be joined by a bombardment of electric instrumentation.
With a middle finger raised high at anything or anyone established, the Constantines put meaning back into music just as Lou Reed did in the Velvet Underground in the 1960s.
TONY ENGELHART
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