Halfway through listening to the Constantines’ “Lizavetta,” one of the tracks on their great new album, Tournament of Hearts, I made a startling discovery. The Constantines share a lot of sonic similarities to current critical cum-rag (in a good way) TV On the Radio. There’s something common about both groups’ vocal arrangements. “Lizavetta” employs the same laidback melody over a rumbling bassline that TV On the Radio has often used on their best tracks. The main difference is that where TV On the Radio sound like a sidewalk prophet in the midst of hookers, pimps, drugs and neon lights, Guelph, Ontario’s the Constantines sound like sidewalk prophets in the midst of motherfucking Armageddon! TV On the Radio bemoan the decay and corruption of society – drug addicts and sex workers. The Constantines bemoan the collapse of cities – crumbling buildings and fire. Deep blues and blacks surround TV On the Radio’s sad croon. The Constantines cry out under billowy grays and browns. Where TV On the Radio call out “Young Liars,” the Constantines are calling out for “Young Lions.”
Speaking of comparisons, I haven’t even mentioned the likes of Fugazi, Bruce Springsteen or the Clash yet. These artists are repeatedly referenced when discussing the Constantines sound (“Bruce Springsteen fronting Fugazi playing Clash covers”). On Tournament of Hearts, the Constantines further distance themselves from these lazy but you-kinda-know-it’s-true comparisons. Will Kidman’s keyboards are far more effectively employed here than they were on the band’s previous effort Shine A Light. The coda of “Love in Fear” contains a keyboard that absolutely pierces through the band’s asshole-tight groove and the incredible “Thieves” wouldn’t exist without Kidman’s efforts.
Also an improvement from the band’s back catalogue is secondary singer Steve Lambke. On past releases, Lambke’s tracks were grating and often ill-fitted for his nasal and weak voice. This time around, Lambke fronts the aforementioned “Thieves” and the tender, Iron & Wine-esque “Windy Road” with tremendous results. He may not pack the same kind of ferocious punch that lead vocalist Bryan Webb does, but Lambke is certainly coming into his own.
Despite the minor advancements, however, the comparisons to the previously mentioned artists will always remain. But maybe it’s a good thing. In addition to some of the aesthetic similarities, the Constantines share something special with those artists. Like Fugazi, Springsteen and the Clash before them, the Constantines give the listener the feeling that the music they’re hearing is the most important music in the world. It’s hard not to lump a song like “Working Fulltime” in with classics like Fugazi’s “Merchandise,” Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” and the Clash’s “Guns of Brixton.” All four sound like the work of artists with something urgent and important to say. The Constantines deliver their music with a force and urgency that can only be found in the very best. |