Simple, yet extremely compelling, Falklands’ debut LP, Think About It, is a definite throwback to the heydays of good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. Powered by overdriven guitars, thriving bass rhythms, exhilarating drums and strong vocals, these ten tracks evoke a sense of style and class—despite the homely set up of it all. Falklands deliver a retrospective sound that is sorely missed in the music world. The songs found on Think About It evoke a sense of youth, bridging the gap between the generation that grew up listening to Thin Lizzy and the Replacements, allowing newcomers to the genre to gain a common appreciation for all that is pleasant to the ears.
Produced by Jesse Gander (behind acts such as the the Tranzmitors, Japandroids), Think About It delivers on most fronts. The musicianship is top-notch, but rather elementary; the guitar work is clever and entertaining, but not very technical. Solos are sparse amidst the reminiscently crunchy riffs. No one aspect of the music is overpowering. Gander has done an excellent job at making sure the music flows together and really sings. The album lacks some diversity, but it holds up well in the end by changing the tone of each song. From “Saint Vinny,” a hard, balls-to-the-wall rocker, to the slower and more ballad-like “Hell Is Up,” this album delivers enough variety to stay interesting throughout. There are some clever licks to be found on each track, and “Yellow Rose” has the most fond guitar playing (and guitar solos) found on the release, but alas, it’s the drumming that steals the show: precise, strong and a contributing force to the Falklands’ sonic landscapes.
Lyrically, the band does a fair job conveying meaning; the songs are not mindless messes of poetry, but rather crafted pieces of thought. “Earthquake,” for example, is a very pop-driven track, and thankfully, not void of meaning. Simple lines, like “Should I sacrifice / another healthy laugh for your excessive taste” may seem trivial, but hold well in context—nothing too deep or too obscure, but just right to get across a point and have a good time all at once.
The Falklands deliver something that is scarce in bands today: fun. They’re young, adventitious, and definitely talented, a small jewel from the cold borders of Canada. Full of energy, it’s no surprise that this quartet can bring the best of both power-pop and classic rock into a tempting package that just evokes the thrill of good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll in the hearts of both young and old. Capturing the moment, these boys sure know how to steal the show.
