By Keir Bristol
The Dears are an indie-rock band from Quebec that have been around since 1995. Their latest album, Degeneration Street is a soon to be classic. Take a look…
The Dears' Frontman, Murray Lightburn
For those who are not familiar with The Dears, the lead singer pictured above is sometimes nicknamed “Black Morrissey,” because of his vocal similarity to the former Smith’s frontman. Musically though, The Dears sound more like Young Galaxy or The Stills.
Degeneration Street will be released on Tuesday, February 15, but you can stream the album here. The first single off of the album, “Omega Dog,” is fittingly the first song on the album as well. Not only does it set the tone for the rest of the album, but it’s also easily one of the catchiest songs you will ever hear based off of a bible verse (Luke 6:38, “Pressed down, shaken together– running over.”)
The Dears – Degeneration Street
Supposedly the second single off of the album is to be “Thrones,” which is a fine choice. But the band could have just as easily gone with “Blood,” a slightly edgier song with steely guitar riffs, or “5 Chords”, a song with lyrics based on a prayer to God for a second chance.
“Lamentation” continues with the Biblical theme as Lightburn croons lyrics such as, “We believe what the prophecy said / those billion of souls / on the edge / I’m only interested in one of them.” The catchiest tune “Yesteryear” harkens to a musical style a la Girls meet the Generationals. Songs like “Stick With Me Kid” and title song “Degeneration Street” slow things down for a more somber feel. The latter features some darker lyrics as well, “I hear there’s no rest for the wicked / so I won’t be sleeping when I’m dead.”
If the Bible is your thing, have fun dissecting Lightburn’s lyrics, but if not, the album is still worth checking out.
Click here to watch the music video for “You and I Are A Gang of Losers,” by the Dears.
Click here to read my review on Lady Gaga’s new single, “Born This Way.”