Territory is the follow up to the Charlottetown band’s Polaris Prize nominated and internationally acclaimed sophomore album, “Little Jabs”. Once again produced by Joel Plaskett, Territory builds on the promise of Little Jabs as the band continues to write and record sunny pop gems for the heart and head. Territory, however also finds Two Hours Traffic discovering the shadows at the side of the road. Right from the get go this becomes apparent as the gold into lead alchemy of the rousing opener Noisemaker kicks in and by the time the title track tells its tale of disillusionment and betrayal you know you are settling in for a drive on the darker side. Indeed, songs such as Weightless One, Drop Alcohol, Wicked Side, and Lost Boys all explore the approaching dusk but just like the more hopeful tracks on the album (Happiness Burns, Sing A Little Hymn) they all lock into the close your eyes, sing along choruses and instantly memorable lyrics that have put Two Hours Traffic on the melodic map.
Initially conceived as a two-piece, lead singer Liam Corcoran and guitarist Alec O’Hanley recruited bassist Andrew MacDonald and drummer Derek Ellis while attending university in their hometown of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. After releasing their “April Storm” EP in 2003 a friendship was struck up with Halifax hero Joel Plaskett who offered to produce the band’s first proper album. They’ve been working together ever since. While their eponymous debut and their follow up “Isolator” EP were received warmly by critics, it wasn’t until 2007’s breakthrough “Little Jabs” that the world really took notice. Appearing on dozens of year-end best of lists, Little Jabs also garnered an ECMA for Best Pop Recording and was a finalist for the coveted Polaris Music Prize. Add to this, three coast to coast tours, appearances at festivals such as Hillside, CMJ and SXSW and shows across the Atlantic and you have one of the most visible and successful Canadian independent acts of the last two years.
The road is indeed calling once again and with the strength of song on their side, Two Hours Traffic will continue to drive through both the brightening dawn and the darkening dusk. Bringing their Territory to yours. | |
