The Weakerthans

Fallow (Sub City)
by Tim Den

Just because The Weakerthans include ex-members of such wonderful bands as Propagandhi and Elliott does not mean that you should love them right away. You should love them because they’re good. Sounding nothing like their former outfits, The Weakerthans play contemporary rock with the same introspection that made early John Cougar and Bruce Springsteen symbols of the working class. The Weakerthans are sincere in their social commentaries and feelings of alienation, and they’re not afraid to sing their point across instead of shouting it. The main theme that listeners should not lose sight of as they listen to Fallow: this is not a punk rock record (musically). The band is not interested in speed or muscles. They execute gorgeous, frail-but-tasty melodies over crunchy light-pop, and their songs can make you cry like a baby. They don’t “rock” in the general sense, but their feather-weight delivery conveys more desperation than any suburban pop-punk or hardcore band. However, this doesn’t mean The Weakerthans are “emo.” They’re simply rock musicians who know how to pen good tunes. They’ve taken their folk, country and classic rock influences and injected them with the punk spirit. Guitarist/vocalist John K. Samson’s voice is so touching that when he sings “to wonder when… wonderful” (“Diagnosis”) or “let’s make believe we’re strong, or hum some protest song” (“Confessions of a Futon-Revolutionist”), you shiver. It’s the voice of the common folk, sung by a group of seasoned musicians. This will surely become a classic.
(www.subcity.net)