After the mammoth assault of 2011's perfect David Comes to Life rock opera, genre-defying Toronto punks Fucked Up return with the summer record you never knew you needed but always hoped you'd get. The album's multiple guitar tones are incredibly uplifting, Damian Abraham's vocals are still rabid barks and growls (but he's annunciating now, so you can hear the lyrics) and drummer Jonah Falco is all over this thing, providing back-up vocals, piano and guitar. The guest stars don't jump out at you (J. Mascis' "follow you around" chant on "Led By Hand" blends seamlessly, while Gord Downie and George Pettit are equally stealthy contributors) as the record as a whole is the true star here. Glass Boys, like all of Fucked Up's albums, is meant to be experienced as a complete piece (the band is known for its un-collectable list of single releases) and I recommend experiencing it. Loudly.  

Published in Volume 68, Number 28 of The Uniter (July 2, 2014)