If you’ve heard anything from Plants and Animals, chances are this is the record you’ve been waiting long and hard for. From the band’s 2008 excellent debut album Parc Avenue to the several fantastic live shows the band has played in the city in the last two years, P&A could be the best band in Montreal these days. If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to pick up a copy of La La Land when it reaches your record store later this month. Needless to say, it ain’t no sophomore slump. Land opens with Tom Cruz, an instant classic of menacing guitar riffs and vocal hooks that sets the standard for the remainder of the album. Luckily, it never fails. Every track is so intoxicating and inventive that I could probably write a separate review of each one individually. Instead I’ll just say this: if you play indie rock in this country, you better watch your back. The bar just got raised.

Published in Volume 64, Number 25 of The Uniter (April 1, 2010)