Think if Billy Bragg’s consciousness was born into the skin of Johnny Peebucks of the Swingin’ Utters: that self-effacing, self-loathing, street-wise, community-friendly, rough poetry backed by fiery, tuneful musicianship. Canadian Rifle is also similar to Off With Their Heads, in the fact that it’s catchy as all hell, and you’ll be singing along at the top of your lungs… to sickness. I don’t know how they’ve fused the acute awareness of one’s own shortcomings into rollicking anthems, but they have. Good stuff. Yet, if you only have a couple bucks and have to decide: “This 7” or the one on Squirrel Heart?” I’d go with Squirrel Heart.
–todd (Criminal IQ)