Album Review: Our Lady Peace -Curve- (4/6)

With Our Lady Peace’s tendency to go years between albums, the mere existence Curve is as much of a surprise as some of the stylistic changes are. 

One part gravely rocker, one part melodic balladeer, singer Raine Maida's vocal style is anything but conventional, without being bizarre.  Exploring a deep baritone as well as a whispering tenor is simply expected from Maida.  Throw in wicked passion and beautifully constructed lyrics and you have quite a sound. 

This album explores a sound that is closer to Raine Maida's solo work than the familiar alternative rock sound of Burn Burn (2009). Folk sentiments rub elbows with the hard edges and an almost tribal drum style. Duncan Coutts 's use of slap bass is a wonderful throwback to their first album  

Naveed (1994) with its raw where some of the lead guitar work is softened and ethereal without losing the teeth this album has grown. There is a distinctly more urgent feel to Curve than previous albums. Unlike many artist Our Lady Peace has done anything but soften with age, if anything they've found something to feed the fire.

Curve also has a more manipulated sound; it feels like Our Lady Peace spent more time mixing than usual. The amount of effort really shows through in this polished, yet raw album.

(4/6)