TOPS, the Edmonton-born, Montreal-based sophisti-disco pop rock outfit, has been one of the Canadian bands leading the retro pop charge, and all the press around their new album, Bury The Key, promised their darker take on disco. I would have loved this, but sadly, save for a few punkier guitar solos and maybe some lyrics about feeling disillusioned, Bury The Key is not very dark.
But that’s OK ’cause it’s classic TOPS; sweet vocal harmonies from lyricist Jane Penny, and a few flute solos, funky synth disco grooves, a vintage glam aesthetic, tight production, everything you want from them. “Wheels at Night,” brings that jazzy funk vibe with shimmering synths and ’70s guitar twang. Even a song like “Annihilation,” a dark name, sure, makes you want to get up and dance; you can’t ignore the bass line and cheery synths. I guess there are few more minor-y synth breakdowns, but a dark album this does not make. “Falling on my Sword,” with it’s post-punky guitar edge is the closest we get to a truly “evil TOPS,” but again, because it’s TOPS, it doesn’t matter. “Chlorine,” is the band firing on all cylinders; an ear candy synth, Penny’s angelic falsettos, steady drums and bass, jazzy slide guitar, gorgeous.
Bury The Key is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Every song is catchy, every song is a well-written and produced banger.
