Bedouin Soundclash
Street Gospels
4.2/5

Who It’s For: Everyone who thought Bedouin would end up as one hit wonders
Sounds Like: Bedouin’s unique mix of rock and dub

Having a hit song like “When The Night Feels My Song,” though great for any band, usually leaves the impression with the cynics that they’ll never be able to follow it up with anything as good. The great thing about cynics – and Bedouin has plenty of them – is that they’re not always right.

After sitting on Street Gospels for roughly two years, Bedouin finally got it out and though, it would’ve been better suited for a spring release to capitalize on the summer sounds, it’s a better disc than most were expecting. Produced by Bad Brains’ Darryl Jenifer, who also makes a few appearances on the album, with guest appearances by Alexisonfire’s Wade MacNeil, Money Mark and Vernon Buckley, and you’ve got an album that’s anything but monotonous.

“Until We Burn In The Sun,” might very well be the best opener of the year, and should’ve been the first single. With its catchy beat and echo-y vocals, it’s the perfect summer song and will likely end up being a hit. But it’s the pretty ballad “12:59 Lullaby” that’s going to be the fan favourite. It seems like with Bedouin it’s the simple songs that work out the best.

Granted Street Gospels isn’t a perfect album – the harmonies on “Hush” are a little iffy – some might even say that it’s not enough of a change for the band, but it’s more diverse than Sounding A Mosaic and there are more potential hits on it. And really, the fans will love it, so who cares what the cynics say?

Track Listing:

1. Until We Burn In The Sun (The Kids Just Want A Love Song)
2. Walls Fall Down
3. St. Andrews
4. Trinco Dog
5. Hush
6. Bells Of 59
7. Higher Ground
8. 12:59 Lullaby
9. Nico On The Night Train
10. Gunships
11. Jealousy And The Get Free
12. Midnight Rocker
13. Hearts In The Night

- Alyssa Caplin  Posted Aug. 25/07