The sophomore slump is a difficult trend to circumvent as a band, and Wolf Parade has only slightly overcome the challenge. With their latest, At Mount Zoomer, named after the church it was recorded in, the Wolf Parade has definitely slowed to more of a walk. Mellower music has as good a potential to be amazing as any, but when a high energy band sacrifices such energy for a slower sound, that is when we run into problems. Apologies to the Queen Mary was full of life. You can feel the power with every listen, from the clashing drums on “You are a Runner, and I am my Father’s Son” to the album’s finish. With Mount Zoomer, the rabid Wolves have noticeably calmed. The sound remains very much Wolf Parade–overpowering synth, pianos, high speed licking elctro-infused guitars, and of course, those hoarse but pleasant vocals– retaining their unique and great qualities, but it doesn’t necessarily draw the listener in with its pure energy, like its predecessor. It is more than adequate, but has fewer hi-lights. Mt. Zoomer is definitely worth a good amount of your time, but unless it grows on me I think I’ll stick to accepting their apologies.
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