Every Thursday, Pop Addict presents infectious tunes from contemporary musicians across indie rock, pop, folk, electronica, and more.
The Dears: Degeneration Street (Dangerbird, 2/15/11)
The Dears: “Blood”
[audio:https://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/TheDears-Blood.mp3|titles=The Dears: “Blood”]Following its 2006 tour in support of Gang of Losers, the existence of Montreal indie-rock band The Dears was questionable at best. A relentless touring and recording schedule fueled tensions within the band, and, despite its success in Canada and abroad, it fractured.
However, lead vocalist and songwriter Murray Lightburn and keyboardist Natalia Yanchak pushed forward, recording the stripped-down Missiles in 2008. Now it looks to stabilize a relatively rocky period in its 15-year history with its new album, Degeneration Street.
The Dears’ fifth album, Degeneration Street is a reunion of sorts. Guitarists Patrick Krief and Robert Benvie, who departed following the Gang of Losers tour, have returned, as has early-era bassist, Roberto Arquilla. With newcomer Jeff Luciani on drums, this is arguably its most stable lineup in years.
