Invasives are a new take on an established band, Vancouver's Married to Music. Having decided their band name was, to say the least, not very good, the trio altered their moniker to a moderately less silly name. But more importantly, in the time since their last release, 2005's Sweet Kicking and Screaming, the band has significantly improved their songwriting and musical approach.

At the core, Invasives have not modified the band's basic sound. Featuring a Helmet/Prong sort of taut riffing with Wire-esque drumming (to the point and never showy) with the trademark high pitched singing from guitarist Byron Slack, Invasives have simply grown as a unit to finally release an album that, if all is far in the world, should impress the heck out of people. On first listen, some might note that the eleven songs lack an all out barnburner in terms of sheer speed. However, that omission is quickly forgotten when one realizes how much more dynamic and impressive the songs are. While obstensibly doing very little different than their Married to Music days, Invasives just step up what they do well. The band finally have added some backing vocals, which adds a nice extra dimension. But most importantly, the songs on their Invasives debut are among the best they've ever written. "Like You Never Lived" is a veritable epic with by far their best structured song to date. "Dancing on a Grave" breaks out their excellence at razor edged stop-go riffing. "Who You Are" is a fine example of their sense of fun and energy.

Technically, this album will officially be released in early 2008, although I've had a copy since earlier this summer. It is, by far, the best new album I've heard in 2007 and would qualify for album of the year were it actually released this calendar year. For the handful of people who have been impressed with Married to Music, there's no need to fear the name change has altered the band's impressive sound. With luck, the trio will finally begin to established a beachhead in a music scene crowded with bands who don't even deserve to carry drummer Hans Anus' dirty stage clothes.

Review by John Chedsey

Review date: 11/2007

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