Tokyo Police Club

Champ (Mom + Pop)

By Melissa Bobbitt
Published: June 10th, 2010 | 7:00am

“It’s good to be back,” proclaims singer-bassist David Monks on the fabulously chilled “Breakneck Speed.” Backed by Josh Hooks’ ’80s-flavored guitar plinks and a righteous bit of tambourine, the lead single off Canadian foursome Tokyo Police Club’s sophomore LP is the ideal reintroduction.

Whereas the tracklist off its 2008 full-length debut, Elephant Shell (Saddle Creek), was more breakneck than this new offering, Champ is particularly triumphant in its variety. The jovial spazz of “Wait Up (Boots of Danger)” is a throwback to its familiar frenetic sound, while “Favourite Food” is a sobering, slow-tempo dirge of Stars caliber. “Your knees are scratched / And your eyes are black,” Monks dictates in an uncharacteristically haggard tone. He starts beaten and pessimistic, but by the final song, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs-ish “Frankenstein,” he’s repeating “It’s good to be back,” ruminating on his ultimate success in crafting a stellar dance-and-ponder record.

Champ is like “On the Waterfront” in reverse—TPC will be a contender, for indie rock longevity. The album is timely and effervescent, speckled with just the right amount of maturity. (See the weary musing of “The breakfast of champions is a hedonistic hell” on the drowsy “Hands Reversed.”) It’ll also easily qualify for a coveted spot in magazines’ Best of 2010 lists. As long as critics can forgive the band for namedropping Sonny & Cher and K-Ci & JoJo in “Favourite Colour”’s grinning-fool lyrics.

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Mom + Pop Records