Album Review: Sam Roberts Band – Lo-Fantasy

Sam Roberts, Canada’s most handsome rocker, dropped his fifth studio album February 11th to relatively little fanfare, in the typical humility we have come to expect from Sam. Lo-Fantasy continues the great trend of his last album Collider, and, as with all of his albums, is centred on Robert’s fantastic knack for writing memorable, catchy lyrics. Sam and his band have also possibly taken cues from fellow Montrealers Arcade Fire in adding a distinct disco sound to Lo-Fantasy. This sound is most obvious on the tracks “Metal Skin” and the lead off pop-rock blast “Shapeshifters.” However, the classic Sam Roberts Band sound comes through loud and clear on a song like “We’re All in This Together,” which takes the place of Collider’s “Last Crusade,” with some epic sax riffage and a chorus catchy enough for Hockey Night in Canada. Nonetheless, this album presents an odd mixture of future looking, disco-tinged electro numbers, and rock tracks that follow the typical Sam Roberts Band trajectory. Perhaps the band was worried about alienating fans by going all the way with the disco electro feel? -Note the deluxe album comes with a addition disc of remixes that definitely do take this new theme all the way.

However, my favourite track, “Too Far” does a great job of bringing in the new with its distorted synth bass bridge and jangling guitars, all while blending with a classic SR catchy, anthemic hook. It’s a fantastic song.

Rating: 8/10

Favourite Tracks:

"Too Far" (linked can't embed)



Plus a track from the remix disc: