Rikers - Islands [Import] - (Canada - Import) - [CD]

We want to make the coolest, most interesting pop music we can', says Ryan Kennedy, determined dynamo frontman of Southern Ontario's most deserving up-and-comers Rikers. 'We love Human League and Psychedelic Furs and also U2, Springsteen, INXS. We want to write cool songs but also want to write great anthems; songs people will sing along to.' The band's debut recording is the Islands EP, a perfect calling card to introduce all of the possibilities that Rikers presents. From the unconventionally romantic expressions of I Love You This Much to the he-said/she-said dialogue in Anywhere Else, one can find articulations of life's universality along with the novel renderings of a keenly observing lyricist. With musical inspirations rooted in the past but recast in today's hues, there is an echo of the familiar combined with an undeniably unique approach. The same could be said of so many artists' aspirations, the rarity is in pulling it off. Listening to Rikers is to be wrapped in shimmering melodies, to be shot through the heart with hungry hooks, to be transported by finding a soul in the voice.