From the opening explosion of the debut album, Roger, from the Evanston band The Canoes on the track "We'll Meet in Minnesota" I knew I was hearing something special. The band has such a full sound, that borrows from some of the best bands of the early '90's like Cracker and Dinosaur Jr. It so refreshing to hear that straightforward fuzzed out roar of the guitar again, and that sound carries through out the album.

Thematically the album deals heavily with what it means to live in the Midwest and specifically Chicago (see, "Illinois, Chicago"). You can tell this is a home recording and at times the vocals get a bit washed out, but this is solid debut from a band with a lot potential and an approach that more bands should embrace. You can download Roger for free from the band's bandcamp page.

The Canoes are performing on July 28th at Abbey Pub with The Singleman Affair and Jesse W. Johnson.