(Forward Music Group, Jan. 15, 2008)

Some days I really just want to pack up shop and move to the East Coast. Call it the whimsy of being near the ocean or simply the draw of great east coast indie rock coming out of places like Halifax, either way I’m gradually living vicariously through the imaginary version of myself who romantically schleps fish in the Maritimes.

My latest reason to seek a breath of sea-salted air comes by way of Turn Into Vapour, the new release from Halifax’s Sleepless Nights. To put it simply, this album is just straight up, unpretentious indie rock that stands up to countless listens. Of course, I shouldn’t have expected anything less, seeing as the band contains half of endearing Halifax duo, The Superfantastics (whose album, Pop-Up Book, made my list of favourite unsung Canadian albums of 2007). Granted, the songs on display here contain an arguably fuller sound, given that the Sleepless Nights boast at least six members, but there’s definitely a similar gift for crafting catchy tunes to be heard. Overall I’d liken them more to Mardeen, yet another Halifax band who have a penchant for delivering upbeat and highly enjoyable indie-rock tunes (and who were also featured in the aforementioned 2007 list).

That said, all comparisons aside, when it comes to Turn Into Vapour I have to admit that I was sold immediately upon having heard the first two tracks. What can I say, the one-two punch of the bouncy romp “Allyson Got Robbed” and the riff-tastic “Got Caught” (previously featured here) gives you everything you need to know to get on board with this release: the songs are upbeat and well-crafted, the backup vocals are endearing, and the guitar is explosive and melodic (all of which can be heard on “All Andrews Friends”)—that’s a pretty damn good formula for tuneful indie rock success in my book.

There’s also something to be said for a band who knows when not to force a mood, as, clocking in at just over 37 minutes, Turn Into Vapour delivers its medicine and is out the door before leaving any signs of a bad aftertaste. I’ve said it before and I’ll no doubt say it again, but too often does it seem as though a band reaches for the double digit track listing only to sacrifice the overall quality of an album—give me a short, quality release over a few good tracks sandwiched between filler any day!

Of course, don’t let that give the impression that Sleepless Nights can’t rock the odd lengthy number, as album closer, “Breathe Deep Tornado,” is an 8 minute, slow-burning escalator that caps off the short release in epic fashion.

Look out Halifax, I’m packing my bags!

—

Check out a track from Turn Into Vapour below:

Sleepless Nights - Allyson Got Robbed

The band also have a whole whack of dates scheduled for the next few months, including Jan. 27 at Sneaky Dee’s and Jan. 28 at Lee’s Palace, so check out their Myspace page for more info.