(Independent, 2008)

There’s a lot to like on Homebodies, the debut album from Nova Scotia’s Construction and Destruction. Granted, with 15 tracks resulting in over an hour of music, there is A LOT on this album in general. In fact, my biggest criticism of Homebodies is simply that there’s just too much.

That said, things start out strong—and short—with the melodic and lush “Feet.” This brief introduction to David Trenaman and Colleen Collins is immediate evidence that they know their way around a catchy tune, a trait that is demonstrated quite often over the next 14 tracks as well. In fact, most of the songs on Homebodies are very enjoyable in their own right. I suppose my attention span just can’t cope with an hour and seven minutes straight of much of anything.

Breaking it into three chunks, there are some great tunes towards the beginning of the album, such as early standout “The Unconsolable,” which is delicate, determined and lovely. However, things start to wane slightly around the middle of the record, with certain tracks wandering a bit aimlessly (“The Detective”). The steam definitely picks up again though, as, for my money, the final segment of Homebodies is by far the strongest. There’s just some real power in the colourful grouping of “Batteries”—which has the amicable zest of a hot-air balloon ride—“Thank You”—reminiscent of the wayward grace of Neutral Milk Hotel—and the alternately charming and raucous fun of “The Long Now.” Were these last 4 or 5 tracks an EP I’d be forcing it on everyone I know. As it stands they serve to admirably reinvigorate the album.

Basically, an impressive collection of songs as is, were it paired down to 10 or so of the best tracks Homebodies could have been something really great. That said, Construction and Destruction have definitely proven they’re a band to watch.

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Check out a couple of tracks from Homebodies below:

Construction and Destruction - The Unconsolable

Construction and Destruction - Thank You

Hear more at Construction and Destruction’s Myspace page.