Eamon McGrath: Young Canadians

Eamon McGrath
Young Canadians
White Whale Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Eamon McGrath's third record Young Canadians is a rousing and solid expansion of his country-punk spirit that represents his best yet!

Album Review:
"My life could be a broken record by Canada's Ramones" and "Rock and roll won't ever be the same" are two disclaiming confession statements by Eamon McGrath on his excellent third record Young Canadians. They of course occur in just the opening low key first track "Eternal Adolescence" that sets the stage for the 23 year old's ever evolving style of rock.

"Instrument Of My Release" is the second track on the record that instantly kicks Young Canadians in gear with its much bigger sound of pounding drums and guitar. The track is one of McGrath's most vocally clean deliveries as he ups the ante and showcases more range of his gruff weathered voice. "Pain Of Love" slows things back down as its mid-tempo pace has both sing along moments that are true scorchers and then quickly transitions and puts McGrath's passionate vocals out front.

Young Canadians succeeds on several fronts but the most prominent has to be McGrath's balance of bigger rockers like the title track to songs that feature just him and his guitar such as the memorable "Auditorium". The other mix here is songs like the closing "Saskatoon, SK" that starts off pleasantly treading along until it absolutely explodes into big soaring rock out moments with McGrath almost blowing out his voice to an almost scream level before it settles right back into a calm guitar line and flow. This ability to quickly move tempos up and down gives Young Canadians its catchy pulse!

Eamon McGrath is still an up and comer on the music scene, especially here in the States, but with more exposure he is sure to build a bigger fanbase as Young Canadians represents his best outing yet. At such a young age his country-punk sound is continually evolving as well as his confidence in his vocals. This growth shines on Young Canadians as it incorporates more of a rock side that only gets better after every spin. Eamon McGrath is one of those artists that you can claim to your friends that you found him first and honestly you will be glad you did as each song here is just infectious!

Key Tracks: "Instrument Of My Release", "Saskatoon, SK", "Great Lakes"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Bruce Springsteen
Leeroy Stagger
Buffalo Tom

Eamon McGrath: Peacemaker [Fire Note Review 10/12/10]

Eamon McGrath Website
Eamon McGrath Facebook
White Whale Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony