THE ILLUMINATI

Throwback, '70s-drenched rock sure seems to be all the rage these days, and labels like Liquor and Poker just keep churning out mostly quality releases in this vein. Just wait for the next LEADFOOT release. I still go back to DIRTY AMERICANS' "Strange Generation" as being one of the best examples of the style that never got its due stateside, but I'm digressing again. With "On Borrowed Time" by Toronto trio THE ILLUMINATI, the approach is one of brief songs with arrangements that breathe and an impressive pop sensibility. The result is an enjoyable album that rocks and gives the listener opportunities galore for toe tapping and finger snapping.

The key ingredient on "On Borrowed Time" is the manner in which the three-piece creates so much with so little. Guitarist Les Godfrey creates a plethora of riffs that can be flashy, filthy, and fluid, sometimes in the same song. Bassist Nick Sewell holds down the bottom with peppy lines and thick licks, while drummer Jim Gering injects a great deal of coloration. Throughout the album's 14 tracks you'll find all of these qualities interspersed with blues shakes, jazzy interludes, and a whole lot of boogie woogie. Vintage soloing is heard all over the place as well. Boogie shuffle and pop goodness infuse tracks like "Black Russian Blues", while "Message Home" features some fantastic rhythm dynamics and a catchy chorus. The title track is perhaps the height of tunefulness with a lounge music vibe that marries gritty, yet flowing, guitars and a very memorable chorus. The band will then turn sharply into bluesy licks and boogie jumping on "Goin' Down". It all works exceptionally well in a spirited, ass shaking kind of way, no matter the tune.

THE ILLUMINATI is designed for those folks that get their kicks from bands like fellow Canadians DANKO JONES and their ilk. It's fun for the whole family, except maybe for that grindcore-obsessed uncle that spends his days in the basement with a fifth of Wild Turkey and pack of Lucky Strikes.