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Arriving like the tragically fatal punch inflicted upon Apollo Creed by Ivan Drago in that harrowing Rocky IV scene, Tigers Jaw’s eponymous LP, released last year, was a shock to the system. But unlike the death of ‘The Dancing Destroyer,’ the shock that defined the Tigers Jaw LP was positive (a symptom of birth, not death) -- an album of astounding quality, flawless from start to finish. Yet while that shock has since worn off, it has now been replaced in equal measure by expectation and a yearning for more -- a yearning that has at least partially been quelled by the band’s latest release, the four-track Spirit Desire EP.

Indeed, fans will be pleased to hear that much like the Tigers Jaw album, the songwriting formulas here remain largely the same -- minimal verses that explode into hook-laden choruses, dual vocals discreetly harmonized to great effect and lyrics that document personal struggles, relationships and an apparent obsession with the sun.

Each song is pinned together with chord progressions that are never complex, rather, constructed around what is essentially a minimalist, simplistic utilization of hook and melody, and this is what makes Tigers Jaw so endearing: They take something small, something simple, and build upon it -- listen to the acoustic version of “Spirit Desire,” available on their Tour EP, and then compare it with the full-band version on this release and your eyes will be opened to their subtle genius.

However, while “Spirit Desire” and the modestly named “We Are Great, There Is Only One (Tigers Jaw)” are highlights that continue in the trend of the Tigers Jaw LP, “Crystal Vision” lacks any real punch and fades out just when it seems to be reaching a crescendo -- a fact compensated by the short but sweet bonus track “Meet Me at the Corner” that ends leaving the listener satisfied, but not overwhelmed -- a sentiment that is ironically definitive of this release overall, for Spirit Desire meets rather than exceeds one’s expectations, a release that doesn't surpass its predecessor, but like Apollo Creed, gives it its best shot.



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Tigers Jaw - Tigers JawJawbreaker - 24 Hour Revenge TherapyChuck Ragan - Gold CountryDillinger Four - C I V I L W A RThe Lawrence Arms - Buttsweat and Tears [7 inch]Propagandhi - Supporting CasteDead to Me - Little BrotherMinor Threat - Complete DiscographyOperation Ivy - Operation IvyBanner Pilot - Resignation Day



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    Posted by acris on 2009-09-25 01:15:01

    actually, I changed my mind. crystal vision isn't bad. haha.

    Posted by acris on 2009-08-17 14:31:36
    My Score:

    Good, but Crystal Vision is just bad

    Posted by the_other_scott on 2009-08-13 14:47:48

    i generally have the ability to like/dislike things whether or not the rest of the posters on this website do. in '98 I was 15 and my favorite bands were either on Fat or Epitaph or were the Murder City Devils, Rocket from the Crypt, At the Drive-In, or Operation Ivy. The Get Up Kids may have well as been Boys II Men to me at that point.

    Posted by inagreendase on 2009-08-13 10:40:38

    Yeah, see, outside of MattRamone, I think your outright hate of those bands is a rare thing on this website.

    Posted by the_other_scott on 2009-08-12 13:38:58

    not trying to be difficult, but this reminds me of the shit i hated in the 90s

    Such as...?

    Such as The Get Up Kids, Engine Down (maybe 2000's?), early JEW before they got all sugary and awesome, Sunny Day Real Estate, Braid etc.

    Like I said "reminds me of" and "hated in the 90s." Tiger's Jaw aren't carbon copies of anybody and there are some of those bands that I liked later in their career or with side proejcts etc, but a lot of these bands had the what I call "waiting for this song to go somewhere or get awesome" problem.

    Posted by inagreendase on 2009-08-12 13:03:35

    not trying to be difficult, but this reminds me of the shit i hated in the 90s

    Such as...?

    Posted by the_other_scott on 2009-08-12 08:40:58

    not trying to be difficult, but this reminds me of the shit i hated in the 90s. its funny to know that some of you mock "emo" or "hipster" shit but dig this.

    Posted by xshoutoutx on 2009-08-11 18:57:16
    My Score:

    Already going in as 2nd best 7" of the year, right behind The Larry Arms of course!!!

    Posted by franco on 2009-08-11 16:47:55

    These guys are seriously awesome. Brings me back to Vagrant's golden days and highschool. They don't make bands like this anymore

    Posted by gabbagabbamike on 2009-08-11 15:21:40
    My Score:

    Honestly, such an amazing band. I can't wait for their next full length - this EP has been played a lot in this house.

    Posted by Blackjaw_ on 2009-08-11 15:06:10
    My Score:

    Lovely.

    Posted by nick_heitman on 2009-08-11 13:09:34

    preorders for tigers jaw full length on vinyl coming soon.

    http://www.myspace.com/photoboothrecords
    photoboothreco rds.bigcartel.com

    check around there for updates.

    Posted by mikexdude on 2009-08-11 11:56:00

    Fantastic!

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