[4/5]
Given how unadventurous most native rock acts have been of late, Street Gospels is reason enough to open the borders to more Canadians. Ontario-based trio Bedouin Soundclash truly outdo themselves with their third album, blending a wide variety of musical styles with seamless sophistication. While their palette is still colored by a dub-inflected undercurrent, the arrangements go far beyond anything they've attempted to date. The opener, "Until We Burn In The Sun (The Kids Just Want A Love Song)," begins like a shimmering Britpop number before transforming into a bustling dub-rocker, offering a hint of what's to come. "Walls Fall Down" alternates a "Rudi Can't Fail" bounce with a jangly, harmony-enriched, Crowded House-style chorus, and if weren't for the faintest whiff of dub, "St. Andrews" could be a Buddy Holly tune. "Nico On The Night Train" slinks along like '60s cabaret-pop, "Bells Of 59" apes the Alarm's folk-punk, and "Hush" offers gorgeous a capella gospel harmonies. Street Gospels is an inspiring demonstration of breadth. (SIDEONEDUMMY) Chris Parker
 Official Website: http://www.sideonedummy.com
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