While maintaining their icy bravado, the group delivers a smooth set of rambling rock that paints a stark picture.  Their debut album, Apologies to Queen Mary, introduced their nearly signature brothers-in-arms, gritty pop with hyper a pace, while At Mount Zoomer reduces the temperature further, giving a jazz-rock-from-an-ice-cave feel. 

The opening track, "Soldier's Grin", kicks off the trademark lo-fi party with a cavernous garage-pop ballad.  With a reverbed sound that's as if no one's within 100 feet of them, Wolf Parade distances itself from the crowd in several ways.  "Call It a Ritual" is a hypnotic roller that and "California Dreamer" is explosive, electric rock stomp, and both command a presence in a don't-get-too-close teeth knash.  "Language City", "Fine Young Cannibals", and the closer, "Kissing the Beehive" gives a cold shoulder to the tapping energy of before and focus with a more deliberate, sharper edge.  

Overall, At Mount Zoomer is a deliberate, glacial effort that well represents the experience of its members.  With a powerful collective wisdom, Wolf Parade are able to produce an uncommon mix of lively and difficult rock.  The multi-headed monster led by Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug grind out a rock-solid effort that's filled with excitingly treacherous grooves.

MP3 Stream: "Soldier's Grin"

-Chris Fore
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