This band has grown from a weekly spot at Toronto’s Dakota Tavern to an album of originals. Equal parts twang and bounce, The Beauties seem to have sprung from the same 1980s fount as Blue Rodeo and the late Handsome Ned: music for hipsters and hicks alike to drink beer by. Four of the six write, so this has unusual breadth for a debut. Shawn Creamer’s lament to the sky “Heart of Stone” balances Darin McConnell’s rousers like “Die Die Die.” The tune that’ll stick with you is Derek Downham’s “You Wish Better For Me,” warm sentiment laced with incendiary echo. They really should do another.
This article appears in Jul 1-7, 2010.
Love this band, love this record. This album feels a lot more orchestral than their live show, and it works for them. And what they say is true: ain’t nobody gonna love me like the devil do.