One of the mid-’00s Toronto indie acts to truly break out, Tokyo Police Club have placed their career on Saddle Creek Records making twinkly, glock-infused love songs that always rest on indecision. Champ (2010) wasn’t a grave departure for the foursome, which tends to build slack mania out of Cars guitars and stomping drumbeats, but it’s an important step for a band ready to move beyond opening slots for Phoenix and Weezer. Like a kid moving out of his parents’ basement, their best is hopefully yet to come.
This article appears in Feb 3-9, 2011.