CD of The Week

Canadian indie rockers Tokyo Police Club have been longtime Y-Not favorites, going back to their 2007 EP A Lesson In Crime. During the making of last year’s TPC album Forcefield, singer/bassist Dave Monks moved to New York City from his "home and native land" of Canada. Monks also got into a new relationship, which helped inspire the songs that make up his first solo release, the EP All Signs Point To Yes.

The six song set is full of minimalist, charming tunes, kicking off with the handclaps and keyboards of “Vegas.” You’ve heard the single “Gasoline” here on Y-Not Radio, which is actually one of the mellower tracks on the EP, with its tasteful brushed drums and keyboard flourishes. “The Rules” is a standout, bringing the hooks that Monks is known for from TPC, and culminating into almost a mini-Arcade Fire catharsis at the very end. “Heartbeat Blues” is a wistful song about feeling invisible to people all around you.

In the end, All Signs Point To Yes is a slight but very likeable collection of winning songs. Monks has been on a short solo tour which wraps up right here in Philadelphia on Thursday night (7/9) at Milkboy for Y-Not Radio’s 5th Anniversary Show! Come hang out with us, Monks and opener Fort Lean! (Enter to win tickets here.)