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ACTION PACT
(BMG International)
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Canada’s answer to the Posies, Sloan have earned a reputation as dependable purveyors of upbeat, high-energy, hook-and-harmony-filled guitar pop, with retro leanings that demonstrate the depth of their musical knowledge. On Action Pact, they stay the course. Chunky power chords propel "Gimme That"; big guitars, crisp harmonies, and a faux arena-rock sensibility pervade the album. "False Alarm," with its chiming Rickenbacker guitars, and the moody, mid-tempo "Nothing Lasts Forever Anymore" offer a welcome respite from the anthemic guitar bashing. Unfortunately, Action Pact also offers repetitive filler like "Ready for You" and "Reach Out." Sloan are better than most at going through the motions, but they know better than to undermine what might have been an outstanding album with half a dozen tunes that are merely good enough.
