WTD’s Advent Calendar – 19 – Stalwart Sons

Another offering from Alberta, Stalwart Sons are a band that blend Canadian-Americana (Canadiana?) and post-hardcore to good effect. Their sound brings to mind The Constantines crossed with Youthmovies

Their album, Stay Cold, is a frantic 25 minutes of abstract politcal statements dealing with Canada and Canadian nationalism (or rather pride, there’s no sinister right-wing agenda here). Lead singer Kevin Stebner, while clearly displaying a love of Canada (just look at the artwork), avoids the traditional love letter style eulogising to the great country and adopts a more realistic approach. In his nation things aren’t perfect but they certainly aren’t hopeless either. It’s a refreshingly balanced, pragmatic and overall hopeful record.

Wave More Flags by Stalwart Sons

Buy Stay Cold on Bandcamp. I also recommend having a read through the lyrics on Bandcamp on your first few listens, it can be hard to follow his gruff voice at first.