Dark Sky Sanctuary

So great is my affinity for Brampton's newly archived Freeways that while flying back home last month over Ontario, had half a mind to somersault out of the plane by parachute simply to land closer to this well established object of affectation, one which has long dominated passion for classic 70s sounding, highly melodic rock n' roll (...bordering on heavy metal, of course.) Their accurately titled 2020 debut, True Bearings, had already won me over for all time, and it stands to reason I was just as excited about the ruling quartet's recent eight track sophomore, Dark Sky Sanctuary, graced by further classically Canadian cover art.

However, I've to admit it doesn't quite fan the flames as much as True Bearings, partly because the band outdid themselves the first time. Also, the joy and magic of discovery has dissolved, not to mention fact expectations were at all an all-time high. That said, they're still excellent songs here, while the clear production permits each instrument to make its mark. Opener "Forever Protected" noodles ahead with an upbeat and rollicking, Blood Star-meets-Gygax style. The dreamy and ephemeral "Can't Deny Destiny" features a Flight-like harmony and lead, while the bass dominant "Give Em The Gears" displays the gang at its most energetic and playful, with its fast pace and bluesy shred. Its overt rock flavor and Johnny B. Good evoking lead additionally recall Cloven Altar and Night Demon's namesake track from 2012.

Although "Travelling Heart" is a little underwhelming, "Fortune's Favourite" and "Private Myth" redeem things thanks to former's catchy, Blue Oyster Cult-ish chorus and latter's clever, Persian sounding passages which instill same nostalgic catharsis as Dire Strait's incredibly crafty "Sultans Of Swing", a memorable staple from my childhood where Mark Knopfler duly shines. Five minute plus, rather "heavy" closer "Cracked Shadow" wraps the dusky package up...until yet another much anticipated third effort.

Despite slight dip in cult-status factoring, Dark Sky Sanctuary is devoid of outright filler, again proving how a brief album format works in spades, particularly for Freeways' ever accessible, mega-radio conducive driving anthems which gladly take the place of say, Bachman Turner Overdrive or Trooper during long haul road trips across such a ridiculously expansive country. From coast to coast, clustered alongside the T-Can, citizens across the land are loudly proud of their latest national treasure.