One of the more slightly awkward questions asked in the course of small talk is often, “Who’s your favourite band?” -You’re supposed to answer, “I don’t have one favourite, but I like…” which will lead to a discussion of genres and tastes. I am one of the few with a definitive answer: Constantines. I can’t recall the first time I heard them, but it would have been on CD, their first, self-titled 2000 release. It came in a beautiful hand-made package that contained a wooden match, an appropriate way to light a long creative fuse that led to 2002’s brilliant Shine a Light, through to the even stronger Tournament of Hearts in 2005, and culminating now in the explosive Kensington Heights.

I love that they are a real band—five distinct and original musicians working together to produce this democratic roar of music. Primary vocalist Bry Webb has a beautiful, distinct voice—rasping, plaintive, yet powerful and fluid. His lyrics are just as unique—a strong, observant writer full of feeling and whimsy and insight, a writer who gently distorts the world and makes us hear it in a new way. This unique voice is set to equally unique music—drummer Doug MacGregor and bassist Dallas Werhle split open the seams of regular rock patterns and stitch together something surprising and distinct, while multi-instrumentalist Will Kidman, along with Webb and Steve Lambke (who is also brilliant in his role as sometime vocalist/lyricist) on guitar, embroider something challenging and instinctually melodic.