Such apocalyptic announcement is the title of The Dears' second album, which has recently become their first release in the US. Contributing since their 2001 debut to the efervescent Canadian indie scene, The Dears' influences are mainly and most notably British. Lead singer Murray A. Lightburn's affected vocals have an eerie resemblance to Blur's Damon Albarn, while the epic orchestration, emotional arrangements and dark, melodramatic lyrics evoke some of The Smiths' and Pulp's final albums. Mellow and introspective at times, aggressive sounding on occasion, No Cities Left ambitiously combines many diverse influences to produce an intense sound that may not be terribly original but is certainly never dull.
As an example, take a listen to their current UK single 'Lost in the Plot'. The powerful lyrics, majestic instrumentation and passionate delivery border on anthemic (especially the final minute) and make it one of the most memorable tracks in the album.
