Shout Out Out Out Out: Spanish Moss and Total Loss

Nrmls Wlcm Records

BY: Amil Niazi

GRID RATING: 7/10

USER RATINGS: 1 Star

It’s been three years since Edmonton crew Shout Out Out Out Out released their last album, Reintegration Time, which is a long stretch of time to be without a new dose of the group’s infectious, danceable blend of pop, disco, and house. Spanish Moss and Total Loss expands on the big sound that defined both Reintegration Time and SOOO’s debut album, Not Saying/Just Saying, incorporating a more analog quality with the welcome addition of a piano, baritone guitar, and sweet, sweet sax. The result is an album full of hits that are alternately happy and haunting, from the upbeat opener, “Now That I’ve Given Up Hope, I Feel Much Better,” to the synth-heavy “Spanish Moss.” While some of the tracks have a sameyness that doesn’t do the band’s talent justice, the overall production is a perfect next step in the sextet’s evolution.

Playlist picks: “Now That I’ve Given Up Hope, I Feel Much Better,” “Knowing”

Shout Out Out Out Out play the Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen St. W.) on July 21.