Dinosaur Bones: Shaky Dreams

Toronto ensemble Dinosaur Bones’ intention behind their second album was to craft a larger and more expansive sound on record. Abiding by the old maxim that the slower you play the bigger you sound, Dinosaur Bones perform these 10 carefully streamlined compositions at a leisurely pace. Shaky Dream neatly sidesteps the potential pitfall of equating anthemics with lumpen bombast — instead of imposing itself upon the listener, the album is assured enough to assume a far more inviting matter-of-fact presentation.

The second-gear driving speed and tastefully portioned guitars make Shaky Dream a pleasing if inoffensive listen, so It’s the occasions where the music becomes a tad disconcerting that really perk the ears, as when “Career Criminal” introduces an ominous air generated by clanging guitar and pulsating bass notes, or in the billowing haze that envelopes “So Brand New” upon its conclusion.