The Canadians that make up The Arkells finally released their second album in Europe. “Michigan Left” sounds like the logical continuation to their debut… these guys still like to rock and are still as buoyant and peppy as can be but they’re a little more thoughtful this time around.

“Book Club” comes with the rock n roll vibe of The Gaslight Anthem (so does “On Paper”) mixed in with the youthful exuberance of a band like Yukon Blonde. It would make the perfect soundtrack to spring if at least it would stop freezing here. Next up is “Where U Going”, a song that could easily be mistaken for a lost Hall & Oates song… it’s cute and sounds amazing. From there on these guys just keep on going with one song after the other, each one filled to the brim with rock n roll energy and tons of radio-friendly hooks. It all makes “Michigan Left” one of the better albums I’ve heard so far in 2013!