by Jason Motz
7/10

Hailing from Vancouver, WFS’s music shows a maturity that belies their age. That said, they look and sound like they are ripe for MuchMusic. Assuming Much is even interested in music anymore. Whether the band cares about such things is a whole other matter.

With a heavy Emo sense of music and dress, WFS at least allow other influences to bleed through into the songs on their debut. Though the songs deal with relationships from a young mans point of view, a tight core of musicians propels the songs. WFS have learned a lot from gigging and have learned it quickly. The hooks are clean and clear, falling somewhere between Big Star and Pablo Honey-era Radiohead.

As a whole, WFS have an acute ear for melody and dynamics. ‘Too Rough on the Mind’ best showcases these specifics strengths, giving the CD a strong sense of drama. ‘Your Love Won’t Hold Me Back’ has the same delicate late-night sensuality as some of Jeff Buckley’s latter work.

‘I’ll Give You Something to Scream About’ is the most engaging track, wherein the band cuts loose. A bit more of songs such as this would only bolster an already strong debut.

Of the acoustic-driven tracks, including ‘Last Goodbye,’ the Dallas Green influence is most recognizable, but there is a faint note of early Springsteen to these songs as well. Must be the youthful ambition of the lyrics. Or that singer-guitarist Dan Hudson plays harmonica a lot like New Jersey’s favourite son.