Lost In City Lights

Rounded out by Julien Martre (bass) and Philippe Lachance (drums), The New Cities recorded their debut album in Toronto with acclaimed producer Greg Nori (Sum 41, Hedley, No Warning).

Lost in City Lights starts off with the track “Hypertonic Superstar.” A Blue Monday-esque intro is interrupted with Brown singing about glamour photos and limousines; he goes on to sing choruses of the ego-driven and the “life-scarred hypertonic superstars.” The second track, “Dead End Countdown” is the band’s first single and a current contender on the MuchMusic countdown. Lachance’s drum beat carries the song with just enough groove without sounding repetitive, and the guitar work is barely there, which allows Brown’s vocals to come into the forefront, where they should be. However, the albums title track is the real gem. After 15-minutes of fast paced synth-pop, The Cities adapt a melodic, acoustic, indie sound akin to Death Cab for Cutie’s “Soul Meets Body.” Brown sings of “strangers breaking new ground”, something this young band may live out if “Lost in City Lights” is released as the subsequent single. “X-Revolution (Settling For Second Best)” and “Modern Ghosts” encompass unforgettable synth and bass lines that would probably fit comfortably on the radio next to Simple Plan or Fall Out Boy. The CD ends strong with “Sinking Has Never Been So Easy.” The Shot Through the Heart-like chorus will have listeners humming along on the second listen and will surely become a fan favorite.