CD Review
Artist: Smothered in Hugs
Title: The Healing Power of Injury
Label: Collagen Rock Records
Released: February  10, 2009
 

Reviewed by Sarah Miller (Vancouver Correspondent)

Prince Edward Island’s Smothered in Hugs -- a modern rock band taking their name from a Guided by Voices song- is set to release their much anticipated debut full-length album next month. The band was formed in Charlottetown by two songwriting brothers Ryan and Aaron Crane; a close cousin Todd MacLean; and a childhood friend Josh Byrne. More recently multi-instrumentalist Andrew Murray has joined their ranks.

After the release of their debut EP, Fancy Demo in 2006, Smothered in Hugs began receiving radio play on CBC Radio 1 and campus radio stations throughout Eastern Canada. They have also shared the stage with such established Canadian acts as Wintersleep, The Immaculate Machine and You Say Party! We Say Die!.

The Healing Power of Injury will be released by Collagen Rock Records, a label the band formed with fellow Islanders Two Hours Traffic and The Danks as well as Cape Breton’s Mardeen. The album blends the sounds of late 90s rock bands like REM, the Cranberries and more modern bands like the Killers and Band of Horses. At times the songs are catchy, like the driving rock songs ‘Even Brothers’ or ‘Foundation’. But on other tracks the band leans towards the more anthemic, melodic side of things such as ‘Cut Loose’ and ‘Visa Problems’.
 
Fans in Fredericton can catch Smothered in Hugs live at The Captial on February 12th. The band will also be playing a show in Halifax at The Seahorse on February 20th.

Track Listing:
Blank Test
Ghost Believah
Visa Problems
Chest Protection
Even Brothers
At the Coat Check
Money Came Through
Die Trying
Young Flare
Foundation
Meet the Monster
Cut Loose
The River

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