Tom Lynch

The Montreal-based colossus that is Wolf Parade, the cathartic, epic younger brother to fellow countrymen Arcade Fire, led by the charismatic and wildly prolific Spencer Krug (who also dabbles in Frog Eyes and Sunset Rubdown), is a jewel of Sub Pop Records, whose 2005 album “Apologies to Queen Mary,” a highlight of that year, features one of the best constructed, executed and wonderfully raucous songs of this young century, the delirious “I’ll Believe in Anything.” (Krug’s delivery of the lyrical package “If I could take the fire out of the water/I’d take you where nobody knows you and nobody gives a damn” sends chills up my spine every time.) The new record, the recently released “At Mount Zoomer,” works in a similar fashion as “Apologies,” but embraces a darker, gloomier texture. Instead of shoving you to instigate a reaction, some moments whisper in your ear in hopes of inspiring reflection. Does it work? Of course it does. I personally prefer the previous record’s elaborate, gorgeous frenzy, but here the mood is set early and convincingly, and it’ll be something to witness the two albums blended in a live setting. Krug happens.

Wolf Parade plays July 8 at House of Blues, 329 North Dearborn, (312)923-2000. (2008-07-01)

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