The Sheepdogs: Future Nostalgia Review

Let’s step into Mr. Peabody’s Wayback Machine forFuture Nostalgia the latest from Saskatoon’s The Sheepdogs. We will set the dial for the late 1960s to early ’70s and just cruise, while The Sheepdogs straddle the difficult line between nostalgia and being original.

This time around frontman Ewan Currie along with engineer Matt Ross-Spang handled the production duties. The aptly titled Future Nostalgia delivers 18 classic rock inspired tracks. The signature guitar and vocal harmonies which have been a Sheepdog staple from the beginning remain firmly intact throughout.

It’s hard to pick favorites on such a great record. The rocking opening track “I’m Gonna Be Myself” has a catchy lyrical hook and Jimmy Page-esque guitar work. The Sheepdogs follow up with the guitar harmony drenched chorus of “I Really Wanna Be Your Man” and each subsequent track opens new vistas of sound in the “neo-classic rock” arena. Finally there is suite of six tracks that close the album. These gems are strung together like side two of Abbey Road. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that owes so much to the music of that era.

It’s easy to listen to this album over and over. Each song has something of value; hooks that won’t let you go and very warm production that beckons the listener to come back for seconds and thirds. Don’t be shy. By all means, help yourself to as much Future Nostalgia as you like.

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– I’m Gonna Be Myself – Back Down – Giving It Up For My Baby – Help Us All – I Really Wanna Be Your Man

The Big Hit

– I Really Wanna Be Your Man