Motorists Touchd By The Stuff

Inspired by the big shiny tunes flooding FM radio airwaves in the 1990s, Toronto trio Motorists go full throttle on their sophomore album. Now propelled by powerhouse drummer Nick Mckinlay, guitarist Craig Fahner and bassist Matt Learoyd channel stadium-sized power-pop through the gauzy fuzz of ‘90s alt rock, like Big Star swerving into Hotline TNT. Touched by the Stuff hits the gas with “Decider,” Fahner’s voice adopting a Britpop swagger as he zigzags through strident riffs, sudden key changes, and sweet vocal coos. “Back To The Q” picks up speed as Learoyd sings about sinking with the ship, summoning his strength just to lose. “Embers” is a tender, lovelorn ballad about the breath that ignites flames, while “The Folded Plan” is a verbose, Tom Petty-style rocker, juxtaposing squelching electronics with trilling doo-doo-doos. “L.O.W” cranks up the volume with Siamese Dream-inspired headbanger riffs, while the warbling synths and thunderous drums of “Light Against The Shade” close the record on a sweeter note