DEARS IN THE HEADLIGHT

FOREWORD: A black Canadian singer in a predominantly white British-American indie rock scene, Dears mainstay Murray Lightburn sings like Morrissey and couldn’t care less if that’s obvious. Since this ’04 interview promoting breakthrough album, No Cities Left, Lightburn’s rotating Dears cast has proved to be mighty efficient on ‘06s better Gang Of Losers and ‘07s nearly-as-good Missiles. This article originally appeared in Aquarian Weekly.

Though Dears singer-guitarist Murray Lightburn had no formal training, he took reading-writing courses at Concordia University to ably communicate with Classical musicians, an important step forward considering the highly orchestrated settings his quartet greatly employ. Initially, however, Lightburn had to hire university students through an ad to construct ‘01s debut EP, Orchestral Pop Noir Romantique.

“They came through and played the parts I wrote out,” Lightburn recalls. “But I met people along the way who’d read about the band and began collaborating. It was easier to get musicians in the studio. In a way, we’re book-ending the debut with No Cities Left.”

Though the sociopolitical implications of ‘02s harrowing mini-concept EP, Protest, portend No Cities Left, the morose helplessness of “We Can Have It” and spindly acoustic manifesto “Who Are You, Defenders Of The Universe” appear to be personal, instead of bureaucratic, attacks.

Lightburn avows, “I don’t want to go too far with my politics or I’ll lose some people. If you’re singing in English, keep it simple so it’s easier to relate. You have to speak in ways they understand despite any language barrier. They aren’t gonna listen to something that doesn’t convey meaning.”

Lightburn’s utter infatuation with Morrissey proved surreally fascinating when the Dears got to open for the dark-humored idol. Moreover, the pacifistic ‘beat the crap out of me’ despair of “Lost In The Plot” conveniently dupes the neurotically sympathetic baritone bellow of his mentor. Lyrically, the whirring theatrical ascension of soaring plea “Pinned Together, Falling Apart” depicts similarly terrifying lovelorn intrigue.

“Obviously, the thing that pains me most is what humans do to each other,” he says. “As a writer, I’m trying to bring to the table suggestions for everyone to chill out, be positive and loving, not greedy. I’d like to acknowledge there’s a better me inside. I want to be patient and not react negatively. That’s the challenge of life.”

Perhaps No Cities Left’s overall disconsolate theme, paranoiac proliferation, and estranged mortality could be summed up best in the title tracks’ deceptively hopeful queue: ‘Don’t you think that now is the time to move on/ if you don’t mind I’ll just keep holding on for good.’

“We’re looking to take it to another level sonically and do things more switched-on,” Lightburn contends. “It’ll still be epic and huge, but not as abstract. Our soul side isn’t as pronounced as on other works, but if you listen to the Bar-Kays work on Hot Buttered Soul, the rhythm section is disgustingly good – and a big inspiration. “Never Destroy Us” is what you’d get if David Bowie had them backing him.”

Brass, violin, and sax pad No Cities Left’s sullen inclinations, cushioning band mates Natalie Yanchak’s eerie organ vibe, Martin Pelland’s limber bass throb, and George Donoso’s meticulous percussive plod. Slipping into the ether, swirling sleep-deprived moodscape “Expect The Worst/ ’Cos She’s A Tourist” reaches mystical proportion. Furthermore, the rainy day ambiance enveloping “The Second Part” projects comparable sad-eyed longing.

Concerning the latter, the dark-skinned frontman says, “Live, we’re doing a slower, more soulful version, like the Pixies did with “Wave Of Mutilation.” People recognize the opening chords and react, but are taken aback by the different second verse.”

At Hoboken landmark Maxwells, leather-clad Lightburn seizes control with sheer vocal force; delivering pleading testimonials and riveting caterwauled declarations with eyes half-closed to enormous applause. If this emphatic response is any indication, the Dears may just overhaul America’s unconscionably mainstream conservatism.

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