We Are the Same

The album art on this, the Hip's 11th studio release, shows the band in the dark, gathered around an open fire. And that's what they deliver within: a fine campfire record. This is one not for the arenas; this is for the close quarters, the intimate spaces. Those moments, those necessary times between people who look out for each other, when glances are recognized, when words can be safely spoken as they pass with the smoke into the night skies. Songs like "Morning Moon" and "Queen of the Furrows" stand out here and belong with the best of the band's work. And when Downie sings lines like "Are you going through something/ 'cause I am too," and "Don't you wanna see how it ends?" on "The Depression Suite," the words hit harder than ever. Pull up your Muskoka chair, lean forward and watch the flames dance against the dark.
-Brad Frenette