Welland-based Dealbreaker popped onto the scene a couple years ago with a pair of EPs (later compiled onto a cassette called King Size). For their debut full-length they enlisted producer M.C. Cunningham (The Dreaded Laramie) and the resulting tracks are a notable improvement over past works.

Landing somewhere between 90’s alternative rock and midwestern emo, the songs are hooky and bombastic. Opener “Good Heart Dumb Brain” is an upbeat ode to self-loathing, “Can’t Deny” has some Cult-like guitars that would make Billy Duffy blush and “Eternal Love” is an arena-sized power ballad. Personal fav (and closer) “1-800” is another cigarette lighter-friendly tune that takes an odd turn into Everclear territory with its unhinged meltdown. Singer Connor Johnstone’s barking can be so over-the-top it’s difficult to take him seriously, but it lends itself to the band’s sound.

If you’re looking for a fun record that doesn’t overstay its welcome, New Sides is a blast.

New Sides is available digitally and on vinyl through Toll Free Records.