Royal Canoe has been meandering around the eclectic pop universe for more than a decade. In that time, it has released number of albums, EPs, singles, videos--and still there's no identifiable Royal Canoe sound.

Royal Canoe Sidelining (Paper Bag Records)

Yes, they're Canadian (Winnipeg, so I suppose this could be called prairie eclecticism). So in that way they do have an identifiable identity. But when you whip up laptop beats, 80s nuevo soul melodies (including falsetto vocals) and gospel-esque harmonies into a froth with solid structure, well, that's one diverse palette.

One of the most inventive albums I've heard this year (something that gets written about Royal Canoe with some frequency, I bet), with each song wandering off in search of a different boundary to test. The hooks are catchy, but they're also in thrall to the creativity of the band. Royal Canoe is an immersive experience, but one that always demands active listening.

This one is best experienced with ears unspoiled by expectations. Each song increases the gravity well. Dive in, but keep an eye on the event horizon. If you slip past, it's been good knowing you. Royal Canoe can have that effect on ears.

Jon Worley