Small Sins
Pot Calls Kettle Black
(Astralwerks)

Small Sins is mainly the solo endeavor of former Carnations frontman Thomas D’Arcy, but you wouldn’t know it by his latest release. With his third full-length solo album, Pot Calls Kettle Black, D’Arcy has hit his stride in combining indie rock with elements from his career as a DJ. For instance, the opener that lends its name to the album has enough snaky guitar and synth to get people packed out on a dancefloor. This is immediately followed up by “Déjà Vu,” marked by a pulsing beat and whispered lyrics that eventually lead to a rap. It’s not exactly what you’d expect from your average Canadian frontman, but really, that’s what makes it work so well. There are moments of gentle beauty as well, such as the fragile “You Will Lie.”

Pot Calls Kettle Black sounds as though an electro band met up with a singer/songwriter and decided to collaborate for a change of pace. Each track is refreshing and revitalizing. If you want something that captures your attention and lets you have those varying moments on the dance floor, from rocking out on your own to pulling in someone close, this is the record for you.