Rattlesnake

On Rattlesnake, The Strumbellas transition from their folk-pop beginnings to a big, high-energy sound. Following 2016’s Hope, which featured their hit single “Spirits,” the Toronto-based sextet continues to focus on the theme of self-determination with a can-do attitude. Their fourth LP opens with a euphoric declaration: “I like to shout from the rooftops and surf on top of the crowd,” frontman Simon Ward belts out with effusive joy on “Salvation.” Amiable anthems like “One Hand Up” and “I’ll Wait” pack a healthy dose of “whoa-oh-oh” harmonies and stomping acoustic strums. “Salvation” and “We Were Young” follow the U2 stylebook, channeling Edge-like guitars and zealous Bono-esque affirmations. “We All Need Someone” is the album’s centerpiece, a tender, gospel-tinged celebration about holding on to the ones we love.