By Caitlyn Holroyd
It only took Wolf Parade one successful album to ascend into the ranks of Canadian indie rock greatness; their debut, Apologies to the Queen Mary, landed them praise aplenty and helped spawn several other acclaimed bands (Sunset Rubdown, Handsome Furs, Swan Lake). Five years later, the band has returned to their roots for their third album, dipping into their near-perfect Apologies, their recent side-project successes, and even some shared childhood memories. The result? Magnificent, of course.

Named after the Vancouver Expo attended by each band member back when they were but little lads (just as cool, I’m sure), Expo 86 borrows much of what was right with their debut after a mediocre sophomore venture.

Like past albums, co-lead singer Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner create a battleground of musical dynamics – the progressive and experimental Krug vs. the classic Bruce Springsteen-esque Boeckner. Amidst sweet guitar solos, each holds their own.

Much like Queen Mary, Expo 86 is an album that does best when listened to as a whole, but there are definitely highlights. “What Did My Lover Say (It Always Had to Go This Way)” is a dreamy haze of Krug’s vocals and keyboard while “Little Golden Age” and “Pobody’s Nerfect,” are packed with triumph and passion.

Though none of the songs have anything to do with the Vancouver Expo of ’86, whatever nostalgia the band pulled from it has done them plenty of good.