Canada. Oh, Canada. Stereotypically, the country is known for hockey, maple leaves, Juno, and eggheads (no offense). Deep down in the heart, though, is a phenomenal music scene that slowly unleashes its musicians upon the world. Neil Young, Rush, and Joni Mitchell all found a start in this beautiful country, and it only seems to get better from there. Groups like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Arcade Fire hail from the place, adding to its highly distinguished musical lineage.

Basically, The Demon’s Claws are a southern garage rock band, with other genres thrown in for good measure. Also included in the band’s sound are elements of psychedelia, swing, and blues. They alternate between a few different song types, allowing for experimentation in different aspects of the above genres. Slow southern drawls, fast-paced southern punk songs, and other bluesier endeavors make up all of The Defrosting Of… And it all makes for one hell of a listen.

The album lashes out, making its point right from the very beginning. A twangy, lo-fi recording style makes itself apparent, lending its hand to the genius of the musicians. Although a bit repetitive, “Fed From Her Hand”, the first song on the album, houses a little bit of every sound, setting the listener up for an evil trip through the hot and humid south.

As different southern hot sauces sting the mouth and weird hicks are met along the road, an entire understanding of punk and blues and rock is showcased by the ass-kicking musicians on this record. On songs like “Catch Her By The Tail” and “Anny Lou”, the guitar work distorts just like something off of a Neil Young and Crazy Horse effort. In contrast, the guitar mingles and floats on a track like “Fucked On Ketamine”, but the genuine southern air is never lost in translation. An array of drum workings are heard as well. Everything from fast punk blasts to war-like marching beats and bluesier tappings allow for diversity to shine through. The Defrosting Of… seems to only get better as it progresses, leaving the last five songs, “Trip To The Clinic” through “You’ll Always Be My Friend”, to be savored after every single listen.

Not every aspect of the whole package is flawless, though. The vocals and vocal tones seem a bit out of place among all the heavy southern ones and distorted good times. The lead vocal is a bit high-pitched and over-produced. At times, it can be echoey and reverberated, bringing to mind indie noises, something off of an MGMT record maybe? Although “Catch Her By The Tail” has some great distorted guitars, this song also demonstrates how strangely the voice fits into it all. Now, it’s not as if the band needs a replacement singer – not at all. It’s just that a deeper, guttural finish to the vocals could make this effort an almost perfect example of good southern punk.

The Demon’s Claws know exactly what they are doing. With each release comes an even more polished sound. The lo-fi is getting dirtier, the guitars are getting more distorted, and the twang is getting even twangier. Fans of bands such as The Legendary Shack Shakers, Rose’s Pawn Shop, and maybe even Primus will find a whole lot here to love. The Defrosting Of… brings southern punk one step closer to being recognized by mainstream crowds. If they change the vocal tones, they’ll be right where they should be.