From Canada to our ears... The Dears have come along way. They have been a six, then two and now seven piece band and exchanged more members than the salvation army. United by marriage, Natalie Yanchak and Murray Lightburn remain the only original members and the real guardians of direction.

'Missiles', the band's fourth album, started life as a Lightburn solo album resulting from “a need to cast out the demons “ and is charged with emotion and powerful instrumentals, played off against the lyrical narrative of Lightburn and Yanchak, all of which means we have one hell of an epic return record.

'Lights off' slowly builds with the acceleration of a juggernaut, reaching a herculean guitar solo and a vibe reminiscent of early Muse. The harmony of both vocalists is utilised perfectly in current single 'Money Babies' to birth a rhythm of urgency and haste. The mammoth length of some tracks may have you reaching for the skip button at the 5 minute mark, but resist, the patience is rewarded.

The Dears have visibly progressed with each album and 'Missiles' is no different. Giving the songs freedom to breathe has resulted in some epic, sprawling moments not least on the 11 minute plus closer 'Saviour', children's choir and all.

Having lost pretty much all of it's members during it's fractious creation, the album has a costly karma deficit to redress and does just that in great style. 'Missiles' takes The Dears from Canadian indie's nearly men to their deserved position as the leaders of the pack.