From the very personal introduction song, Flux Capacitor is a journey through frontman Mathias Kom’s life, realized via ukulele. Kom has been known for his infectious tongue-in-cheek songwriting, which often sarcastically lambastes historical moments like the Bretton Woods and Berlin conferences. This time around Kom takes on his own history with autobiographical tunes like “Report Card” and “Let Things Slip Away,” which highlight lessons learned throughout his life. The hilarious opus “Nostalgia” is laced with Weakerthans-style whimsy and B.A. Johnston-style ’80s pop culture references, while “Pirates” is a ridiculous satire on living with the Rob Ford-lovin’ immigrant-hating fear-mongers of the Toronto suburbs. On a sadder note “Kings of the Animal Kingdom” deals with having to put your dog down while struggling as a vegetarian orphan. Damn, it’s sad. Unlike the Burning Hell’s previous efforts, Flux Capacitor doesn’t take shots at our collective history but Kom’s own history, which resonates even deeper with everyone who hears it. By far this is Kom’s cleverest, most emotionally moving songwriting since his debut with Tick Tock. (weewerk, www.wearetheburninghell.com) Kent Davies
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989