Masterpiece Theatre - Marianas Trench

They've done it again. Vancouver-based band Marianas Trench is back and bigger than ever with the recent release of their sophomore album, Masterpiece Theatre. The follow-up to 2006's Fix Me provides a more fun, inspiring sound that still embodies a musical maturity. It showcases catchy beats, fantastic guitar riffs and flawless harmonies that can only be surpassed by British rock band Queen.

Starting off the album, Masterpiece Theatre I begins with a creepy harmony, kicking off the theme of perfection. It is the first of three "Masterpieces", mainly compiled of the other 9 featured tracks. A wonderful display of how the quartet's voices meld perfectly, like they were meant to make this record.

The band's second single, All to Myself reminds you why you love them. With an infectious sound and cheeky lyrics, you get sucked into nothing short of the second coming of their third single, Shake Tramp, and if you've seen either of these videos, it just might have to busting a signature Josh Ramsay move.

Encompassing everything it means to be a timeless pop-punk favourite, Cross My Heart, the album's first single will have you dancing like a madman (or woman) and singing at the top of your lungs. It might even have you shimmying in your seat on the subway, clapping along with the beat and frightening your fellow passengers. At least, that's what I seem to gravitate towards doing.

Beside You is hands down my favourite song. It's earned the highest play count of every track in my iTunes library and showcases heart-wrenchingly perfect harmonies that give me a nostalgic reminder of a childhood song about a sleepy lion. There's something so refreshingly urban yet acoustic about this track. Beautiful lyrics, wonderful composing; utter perfection.

An ode to Ramsay's own metaphorical world, Acadia gives us a glimpse at life pre-fame, when things were simpler, friends were your life and you felt invincible. I guess it's no surprise to us when we find out "Acadia is gone", because both literally - and figuratively - it is, and there's no going back. Fabulous acoustic sound that will have you blasting this track on your iPod, and yes, possibly singing with the words all wrong. Second highest play count.

The second symphonical sensation off the album, Masterpiece Theatre II keeps with the theme of perfection introduced to us not 20 minutes prior, offering us another variation of the first Masterpiece in the trio. Softer harmonies are present, but a fresh, heavier beat in the chorus provides for a great transition in this three-and-a-half minute track. It marks the halfway point, the sixth of 12 tracks.

When Ramsey asks for your attention in the opening line of Sing Sing, you know he's got it. I instantly cranked the volume when I heard him ask me the question which I coincidentally found rhetorical. Another soft-to-rough song with a beat reminiscent of the days when bandstands ruled the land and Frank Sinatra owned the hearts of millions. I dare you to skip this song. You'll never forgive yourself if you do.

The only duet on the album, Good to You, featuring Kate Voegele, an American folk-pop singer, shows a softer side of Ramsay's lyrical abilities. Also the only song without a harmony from the rest of the band, all vocals rest on the duo's shoulders. They leave little to be desired, hitting notes most of us would be envious to reach. A wonderful way of bridging the gap between folk and pop-punk.

An ode to star stupidity, Celebrity Status helps us laugh and embrace the funny side of the celebutante world. It exposes the superfluous, sugarcoated and shoddy lifestyle for what it really is; a hot mess. More tongue-in-cheek humour and those select repetitive words have us singing along at the top of our lungs. Another clapper. Third highest play count.

Perfect is a lazily upbeat song, a perfect combination of slow beginnings and fast endings. A steady backbeat provides a flawless transition between verse, chorus and bridge and that killer falsetto perks your ears. The knee-weakening trademark Ramsey screech will help give life to the mere thought of him saying yes, undressing or doing more for less. Mmm.

Originally a letter written by Ramsey while he was recovering from substance abuse, Lover Dearest serves as a personification of his addiction to heroin. Throughout the song, there seems to be an uncertain realization of the effect that his addiction has on him, and he subsequently asks if it's the best thing for him. It provides us with an inside look at his personal life. Touching and quite heartbreaking, it brought me to tears the first time I heard it. Permission to dislike this song: not granted.

Masterpiece Theatre III is without a doubt, my favourite of the three medleys. It combines the largest variety of all the songs on the album, transcending into different melodies and beats that mix verse with verse and chorus with chorus. The most harmonies are featured in the closing track, along with that never-to-be-forgotten trademark screeching. No other song could possible end the album better.

Since 2003, I've been blasting Marianas Trench from my room. From their EP to Fix Me to Masterpiece Theatre; I can't get enough of these guys. When I first got this album, I hardly realized the album was over until the music stopped. From then on, I played it all day, every day. I put it on repeat, shuffle, I listened to it in it's original order, and then I repeated several of my favourite songs. Without a doubt, this is the best record this Canadian foursome has yet to put out, and they are living proof that even at your peak, you can only get better with age. Masterpiece Theatre is a gem, and worth every penny.

Alternate rating: 9.5/10