I honestly don’t know very many things to come out of Saskatchewan. The Roughriders? Nobody goes there for a reason I guess, and many try to leave. But the city of 200k shall be further known as the home to Canada’s newest melodic-hardcore band Means.

With “To Keep Me from Sinking”, Means use smart lyrics and tightly played instruments to stay afloat, sounding like bands that have been at it for the past 10 years but only being together for the last few. Means reminds me of older Shai Hulud or a more methodical Comeback Kid, but with their own signature style.

Means are my kind of band though, obviously well-read and into things that defy current trends, they offer up interesting quotes in the liner notes after each song, most are insightful coming from some well known and curious minds – My personal favorite is Bukowski. This only adds to the many layers that are Means – Everything about them is done correctly and it’s smart music; some of which is the best of our times and that is a great accomplishment, even for living in Saskatchewan!

Means simply offer smart, tight and genuine melodic hardcore that is some of the best out there today; it offers no excuses and adds insightful, personal lyrics to a strong delivery that matches the bands that paved the way for this genre.