Elliott Brood

It seems that - apart from a short period of time in the 1990s - the best rock music mostly comes from across the Atlantic. It may be that the fascination with the wide open spaces of North America adds to the intrigue - although the reverse may also be true, explaining why college radio in the States used to be transfixed by English rock. Canada's reputation is a strong one too - thanks to the likes of Arcade Fire more recently or historically from Neil Young.

Here Toronto's Elliott Brood tip more than just a wink to the latter and his Crazy Horse companions on a sumptuous collection of widescreen rootsy rock. Songwriters Casey Laforet and Mark Sasso (the trio is completed by Stephen Ptkin on drums and piano) have a fascination with their youth and home, with Work And Love reflecting on childhood places and memories.

Having won a Juno Award for 2013's Days Into Years, the band have moved up a few gears here - with the likes of Taken, with its glorious guitar hooks, and Mission Bell announcing a more anthemic sound. They are both killer tunes - but it is the patterns painted by Laforet's guitar that impresses the most. Jigsaw Heart and Better Times have a more Americana feel but still deliver belting choruses.

Work And Love is reminiscent of, fellow Canadians, The Tragically Hip's Road Apples from 1991 - which was just as refreshingly simple and enjoyable. More awards beckon for Elliott Brood.