Que du Vent

An attempt to recapture the energy of their live shows, cult Montreal four-piece les Cowboys Fringants' eighth studio album Que Du Vent pursues a more rock-oriented direction while simultaneously continuing to showcase the talents of multi-instrumentalist Marie-Annick Lepine. The traditional Quebecois music outfit's follow-up to 2008's Expedition features their renowned blend of highly charged political songs including "Classe Moyenne (Avec Anchois)" and "Shooters," the latter of which addresses the closure of a local assembly plant in their native L'Assomption, and humorous tracks such as the self-mocking "Hasbeen" and the Joe Dassin pastiche ("Comme Joe Dassin"). ~ Jon O'Brien