Early last month, The Rural Alberta Advantage delivered the follow up to their 2009 debut Hometowns and whereas Hometowns was fast-paced and intense, Departing relies mostly on a slower, more lyric-based delivery. The folk-influence that RAA showed only glimpses of on their debut comes back in full force after stripping back the layers and added ornaments prevalent on their debut. But the rock edge isn't completely gone from Rural Alberta Advantage's repertoire: songs like the ironically uptempo "Muscle Relaxants", "Stamp" and "Barnes' Yard" keep the album from becoming too sleep-inducing, giving jolts of energy at just the right time.
Departing is a great example of what a sophomore album can be. The band doesn't change it's game plan too much by experimentation but rather offers up more of the same in a way that doesn't feel like you're just listening to the same record. It's a sign that you don't have to make any drastic concessions in order to overcome the sophomore slump.
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