Canoe Speed makes propulsive indie rock with irrepressible hooks: infectious melodies paired with tight grooves and a touch of punk. Jay Shearer’s distinctive songwriting is lyrically dense, melodically playful, with something to say for this troubled moment. Sometimes personal, both poetic and aware, even danceable (at least head-bob-able), these tunes reveal dark wit and an open heart, riding on the premium-grade rhythm section of Tom Herman and Paul Ovnik.

They are celebrating the release of their first album, the 14 tracks of Ape Vibrations in the Deep Space Station. Three old friends reunite after working together ages ago in the first version of Meet the Head (who eventually produced two albums and an EP on Lost in America Music). Special guests on the album (additional speed) include Naomi Ashley, Matt Nalbach and Jon Williams.