Coming off their first tour ever, Montreal's Beat Cops are shaping up to be an interesting blend of power-pop/psychedelic rock that Canada seems to have a knack for in some ways.

Before you ask what the genre is, just check our their latest release Mean Streets. It's jumpy, it's groovy and it rocks. Harmonizing vocals and power riffs are clearly what this band is about and this makes you think of groups like Sloan, Wolfmother and Zeus -- well maybe a little less indie like Zeus, but the heart's still there.

"Just Too Keep From Crying" really brings the band's persona out, everything from the harmonizing background vocals to the catchy chorus and upbeat sound, there's nothing that you would not like with these guys even if you're not particularly a fan of the genre. Leading into "Rills of the Nile" with it's slower acoustic introduction but drives into a Thin Lizzy-sounding riff, especially with the guitar tones that seem to pay homage to Phil Lynott and the gang.

Production-wise, this release slays. The levels and mixes are perfectly engineered by none other Adrian Popovich (Solids, Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains), with his expertise this record really speaks volumes (pardon the pun) especially with this type of sound. Some engineers/producers work best with particular types of bands and you can definitely notice that he was the perfect choice.

Featuring members of The Stills, Priestess and Trigger Effect, this band has proven veterans an the helm and it shows. Songwriting is another thing of note with these guys as their songs are evidently distinguishable and don't follow the same pattern or equation with each other.

Best track on the release: "When You Left Me Home." From the start it gives off a happy and  jumpy vibe that'll definitely get stuck in your head quickly and for the right reasons, but don't take my word for it -- listen for yourself!