Wolf Parade, Valley Boy.

Having sort of assumed last year’s Scala date would be something of an anomalous, only momentary revival – a(n admittedly, exemplary) live show that, if a fervid reminder of the montréalais four-piece’s enduring allure, would be immediately consigned to history come its inevitable conclusion – then I’ve never been more overjoyed to have been proven wrong. Because not only are Wolf Parade to play Kentish Town’s O2 Forum this coming autumn (as part of a globe-trotting tour supporting, in places, the increasingly crease-worthy Arcade Fire), but they’ve simultaneously announced a fourth full-length – and a first in well over seven years – to support, in Cry Cry Cry. And, taken from it, the gallant Valley Boy is fist-thrustingly triumphant enough to exhort tears of exultation stream down still-disbelieving cheeks, Spencer Krug & Co. flitting between major and minor keys with trademark finesse. Still “a lover boy” when it comes to Wolf Parade even after all these years, it seems…

Cry Cry Cry is available from October 6th via Sub Pop, while Wolf Parade play the O2 Forum Kentish Town on November 22nd.