I give this pop-folk-Celtic outfit from St. John's, Nfld., full marks for attempting to spice up their otherwise predictable sound on their fifth disc, in stores Tuesday.

The addition of electric and flamenco guitars, mariachi trumpet sections and live drums are welcome on new tunes like Penelope and Stumbling In, but some experiments work better than others.

The title track is pretty limp, along with another new song, Clearest Indication.

Otherwise, there's plenty of rowdy traditional numbers like Scolding Wife and Yarmouth Town or the band's own French Perfume and Own True Way, on which Great Big Sea have built their party reputation.

If a slow waltz is more your style, check out Barque In The Harbour, which features lovely backup vocals from Liz Pickard.

Great Big Sea, who have a fall tour in the works, are set to open the Junos at Mile One Stadium in St. John's on April 14 (8 p.m. EST, CTV). (More on: Great Big Sea).

Track Listing