WOLF PARADE

Canadian indie rock band Wolf Parade became critics' darlings and enjoyed an unexpected degree of commercial success in the 2000s and 2010s for their rich, dynamic music constructed from a wealth of influences. Their songs were unfailingly catchy, built from pop hooks that suggested they'd spent a lot of time listening to synth-based new wave sounds of the '80s. But they added a sense of drama and instrumental grandeur that was a throwback to prog rock (especially in Spencer Krug's Bowie-styled vocals), as well as a dash of wit and a lyrical stance that lent the songs a warmth and humanity despite the sleek surfaces of their recordings.