Right now RCRD LBL is streaming three tracks off of Kensington Heights, the incredible new album by the Constantines.

First off, let me start by saying that Kensington Heights is without a doubt the best thing the Constantines have created. The record is the perfect blend of everything they’ve come to stand for: it’s slower yet somehow more rocking; the songs have much more of a blue-collar aspect to them, with the subject matter ranging from going to the doctor to architecture to, what else, relationship troubles; and the ballads are absolutely heartbreaking.

The opener, “Hard Feelings” is good, but for my money probably the weakest track on the album. Once track three, “Trans Canada”, kicks in, the album just steamrolls into greatness. And I literally mean steamroll. It just destroys everything in its path with restrained, subtle complexity.

If you don’t believe me, please go listen to “I Will Not Sing A Hateful Song” right now. When lead singer Bryan Webb comes in singing the title of the song on that second chorus it sounds as though his soul is literally about to break. The pain behind his voice is unparalleled, and just that one, brief moment makes this entire song heart-wrenchingly gorgeous.

So far they have no Portland date lined up for their upcoming tour, but hopefully that will change real soon. These new songs will absolutely kill live.