13 Engines

While many Canadian bands hope to replicate their domestic Canadian success in the more lucrative American market, 13 Engines were actually introduced to their own country via a Detroit-based label. That's not to say that they're not overly Canadian: they actually have more than a passing musical resemblance to Canadian superstars Tragically Hip, as well as Canadian ex-pat Neil Young. Compared to the slightly ragged quality of the band's earlier albums, Conquistador was an incredibly solid piece of work, musically speaking, and considering the similarities with Canada's previously mentioned biggest band, the album's lack of Canadian commercial success is actually quite puzzling. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide