PANTHER POST

Racoon Bandits Steal Hearts

by Brittany BANKS Reporter out the album, with an echo here, a creak of the floor boards there, as well as faint laughter from band members. The opening track to Campcraft, titled “Train Song”, is an outstanding beginning to the album. Its laid back, easy going vibe, combined with its carefree, reflective lyrics, creates a beautiful depiction of a passenger’s trek through the country- side. This carefree tone, however, is immediately tossed away at the beginning of the second track, with the high energy, in your face, “Bloody Bone.” Other tracks

Racoon Bandit has begun to gain a dedicated following in their hometown of Char- lottetown, and after listening to their debut EP, “Camp- craft,” it is not hard to under- stand why.

Racoon Bandit consists of Fraser McCallum (vocals, rhythm guitar), Adam Gal- lant (vocals, lead guitar), Roger Carter (drums, vocals, keys), and Scott Gallant (bass). Bass guitarist Richard MacLeod, as well as ECMA nominated singer-songwriter, Meaghan Blanchard, are guest musicians on the al- bum.

Produced by Racoon Bandit this past spring, the 7 track EP was recorded by band member and sound engineer, Adam Gallant,

in a barn located in Hazel Grove, PEI. Along with MacLeod and Blanchard, the “Big Red Barn” also makes guest appearances through-

Egypt continued...

into the mobs of Cairo in smalls groups and one girl even said that she felt safer in Egypt than she did where she lived in England.

likely because there are a large number of people out- side day and night. Also we were given special attention by the Tourism and Anti-

September 21,2009 17

on Campcraft include Same Old Boat, Ghosts, Dirty Road (sung by Adam), and the appropriately titled and epic closing track, Long Ride Home. The highlight of the album and the ever-pleasing fan favorite, “Hat” is an infectious folk-pop tune that is sure to have you tapping your toes and singing along.

The EP is jam packed with classic alt. country-type instrumentation, and McCallum’s voice possesses an honest and charming quality that will melt the hearts of listeners- girls and boys alike.

Racoon Bandit’s Campcraft is an exceptional first release and a wonderfully cohesive collection of songs from a band that should be watched closely as they climb the ranks of the East Coast music scene.

quates Police. This force

is designed to watch over

tourists and monuments,

as any attacks on visitors

would cripple the tourism industry, which is important

for Egypt's economy. At first ~ some of us were worried about safety and were reluc- tant to venture out into the downtown but later on we all felt comfortable walking

We all learned a lot from our Egyptian adventure: a new perspective on the Middle East, a few Arabic phrases, a stronger urge to travel and a greater under- standing of Islam. One thing is for sure; it was a phenom- enal experience that we'll remember for the rest of our lives.