On their third CD, Gang of Losers, the Montreal sextet has pared down their usual lush orchestrations in favor of a slightly harder rock sound. These are glorious songs that touch upon love, fame, alienation, racism, and the human condition, yet they do so without the somewhat comedic self-loathing that Morrissey displays. Comparisons between the two bands should end with this CD.

While comparisons to the Smiths are hard to make, other ‘80s bands easily come to mind, most notably Paul Weller’s Style Council. Both bands are able to serve up smooth, sophisticated pop with a rock backbeat. They are beautiful songs that can be listened to just as easily in formal wear as in jeans. Yet while the Style Council era Weller was moving away from his harder rocking days with the Jam, Lightburn and company are moving in the opposite direction. “Death or Life We Want You” has that layered rock sound of the Smithereens, and “I Fell Deep” gathers up all the passion of Elvis Costello in his Blood and Chocolate days.

But even with all these other comparisons, the Dears are their own band. They are a deep, soulful band out of Canada, of all places. And if that is not unique, then nothing is.

The Dears play Variety Playhouse on Friday, January 26th, 8:30 pm. $14.