"The fate of the world depends upon this kiss." Husband and wife duo Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland of the Canadian band Whitehorse, came across this sensational turn of phrase in a Wonder Woman comic glued to a table in a diner, and decided to let it set a romantic -- if perhaps overly dramatic -- tone for their second full-length release, The Fate Of The World Depends On This Kiss.

Both McClelland and Doucet are songwriters known primarily for their solo careers and for their collaborations with other Canadian artists: Doucet is also a member of the Toronto indie rock band Veal, and both Doucet and McClelland have worked with Sarah McLachlan. The musical couple bridged the work-personal life divide last year when they formed their duo, Whitehorse, and put out a self-titled record. Their follow-up effort is due out in early January in the U.S.

Two back-to-back tracks about midway through the album, "Cold July" and "Jane" are a study in contrasts. "Cold July" is a plodding, beseeching look at tough times in a relationship, while "Jane" is, as McClelland tells us, "A modern day 'Jolene,' minus the pleading 'Please don't take my man.'" The up-tempo electronic groove on the latter can perhaps be attributed to DJ Nik7 of the Canadian dance punk/electro group Shout Out Out Out Out, who, according to McClelland, "took it to a whole other level."

Audio for this feature is no longer available. Watch the video for the song "Mismatched Eyes (Boat Song)," also from their upcoming album, below.