Similar to the Black Heart Procession, Bedhead, and Early Day Miners,
Canyon is a slow-paced country rock band with a penchant for letting their
mellow dirges swell like a blister on tired, labored feet. The band, featuring
members of Boys' Life and Slowdime founder John Wall, uses the standard lineup
of guitar, bass, and drums, but incorporates harmonium, lap steel, trumpets,
keyboards, and occasional female vocals to turn these bare songs into a
living, breathing mass of sound.
At their best, Canyon focuses lyrically on just the chorus and lets the
density and swell of instruments carry the emotion of the piece. "The
Long Weekend" centers on the chorus "He's closer to work then he's ever
been before," an anthem (of sorts) for all ex-emo kids and Boys' Life
followers who now find themselves stuck in a cubicle from 9 to whenever.
Trumpet and harmonium are used to blare and scorch the earth, creating pained,
somber tones that fill all empty space as guitar and keyboards create a
sweet, short melody. "Canyons" also focuses on a few simple lyrics, this
time sounding like they're coming from a fellow traveler lost in the desert,
urging the listener to keep walking because "I swear where we're going is
up around the corner." Lap steel is used to give the song
the standard twangy atmosphere, putting the listener in the "Canyons" for
which the song is named, along with extra vocal tracks that act somewhat
like echoes. The swell and release of the guitar and bass are key though,
having a very hypnotic effect. Songs like these are outstanding.
However, at their worst, Canyon simply sound like amateur country balladeers,
putting so much effort and emphasis on their lackluster lyrics that the
underdeveloped music suffers. "Drive All Night" uses just keyboard, lap
steel, and voice, sounding like a Crooked Fingers reject, so bare it is
boring and lyrically so straightforward it is meaningless.
The album ends on an odd note, as well, copying the riff from Sonic Youth's
"Teenage Riot" and using it throughout the seven and a half minute "Found."
There are worse riffs to steal, though, I guess.
While two or three of the songs on Canyon's debut are flawed, the rest of
the album is quite good. Much like the album's cover art, the music is
peaceful and serene, but through such bare scenery, somehow beautiful,
vibrant colors emerge from each layer of the earth, sky, and clouds.
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