Crown Lands
Crown Lands
Universal Music
Following two critically acclaimed studio EPs, 2016βs Mantra and 2017βs Rise Over Run , and their recent and fantastic acoustic EP, Wayward Flyers Vol. 1 released earlier this year, Crown Lands have quickly become a definite fan favourite among the Canadian rock scene. The duo, consisting of guitarist Kevin Comeau and drummer and singer Cody Bowles, have finally released their highly anticipated debut full-length album, Crown Lands.
Crown Lands follows the release of βSpit It Outβ and βHowlinβ Backβ, two singles released earlier this year ahead of the album, and, most recently, βEnd Of The Roadβ.Β The singles perfectly set the tone and raise the bar for what one should expect from Ontarioβs biggest rock duo on their self-titled debut album. βSpit It Outβ kicks off with a fuzz-laden riff and a rhythmic vocal melody, with a chorus that feels larger than life, while βHowlinβ Backβ is an uptempo and driving track featuring a prominent slide guitar and soaring vocals. Demonstrating a glossy and classic indie rock vibe akin to The Tragically Hip and R.E.M., βEnd Of The Roadβ feels like a complete left turn as Crown Lands turn their attention to the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in North America. While a departure from their riff-heavy, blues-inspired rock, βEnd Of The Roadβ adds a level of versatility to Crown Lands.
Beyond the singles, Crown Lands deliver a fantastic album that lives up to the excitement that has followed the band throughout the Canadian clubs and the tours they opened for the likes of Jack White and Primus. Tracks like βThe Riverβ, βForest Songβ, and the acoustic, folky ballad, βSun Danceβ especially, see Crown Lands dig deep into their Zeppelin influence with a flurry of psychedelic blues rock that is equally as nostalgic as it is fresh. On the other hand, βLeadfootβ leans closer to the likes of Queens Of The Stone Age and Wolfmother with a more modern and alternative flair. The contrast of the material and influences gives Crown Lands a chance to develop their songwriting abilities and performance to deliver a truly compelling record.
In many ways, Crown Lands is a long time coming. The triumphant full-length album from Canadaβs most promising up and coming rock band exceeds all expectations and hype to deliver an album that should set the benchmark and tone for the coming decade for the new wave of classic rock sweeping across North America and Europe. Crown Lands is, without a doubt, among the greatest rock βnβ roll records of the year and will likely be remembered as a classic for its sheer ability to sound like it was unearthed from the β70s, while simultaneously dodging all clichΓ©s in a manner that feels reinvigorating to the genre as a whole.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CROWN LANDS – CROWN LANDS
Gerrod Harris