Crown Lands
Universal, 2020
8/10
The debut album from the Canadian duo Crown Lands is an impressive one, where strong lyrical content circulates around blues, folk, psyche, classic and prog-rock as the pair deliver muscular and ambitious song craft.
“Spit It Out” starts the listen with charged, retro rock where howling vocals align with the fuzzed out guitars and a chorus that could fill stadiums, and “River” follows with plenty of nostalgic energy that’s part classic rock and part psychedelic fun.
Even though there’s just 7 tunes, each one makes a dent, including the appropriately titled, slide guitar friendly “Howlin’ Back”, where fiery drumming is complemented by exceptional singing, while the dynamic “End Of The Road” addresses indigenous womxn, girls and two-spirits who have gone missing or been murdered along Yellowhead Highway 16 in British Columbia. “Sun Dance” exits the listen in calmer territory, where acoustic, folk prowess is explored and proves the pair shine in gentler settings, too.
Cody Bowles handles drums and vocals, while Kevin Comeau holds down guitar here, and their immense skill draws comparisons to Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Queens Of The Stone Age, and Jack White. Really, though, the instant best friends are carving a path entirely their own, and it’s a journey we should all be glad they’re sharing with us.
Travels well with: Greta Van Fleet- Anthem Of The Peaceful Army; Danko Jones- A Rock Supreme