Fearless

Product Information

As a sophomore follow up to their self-titled debut album, it truly shows that the evolution of the band is undeniable and limitless. electronics greet our ears first and we get a lot more keyboards on this record compared to their past.

There are undoubtedly others who will be able to describe the technicality in more detailed fashion, and others who may hear more obvious reference points here and there given their greater knowledge with this kind of music. Crown Lands have always been a study in contrasts—and that goes beyond the unique cultural composition of Jewish multi-instrumentalist Kevin Comeau (he/him) and Two- Spirited Mi'kmaq singer/drummer Cody Bowles (they/them). Nine tapestries of tone, where atmospheric swathes morph into strident guitars, dexterous polyrhythms and gnarly basslines. The Shadow finally sees the band keeping distance from Rush (mostly) and resembling the Spell/Skullfist sound.

With such a powerful and all-encompassing opening composition, the concern is that maybe the remainder of the album will pale into insignificance. The bass work as the song develops is superb, throbbing with intensity, whilst the delicate guitar touches accent the brighter, bolder chords delightfully, bathing the complex track with an immediacy and warmth that is often out of reach for lesser acts. On their 2020 self-titled debut album, Crown Lands resembled a raw blues-rock power duo harbouring latent prog- ock affinities, vacillating between dirty boogie grinds and pastoral reveries.

Right Way Back" (3:51) Cody's heavily-effected voice in the verses makes this obvious RUSH song different--more LED ZEPPELIN/ROBERT PLANT-like--but then his laid back approach in the chorus sections makes me think so much of the seemingly-effortless genius and maturity of a young PETRI WALLI of 1990s Finnish psychedelic rockers, Kingston Wall, as well as, somehow, PRINCE.Crown Lands has certainly been buzzing up the prog and classic rock ecosystems of late, and why not? While playing guitar alone and upfront, Kevin is willing to trust us enough to bring us through his journey of enchanting vulnerability. Pulling narrative inspiration from Dune, Arthurian folklore, the Mars rover expedition, and "hypothetical astrophysics," Fearless is nothing less than Crown Lands' application to be the new Rush-and according to Comeau's hero-turned-texting buddy Alex Lifeson, the job is theirs for the taking. band, Badlands with those high Zach Slaughter (Skullfist in case you need reminding) eighties metal vocals.

Also, they've done quite a remarkable job of stringing them together rather seamlessly while somehow making each and every theme interesting and enjoyable. So much so, that it’s an album winging its way to me as I type, one that I cannot wait to add to my CD collection.

There are a number of standout rockers including “Right Way Back” and the Rush-inspired “Context:Fearless Pt. Nine tapestries of tone, where atmospheric swathes morph into strident guitars, dextrous polyrhythms and gnarly basslines – Bowles’ strange, beautiful tenor soaring over the top like a bird over a mythological land.

Though this song may not have multiple time signatures, crazy guitar solos, or massive drum fills, it stands out as a superlative palate cleanser. But there's a storytelling format within the multi-part suite that just really captures our imagination. This is not a Geddy Lee vocal, no sir, it's one that could compare with the greatest of the greats: Robert Plant, Steve Perry, Klaus Meine (The Scorpions), and, of course, Ozzie. Virtuoso and engaging Canadian duo – guitarist/bassist/keys player Kevin Comeau and singer/drummer Cody Bowles - fuse pomp, pop and rock on brilliant 2nd LP.Dreamer of the Dawn" (4:03) a song that sounds a bit like GUNS 'N' ROSES with some RUSH basics, but as Cody's vocals and drumming go on I'm feeling that we're experiencing a new, though retro-oriented, sound. smack in the middle of classic Rush or strays closer to Spell with some temporary deviations that sound like neither.