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From Epitonic
Seems like these days more and more artists are getting back in touch
with the delicate, and often overlooked, art of songwriting, realizing
that sonic arson and unrelenting esotericism don't necessarily equal
quality. God, that's a good thing. The members of the DC quintet Canyon
appear to be of this new breed, creating delicate introspective modern
folk pieces that seek to harness the vast emotional power of their
instruments. Canyon's a great name for this group; their music is dusty,
earthy, vast, full of wind and shadows and secrets. Canyon is an indie
rock group — or at least has an indie rock pedigree — but clearly the
group looks to the music of '70s country-folk singer-songwriters like
Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, and the acoustic Bruce Springsteen
for inspiration. The band crafts pensive, melancholy canvases with simple
strokes, giving as much musical space folky instruments like lap steel,
harmonica, and accordion as to their assorted guitars, eclectic
percussion, and electric piano. The music is poignantly beautiful, loaded
with raw emotions and empty of rock 'n' roll pretensions.
As
previously mentioned, the band does have a bit of an indie pedigree, and
you may be interested to learn about these wistful folkies' previous
projects. Singer/guitarist Brandon Butler and guitarist Joe Winkle both
used to serve in the mid-'90s K.C. emo outfit Boy's Life (Butler went on
to front the short-lived The Farewell Bend). Singer/pianist/accordionist
Derry DeBorja was in Youngstown Smokers. Bassist John Wall and
percussionist Vin Novarra round out the band. Canyon recorded its debut LP
in Trans Am's DC recording studio. It's a gorgeous, rich nine-song affair,
featuring the heartbreaking folk hymn "Yellow Tape."
Go to Epitonic
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