Band: Canterbury
Release: Dark Days
Release Date: Out Now
Surrey-based rockers Canterbury have been kicking around for a long time now, and have been doing so, until recently, without the support of a record label. ‘Dark Days’ is the band’s third album, but first release on independent label Hassle Records which they signed to early last year. The record is a follow-up to 2012’s ‘Heavy In The Day’, an album which truly cultivated the fan following that the band have today. Now established, this new release is a chance for Canterbury to experiment with their sound a little and try new things – something that it’s clear they really did try to do, and fortunately they succeeded. Fear not if you’re looking for ‘old’ Canterbury however, as ‘Dark Days’ has it’s fair share of tracks that could easily have fit on to ‘Thank You’ or ‘Heavy In The Day’.
‘Expensive Imitation’ is what starts of this record and it’s strong; this is a track that showcases Canterbury‘s renowned sound which just can’t quite be pulled off by anyone else. The song begins with silence and gradually eases in to something somewhat experimental before the guitar kicks in, shortly before Luke Prebble‘s distinctive vocals. If you’re a die-hard Canterbury fan looking for a piece of the past, this one is definitely for you.
In stark contrast there’s ‘Hold Your Own’, which features a wonderfully strange use of harmonies in the hook leading up to the guitar-heavy chorus, and is unlike anything that has been released by the band before. A perfect example of them trying out new things and developing their sound, while still sticking to their roots of unmistakable, powerful English rock.
The album ends with something unexpected – ‘Going Nowhere’. This song sounds strangely too R&B/pop to begin with for the likes of a band like Canterbury, yet it still works in their favor even though the heaviest it gets is the addition of percussion and then a very quiet, simple guitar riff. It becomes clear that this is not a song to boast their instrumental talents, but to share a message with their fans. A lyric that really dominates is, “we’re going somewhere,” which finishes off the chorus and makes the song a truly perfect ending to a compelling record.
In summary, ‘Dark Days’ is not what people might expect from Canterbury, but is still a largely impressive record and an insight in to the success that 2014 is bound to bring for what is obviously a hardworking band. Heading out on a UK tour in April, these guys are well worth checking out!
8/10
