http://www.virus-mag.com/index.php?sn=&a=4229
CANAAN
The Unsaid Words
Label: Eibon Records
Inclusive might be the best way to describe Canaans new CD, combining dark ambient and noise elements with sampled sounds, classically styled compositions, and choral music. Then weave and wrap those elements around prototypical song structures and a penchant for the melodic and you have one of the best CDs Ive heard all year.
The instrumental/ambient pieces are warrant enough to check out this CD, but songs such as the Robert Smith-like This World Of Mine and The Possible Nowheres have the full compliment of compact lyrics, keyboards, guitars, bass, and drums. Remarkably, despite being recorded, arranged, and mastered over the course of approximately eighteen months, the intertwining instrumental fragments and songs do not sound like two different CDs combined, but as complimentary ideas derived, not necessarily by the same formula, but from the same spirited love for creating music.
An example is Fragment # 1, which explores the harmonic impact of Canaans vocal prowess and also sets up the following track Senza Una Risposta, which is sung in Italian. On the lyrically inclined tracks, there is a definite Cure vibe, but on a level of sophistication that transcends mere mimicry.
The most powerful track on the CD, The Unsaid Words dominates in both voluminous and beautiful measures, and is a fine example of Canaans distinct ability to create outstanding and temporally relevant music.
Michael Casano, 17 Dec 2006
10/10
CANAAN
The Unsaid Words
Label: Eibon Records
Inclusive might be the best way to describe Canaans new CD, combining dark ambient and noise elements with sampled sounds, classically styled compositions, and choral music. Then weave and wrap those elements around prototypical song structures and a penchant for the melodic and you have one of the best CDs Ive heard all year.
The instrumental/ambient pieces are warrant enough to check out this CD, but songs such as the Robert Smith-like This World Of Mine and The Possible Nowheres have the full compliment of compact lyrics, keyboards, guitars, bass, and drums. Remarkably, despite being recorded, arranged, and mastered over the course of approximately eighteen months, the intertwining instrumental fragments and songs do not sound like two different CDs combined, but as complimentary ideas derived, not necessarily by the same formula, but from the same spirited love for creating music.
An example is Fragment # 1, which explores the harmonic impact of Canaans vocal prowess and also sets up the following track Senza Una Risposta, which is sung in Italian. On the lyrically inclined tracks, there is a definite Cure vibe, but on a level of sophistication that transcends mere mimicry.
The most powerful track on the CD, The Unsaid Words dominates in both voluminous and beautiful measures, and is a fine example of Canaans distinct ability to create outstanding and temporally relevant music.
Michael Casano, 17 Dec 2006
10/10