Band: Canvas
Band Website: www.canvasproductions.net
Label: Independent Release
Release Date: 2007
Sometimes
it’s called the sophomore jinx, other times it’s simply that harsh reality of living up to expectations already established. Specifically
what I’m talking about is the second release for any band. It’s not always the easiest task. This is the situation Canvas find themselves
in with their second release Digital Pigeon following up on 2003’s Avenues. Well I’m happy to report that for the most part this second
outing is quite a successful venture.
For those of you who are not familiar with Canvas, here’s a quick recap. The “band” itself
is the musically creative side of the much larger Canvas Productions which includes a studio, studio production and internet broadcasting.
Both the studio and the band are headed up by Matt Sweitzer (guitars, bass, keyboards) and Chris Cobel (keyboards, trumpets) but once
again they draw upon a wide cross section of musical assistance on specific tracks from the likes of John Swope (drums), Brian Pierce
(acoustic guitar), Brad Cotner (trumpets), John David Thornton (guitar solos), Tom Mattern (flute, vocals), Greg Lounsberry (guitar,
vocals), Orlando Blanco (guitar solos), Heather McPherson (violin), Vince Simon (drums), and Zach Olah (vocals).
Musically Canvas continue
to develop a recognizable style that is steeped in song-driven melodic art-rock incorporating a wide variety of outside influences
including jazz-rock, fusion and an uncomplicated form of progressive rock. There are 14 compositions here, 3 of which are instrumentals
and two others are cover remakes, ranging in length from as short as “Teen Town” at 2:51 to as long as “The Spectacle” at 7:44. The
majority of the compositions are around six minutes. The overall feel that is given off is a smooth, almost “slick” mid-seventies
Steely Dan or Supertramp feel with all kinds of surprises dropped in from time to time. The first two tracks, “Dark Side of the Sun”
and “The Spectacle” are probably what you would consider the most progressive in style incorporating some subtle shifts in time and
tempo but never straying very far from the plot. Although it must be said that “A Reptile Dysfunction” also has some interesting changeups
all built around a kind of country rock feel. In fact there are a few tracks that push that acoustic folk or country rock feel. Others
like the instrumental “Spiders” and “Armchair Voyager” incorporate plenty of trumpet horn work and give off a real seventies funky
feel. And so goes the remainder of the tracks on Digital Pigeon. Nothing is overly complex and everyone’s job is clearly to
drive the melody. These are well crafted songs after all spiced up with some imaginative musicianship. And like any good song these
pieces all start building a memorable place in the brain.
So how does Digital Pigeon stack up as a sophomore release? Well I
believe that Canvas have acquitted themselves quite well. They’re taken a number of steps forward to solidify a kind of trademark
sound and style, all the while continuing to incorporate even more outside influences. It’s clear that Sweitzer and Cobel are not
afraid to tackle some unconventional forms of musical styles into their sound. This is a really good disc to pop into the player and
listen to while driving around. It has that kind of up-town feel. Congratulations to Canvas to taking a very positive next step in
their musical career.