“Crash” by The Great American Canyon Band
Written by: Isabelle Kemp
Rating: 7.5/10
The debut EP from Baltimore-based duo ‘The Great American Canyon Band’, ‘Crash’ is a stunning example of folk music at its finest. Successfully blending male and female vocals over a relaxed musical accompaniment, the five tracks on the EP are consistently strong.
‘The Great American Canyon Band’ can perhaps best be described as indie-folk, as they have an astutely individualist approach to folk music. The vocals of married couple Paul Masson and Krystal Jean Masson work well together, forming effective harmonies. Using straightforward instruments (guitar and piano sounds feature heavily) means that the band does not draw attention away from the vivid lyrical content.
‘Lost at Sea’ is by far the standout track on the EP. The repeated piano melody combined with simple lyrics creates a particularly soothing sound, giving the track a tranquil feel.
There are times when the album has more of a country vibe. The track ‘Tumbleweed’ for example, is slower in tempo and layers vocals on top of handclapping and a drum beat. Arguably this is a weakness of the EP, as the band functions better with up-tempo and more indie sounds.
The EP ends on a strong note though, with the track ‘Young Lady’ acting as a powerful finish. Highly recommended, ‘The Great American Canyon Band’ are sure to have a promising future.
FCC violations: Clean
Favorite tracks: #1 (Lost at Sea)
RIYL: Bon Iver, She & Him, Angus and Julia Stone
