Join Pete Pardo for a review of the new album from Canadian act Crown Lands, 'Fearless'. #crownlands 💰Donate via Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/pete... 👕Order your SoT merch: www.t8cloth.co... 🖥 Visit our website: www.seaoftranq...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts dude! Lots of love for Rush here for sure. Nothing to hide! We wanted to carry on on the artform of 70’s prog as best we could. Such a magical era of music that captured our imaginations.
When I first heard these guys on RU-vid I went to pick up Fearless and White Buffalo. Two excellent releases!! While their influences are obvious, they are still quite unique in their own right! I look forward to more by this dynamic duo from the great white north!
This is the best album of the year so far in my opinion. This album is not a copy and paste album like some people say but it's an amazing tribute to Rush and as huge Rush fan this is ear candy. Why would you not want to hear 70's Rush but done in a fresh updated way. I wish more bands would do that but most bands don't have the talent that these guys do, and remember that this is a duo. The Fearless songs are incredible and The Shadow is amazing and Cody's voice is so good. This is my new favorite band and I can't wait to see what they will do next but I hope that they will continue to pay tribute to Rush because we won't be getting a new Rush album.
You know the fans desire more than the typical rehashed offerings out there by established bands like Neil Morse, TransAtlantic, Flower Kings, Threshold, etc. Crown Lands reminds us why we love Prog and they do it uniquely great!!
Love it...these guys have a great future ahead of them...and I'm already looking forward to anything else they put out down the road as they can only get better with age...and it's amazing to see them pull off these songs live with just two people.
That multi-part song series is going sound like Rush because they worked with producers who actually produced Rush! "They made a demo of the song with Terry Brown, producer of Rush's first nine albums, and later worked on the track with Nick Raskulinecz, co-producer of two Rush albums, and Rush producer David Bottrill." Wikipedia entry on the band.
I am a huge Rush fan as well and I love that album It brings older rush sound to another level! I think you have very well reviewed the songs I can hear Xanadu’s influences on « reflections » I believe that they will grow from this album and find their own sounds It is easy to ear that they went to rush’s school and there is nothing wrong there It’s actually refreshing 👌🏼
I think all the grumps need to give this a few more spins. They don't hide the fact that they are paying homage to Rush, kind of like how Rush paid homage to Zeppelin on their first record. Let's also appreciate the fact that band is only two guys in their early 20s so lot's of time to grow and evolve into their own. Great album.
It's their second full length album. You got to give some credits to the guys. Contrary to Greta Van Zep, who apparently are not fan of the mighty Led Zep, they totally embrace their Rush fandom, and are on record saying that they stole ideas from the best Canadian band in the history of the universe. Even Alex Lifeson supports the band. I totally respect the Crown Lands guys for their honesty. In a world of rap, hip-hop, The Voice, America's Got Talent, and Ed Sheeran, we should be grateful that some young musicians still have the guts to play real music with real instruments.
@@marctoupin3968 Just FYI, GVF has never, ever denied the influence - that's a rumor that's been wildly blown out of proportion and there are many examples of them talking about how much Zep has influenced them that can be easily found. Regardless, I enjoy both bands.
I'm buying this when I go to Utah in the summer. As a big fan of Greta Van Fleet, the Watch, Marillion, and Starcastle, this is right up my alley. I took a peak on Discogs, and was jumping for joy when I saw an Oberheim among their list of equipment. Rush used those synths. So has Styx(in the '70s and on their last two albums). Dave remixed Vapor Trails, and produced Tool and King Crimson.
I love this album. Of course, the Rush influence is overwhelming, but I don't necessarily consider that a bad thing. The music here is exceptionally well done. It's one of the best albums of the year and I've listened to it a few times now and I plan on listening to it some more.
Glad you're talking about this, Pete, as nobody in my circle seems aware of this. So will put it on the listening list and see where it goes. Generally no issue with a band paying homage to another band but generally appreciate bands that stand more unique as themselves. But then, good music is good music, Once again, thanks for the weekly new product shows on SoT. Always anticipated for the week and always seems to be time well spent.
I love it. There are definitely parts throughout that underwhelm me, but overall I think it's great. Original, derivative doesn't matter as long as it's good and it is. Citadel is my favorite track and the one I come back to the most. I'm sure they'll get more "original" as they go on. Like how GVF now sounds really nothing like LZ anymore. Be cool to see and hear.
Everyone do yourself a favour, listen to the last track, Citadel, close your eyes and visualize Freddie Mercury doing it. I hear a HUGE Queen influence on this track.
Heard them in Feb this year. Great band. As a hardcore Rush fan they sound awesome. And have taken the influence to another level. I heard all their songs after listening to starlifter … Here was my take on them I think they’re my fave new band … My analysis of starlifter - In order Grand Designs - Keys 2112 -overture / Rush Chords Xanadu - Bass 2112- intro chords 2112- break Xanadu - Bass By-tor post battle - Break Rush- Arpeggio chords Natural science - Break Xanadu - mixolodian riff Vocals - Very Geddy / Song remains the same led Zeppelin Solo - Xanadu ByTor Xanadu intro chimes Red Barchetta chords Spirit of radio / Rush chords La Villa ish breakdown but with Xanadu moog and keys but faster drums Xanadu chimes and flute / oriental ( tau Shan) By Tor Hym of Triumph Natural science - arpeggios Rush style chords Natural science - arpeggios Solo Some Synthwave sounds Prelude hemispheres vibe with keys instead of harmonics Cygnus - The bringer of balance part Necromancer- intro Big wheels spin / between the wheels lyrical reference Overture 2112 intro riffs ( but diff ( a bit of YYZ type mix ) A passage to Bangkok/ Kashmir chords Solo - Armageddon style riff Solo- Hemisphere style - come back - Chords Armageddon Hemispheres Grand designs keyboard outro
Saw this band touring with Jack White, which I thought was cool. Jack himself found success in a 2-piece band. Crown Lands performed well, were exciting and already invoked the Rush sound, including the lead singer sounding and looking like Geddy. I wasn't surprised at all to learn that they're Canadian afterward. Have always remembered them and looked out for their name since.
@@georgelamie7001 / ok. Had not yet pulled the trigger: guess I had cold 🥶 feet” / actually got frightened and scared. But, this host seems very warm and engaging ; so that’s it. Todays the day I do this. Thanks for the encouragement GEORGE 👍💯
The Rush comparisons are valid. But everyone forgets that they are much harder and heavier than Rush. When top 40 artist’s blatantly steal melodies and recordings directly there’s not a word, but when a creative band take a risk there’s a microscope. I really weird imo.
I think if you just relax into the music and concentrate lees on particulars of who, what, when, where, why, and how, this is a real transformative album. The techniques of drumming are crazy accurate and powerful, and the synth/guitar/bass really developed some awesome tones and techniques, and the music is totally original. I mean, Led Zep's 1st 3 albums were all mostly written by South Chicago and Mississippi delta blues guys. We are all influenced by somebody.. We call that Standing on the Shoulders of Giants. I think these guys are the New Giants! I mean, that fact that there are only 2 guys?
I’ve been discovering this band now lately and this was the first album I’m Listening to by this band. I really like this album few tracks don’t do it for me at the end of the album, I have no problem with sounding like Rush and Greta Van fleet, love those bands. It might be album of the year for me but lots of albums left to be released this year
I've been listening to this album quite a lot recently (pretty much every day) and, although it sounds a lot like Rush, and being quite a bug Rush fan too, I do love this album loads not because of the Rush influence being fairly in your face, but because of the quality of musicianship on display!!! 10/10 from me!!! 😀
i get that this album is an eclectic mix of styles and many consider it a tribute - and it is, but what a tribute. It may not be the most groundbreaking album of the year so far but its cetainly one of the most musically accomplished. as others have said the musicianship is outstanding, the maturity for two young guys is also top drawer and im sure thsi will be a launch pad for future greatness. BTW so many Rush and Zep refs but thansk for the Sabbath nod too. i must be one of a handful who thinks Cody's got a very young Ozzy soundign vocal in places - especially on Lady of the Lake. brilliant album
I dug it, even though it's very derivative. Sure, you can say "Go listen to 'Hemispheres instead'", but I've listened to all those RUSH albums a million times, and don't need to hear them again. It's like "Stranger Things" - it all feels very nostalgic and familiar, even though it's something new, technically speaking. YMMV
Just discovered these guys about 1 month ago and I live about 1 hour away from them. Love the new album. Just got tickets for their show in April 2024. Can't wait.
Derivative as hell & yet still in the top 5 best prog albums of 2023. Musicianship is phenomenal! Appreciate the references to Starcastle, a really good prog band of the 70s that were much maligned for sounding like “Yes lite.”
I blame their tour with Greta Van Fleet, lol. I enjoy it, but yeah, hard to give it a higher ranking when it's so derivative. But who doesn't crave a Rush tribute? Their earlier stuff, as a 2-man band, is much more like a heavy Black Keys.
Every band is inspired by something right? I don't really care if they sound like Rush or any other band. There will be bits and pieces of rock history in EVERY band. I think they are doing great and i hope to see them live in the next year.
Crown Lands are Crown Lands i think its the best band i heard in years actualy im waiting for my cooy of the new album and i cant wait until the next album comes out
Context : Fearless Pt. 1 & Right Way Back came out 2 years ago. Couple Rush moments but not most of the songs. I like it so far. Go check out the first album that came out in 2020
This album made me smile when I heard how much of Rush they borrowed/stole. I think this was definitely a Rush tribute effort. I also kept hearing Wolfmother quite a lot, especially the singer.
To the people hating it because "they ripped it out from Rush", well, both Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee praise the band and Alex even played with them live. So, chill out, you're not Rush's legacy guardians. Don't try to be the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx.
My review, song by song: 1- Mid to Late 70's/Early 80's Rush (2112/Red Barchetta) 2 & 3 - Late 80's Rush (Time Stand Still) 4 - Zep meets Rush 5 - Mid 80's Rush (G/P) 6 - GVF meets Rush (G/P) 7 - Jimmy Page Bron Yr Aur/White Mountain Side 8 & 9 - GVF (homage to Starcastle in the titles) Overall: GVF meets Rush Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I will say this tho, I like Crown Lands take on RUSH themes better than Glass Hammer. In fact I'd say Glass Hammer literally steals RUSH riffs outright.
Your review is spot on....this album is incredible. I agree this band seems to be influenced by Rush but I think their material is orginal and I love it. Considering they are getting this sound from just two guys is super impressive.
Off topic but have you ever ranked the Ronnie Montrose catalogue? His obscure off label late 80s releases of their time but we'll played and should've done better in their niche
Honestly is the best policy.Pete I trust you 100%, Love Starcastle going to see Elder at Arctangent in UK now there's a band all thanks to your great work
Very impressive to me! I’m a rush geek sooo….. of course I love this! They giveyou this » i know I’ve heard this somewhere else but… can’t quite put your finger on it! Feeling! Very well done and keeps you guessing! It’s obviously an homage! But well done! Oh amd just recently saw them live st the NAC opening for July Talk! And these 2 kids yes only two are the real deal and perform admirably and very tight! Good job! Love em’! 😅
I think 3.5 / 5 is a fair enough rating. Reverting to the album homework buy, stream or forget I've streamed it after reading about it, and may do so again, but I dont think I'll buy as I probably wont pull it out to listen to again. Its very well played but I fall more into the if I want to hear Hemispheres or A Farewell to Kings I'll put them on.
After watching this review I had to hear a newer younger RUSH 😮 as I'm a huge RUSH fan! I must admit they sound A LOT like RUSH, but I also hear some Triumph and a little bit of Zep musically. Vocally there's only one group they remind me of and that's Killer Dwarfs (another Canadian band from the 80's). Not sure if this was done on purpose, but the singer sounds just like Russ Graham from the Dwarfs in their heyday, and as a big fan of Killer Dwarfs this is not a bad thing! RUSH music mashed up with Killer Dwarfs vocals is an A+ with me! 👍👏😁🎸🇨🇦🍻
Thanks for the review, Pete. I like it a bit more than you do. I give it a 7 out of 10. As I said in the chat, I hope the band can evolve away from this Rush sound. They only have two members, so it limits them on what they can put into a song due to having only two hands and two feet. LOL! I wonder if they will take on more members in order to have more perspectives.
@@danielwolski873 LOL, you are right. I meant to put 7.5 out of 10 instead of 7 out of 10. I was trying to go in between 3.5 and 4 out of 5. That is why I went to a 10 scale. I just wasn't thinking correctly this morning.
@@danielwolski873 I understood that, but I still messed up my ranking number and had to correct it without editing the original comment due to Pete already replying to it.
Didnt realise this has been released on CD, only on vinyl and streaming platforms. I have only heard the few uploads of song on RU-vid and do find them growers. Interesting you dont rate 'Lady of the Lake' Pete as that's the one I keep returning to. Cant rate the whole CD as I havnt heard it !
I have no problem with bands that are borrowing heavily, as long as I like it. Ad Infinitum and Mangala Vallis borrow heavily from Yes and Genesis and I dig both bands. Tiles and Myriad are Rush-influenced and I enjoy both of them too. I will check out Crown Lands and see if I have the same reaction. UPDATE: Listened to a few tunes, didn't do anything for me. "Starlifter" sounded like a mish-mash of Rush-y ideas thrown together with no cohesiveness or logical arrangement.
UPDATE: Listened to a few tunes, didn't do anything for me. "Starlifter" sounded like a mish-mash of Rush-y ideas thrown together with no cohesiveness or logical arrangement.
I'm in the camp that thinks they sound too much like Rush and LZ, they are very good but maybe need to get their influences out of their system and then will come up with something better and more original next time? I would like to like it more but I have failed so far..
Hi Guys. I used to play in a Rush cover band in the 70s and 80s and have learned every chord, lead solo, riff etc from Alex Lifeson on those early 70s and 80s Rush albums and I also learned much of Geddy's bass parts (playing bass with my fingers) and also learned many of Neil's drum parts as I grew up with a 3 professional drummers in my family and always had a drum kit to play. Sorry to say but I think this is a terrible imitation of Rush from a songwriting and playing and singing point of view...Sure, it's in the style of Rush but it has none of the beautiful vocal melodies of Rush and the classic guitar riff and solos, drum and bass parts that Rush very, very carefully fretted over (pun intended)when editing song parts until they got it just right. Rush used to take pride in their song melodies, lyrics, song construction and bass and drum fills for every bar of their music. These vocal melodies are really hard to listen to with no hooks and quite a harsh vocal tone as well with nothing pleasing to the ear at all. There are no memorable bass parts either and the harmonic content and choice of chords and riffs is really bland and it sounds like they literally sat down and "wrote" this stuff in a few minutes. I'm not sure what the lowest rating you can give it but if I gave it 1/2 star out of 5, I think that would be too generous. Sorry about that.
I have been a Rush fan since I was fifteen, got turned on to 2112 first, and after that, I researched their other albums. I'm not a die-hard Rush fan but really enjoy them. I went on Spotify with a clear non judgemental attitude after listening to your video. I can fairly say this band totally copied Rush, I truly hear some riffs from Temples of Syrinx. When listening it sounded like Rush but not in focus. The only way I can explain it to you. As I was listening it drove me crazy because I just listened harder to tune the out-of-focus sound in. I'm sorry, I tried other songs but just couldn't listen to them. It sounds like Rush but they're all of a sudden sounding like crap. I really enjoy your videos and have really purchased some great new CDs because of your info. Thanks! In the long run Rush doesn't deserve a band doing this kind of thing. Peace Out. ✝
3.5 is cutting them short Pete. Way short. You discount them because they sound too much like Rush. Seriously? To perform this complex of music as a 2-piece, 6 stars.
Yes this is the band that i really love. From all the new generation classic sounding bands i like this one the best. Overly hype greta van fleet lately sounded a little like modern rock. Maybe because of too much praise for the vocalist of greta that has effected his ego. Now he tries to hard to sound like Robert Plan that he over does it which is really really high with no punch at all. In fact the natural vocals of crown lands vocalist is too good i mean great. Love it . For me the best new wave Rock band that really sounds classic.
I’ll preface this with Rush has been my favorite band since ‘76. Clearly some talented musicians but this does not work for me. I keep thinking, well its an ok imitation but what can you do on your own. There are plenty of band that are heavily influenced by others but still have their own sound. What Ive heard here is not that. Having said that. I do believe itcan be hard to come after a legendary band and make your influence your own. Its not for me but I wish them well
Not necessarily you, but all the faux Rush criticism is reminiscent of when the early Beatles recorded some blatant ripoffs of Chuck Berry songs. Buncha posers they were acting like it was original. Hmmmpfff. 😜
Unintentionally hilarious, which is typical for you. Offensive! Alex Lifeson has endorsed these guys and played with them but you're offended. Can't make it up.
Yeah just another Greta Van Fleet to me. I think the Rush worship is ultimately what they are all about and the singer kinda annoys me almost as much as the Greta dude.
