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The Wisconsin based instrumental post rock group, Canyons of Static, has just gone supernova with the release of their new 5-song EP. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, Farewell Shadows is an eclectic journey through time and space. The first track, “Take Heart,” straps you in with its cunningly simple melodies and shoots you to the moon on the heels of a pounding kick drum. By the end of the record’s last track, “Drift,” I guarantee you’ll need some time to decompress.
Canyons of Static, a modest 4 piece, should not be underestimated. With husband and wife team Ross and Aggie Severson on guitar and keyboards, respectively, Chris Biertzer on bass, and Nathan Gaffney on drums, Canyons of Static blends its own unique mixture of rock, ambience, and attitude. Farewell Shadows marks the fruition of this unique recipe. From the beginning seconds of the record, there is a sense of motion. Within the record, there are equal moments of neck breaking intensity and early morning stillness. Of
mechanical urgency and oceanic calm. The simple melodies are developed with shattering effectiveness.
Dynamically, this record is a mountain climb. The listener is lifted to the peak only to be plucked from the top and flung all the way back down to base camp. The builds and drops really help to create a sense of destination that too many records these days lack.
The slow build that culminates around the 5-minute mark of “Take Heart” is like
the high mountain air – it simply takes the breath away.
While this record is dynamically interesting, it is also, at times, a bit like a cat at the window – content to watch the world pass but afraid to interact with it. Most of the record is beautifully layered; the melodies and counter lines dancing a confusing ballet
around a whirlwind of percussive activity. However, there are moments when the
dancers falter and the whole scene unravels a bit. By the back half of track 4,
you can detect the first signs of fatigue. The dancers’ steps become sluggish;
the melody meanders around the stage, searching for a landing. Luckily, by the
first minute of track 5, the dancers find their way again and the record
concludes with an energetic finale.
Farewell Shadows by Canyons of Static is an EP that you really shouldn’t miss. Fans
of Explosions in the Sky and Ben Folds alike will love it. It has the energy and intensity of post rock with poppy melodic and dynamic sensibilities. It is a 30-minute journey into a
realm of mystery and science. In a few words, it is pretty damn good.
RATING: 3.5/5 STARS!!!
Album Name: Farewell Shadows
Date Released: January, 2012
Genre(s): Post Rock
Location: West Bend, WI
Band Members: Ross Severson – Guitar, Aggie Severson – Keys, Chris Biertzer – Bass, Nathan Gaffney – Drums
Record Label: Oxide Tones (www.oxide-tones.com)
Website: www.Farewell-shadows.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/canyonsofstatic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/canyonsmusic
