Full Review

Crown Lands Review

Crown Lands is a mission-driven Canadian rock duo comprised of vocalist/drummer Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau on guitar and keyboards. Their music is based on the psych blues-rock sounds with lyrics that are geared towards making powerful statements. The meaning of Crown Lands is infused in the troublesome history of Canada. Crown Land is stolen land, and the duet is bringing awareness to the need to reclaiming it as well as fighting to have the voices of millions of marginalized people heard. Crown Lands were the Winners of 2017 97.7 HTZ FM Rocksearch (Past Winners – Finger Eleven, The Glorious Sons, Monster Truck). They released their self-titled debut EP in 2016, and their sophomore EP, entitled Rise Over Run, was released in 2017. The duet is now focusing their unique blend of late 70’s prog-rock and early 70’s psych-rock on the band’s debut self-titled album, announced for release on August 13, 2020, and produced by Dave Cobb (Rival Sons, Chris Stapleton, etc.).

Crown Lands features seven original tunes that have a distinct 70’s rock influence. Each track has lyrics that are mission-driven as the duet is social-minded. Bowles (they/them) explains: “I am half Mi’kmaw and violence against Indigenous people is something I have witnessed firsthand throughout my life. I identify as Two-Spirit and dream of a better world for the brilliant Indigenous womxn, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people who face adversity every day for their very existence.” That is the theme is focused on the track “End of The Road,” which pays tribute to the Indigenous womxn, girls, and two-spirits who have gone missing or been murdered on Yellowhead Highway 16 in British Columbia, known as the Highway of Tears. With a powerful vocal sound that expresses a wide range, a catchy guitar figure, and a song form that expands the norm, Crown Lands has a powerful expression in “End of The Road.” The song is also accompanied by a video Co-produced by Sage Nokomis Wright, choreographed by Mi’kmaq artist Teineisha Richards and narrated by Canadian Inuk singer Tanya Tagaq, the video also features a cast of all Indigenous dancers. The opening track, “Spit It Out,” has a catchy guitar riff, and Bowles displays an impressive vocal range, and blues-influenced melody embellishments commonly heard in the ’70s, which is a good thing. Comeau’s guitar playing is melodic with a solid tone, with a combination of vintage and modern. “Howlin’ Back” is set to a rumbling drum groove with slide guitar dancing around Bowles vocals. The duet’s psych-rock influence is featured on this one, but the song is still melodic and easy to follow with a strong hook and melody.”Leadfoot” continues the Rush/Led Zeppelin/Queen vibe with a catchy riff and Bowles’ bluesy upper register singing. Crown Lands is taking a conscious approach to the 70’s rock sounds while still maintaining a unique voice and perspective. That’s the short of it!