Album Academy

Fearless is exactly the best way to describe these duo of absolute rockstars comprising Crown Lands. This album starts with an epic ballad reminiscent of Rush’s 4224. Stellar synths guide you into arguably one of the best drum/guitar intros of recent rock and roll. Cody’s control over the stylistic beats could only be described as masterful. Meanwhile, Kevin plays guitar, synth, and bass. Every second prepares you for a journey into the cosmos. Despite only being a two piece, they fill the space of a band consisting of 10 members. 

Cody’s voice is so incredibly powerful, especially when considering the intense drumming involved. The namesake song is a starship ride into a far off nebulae with Cody and Kevin at the helm. A soft native flute solo gives listeners a chance to embrace the stardust that creates us all. There is a turbulence of emotions as asteroids fly by in a chaotically organized battle as they reign us back in with a call to arms of well timed cymbal crashes and synth arpeggiations. 

I could talk for ages about the incredible nature of the first song on the album but there are more to go. Dreamer of the Dawn starts strong with sick riffage. Seriously, these guys don’t fuck around with incredible intros. The lyrics are where this song really sings (no pun intended). Dreamer of the Dawn is a prayer I think we all resonate with. It’s a push to look forward into our own destinies and really discover freedom.

The Shadow moves inspiration from Rush to Journey. The Shadow is a haunting melody reminding us to embrace the darkness within. Cody’s voice here really hits hard with powerful belts mirroring his own journey into this darkness in which he faced. The Shadow really feels like Cody sharing his experience and pain with us all, while delivering a powerful message with similarly powerful musicianship behind it.

Oh if you thought they were just psych rock, just wait. Right Way Back hits you with a rockin’ powerhouse. Yes, I know, I’ve said Cody’s vocalization is incredible, but it hits its stride halfway through the album during this album. While not the most technical song on the album, it certainly is one of the best. It brings several motifs from the previous songs. It’s certainly a wonderful love song and a great palate cleanser after the much more introspective songs at the start of the album.

We round back to Fearless. This time for some context. In Fearless: Context pt.1. Bringing back a new guitar tone to feed us another part of the Fearless story, Kevin comes in strong with power ballad chords. Context is a strong song for Kevin to really show off his guitar prowess with hard hitting riffage, centering at just the right moments. Truly a chef’s kiss to his powerful work here. The bass bridge is something of sheer excellence, breaking for ethereal harmonics to show the sunshine of the goddess. Context will make you want to drive through the city with the roof down, twilight emerging on the horizon. 

Man, are these two fantastic at creating atmosphere. From the driving forces of the previous two songs, to the serene intro of Reflections, the journey is brought back inward. The cycle of life continues. Once again, we’re graced with a monumental task of climbing the mountains that are our souls. I tend to equate the message of this song with one of reincarnation, and finding once again your soulmate in whom travelled this treacherous path with you. 

Okay, okay. I’ve talked a ton about Cody. Yes. I have a crush on them. But if you see them you’d understand why. However, Penny is a song just for Kevin. Literally. It’s just him. Well, him and his beautiful guitar skills. Penny truly is a reminder of simpler times. It brings to mind the moments of peace we all strive to feel. A truly incredible display of fingerstyle guitar, Kevin emulates the masters of the crafts such as Tommy Emmanuel, Jon Gomm, Don Ross, and Mason Williams. The dreamscape crafted by such incredible playing will have you setting this song on repeat. I’ve already listened to it three times writing this review alone. It truly does show just how much Kevin loves what he does and allows him to really let loose in the most beautiful way. I’ve tried my hardest to attempt even parts of this song. Needless to say, I’m going to leave this one to the master.

What do you think when I say Lady of the Lake? King Arthur? Same. But fuck him. This epic is about the Lady of Death herself. The Queen of Fae. Once again, this song isn’t to show the excellence of their musicality. They’ve already done that. While, yes once again a master craft, Lady of the Lake is a story telling vessel, sharing the story that belonged to the Queen of Avalon all along. Her call to arms shouts through Cody’s voice and Kevin’s gnarly riffage. The Lady of the Lake will forever hold the fort for the inner realms. A secret message mayhaps?

Finally we’ve made it to Citadel. My personal favorite song off this album and of Crown Lands in general. Oh and who do I once again get to praise? That’s right. Kevin. This time, mastering the keys. This final battle of the Fearless. Powerful bass marches in a battle. I’ve made a Lord of the Rings reference before so I’m going to AGAIN. This song is the battle of Minas Tirith and the Battle of the Black Gate combined. Yes, that epic. The promise of a fallen evil. A need to win, lest the world crumble and the Citadel lost. With only a soft run of the piano to end this genuine epic, the true answer is up to you!

Definitely give this one a listen. You won’t regret it a single moment. I’ll be doing another Crown Lands album soon, but for now, comment what you think or what albums you would like me to review!