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Canvas -
Digital Pigeon : : |
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Band/artist: Canvas
Title: Digital Pigeon
Released: 2007
Label: Self Release |
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Track
listing:
1. Dark Side of the Sun
2. The Spectacle
3. Spiders
4. Ghost Town
5. Armchair Voyager
6. A Reptile Dysfunction
7. You
8. Calmsy Downsy
9. On Second Thought
10. Catwalk
11. Funk Shui
12. Lost In Transit
13. Teen Town
14. Move the Earth |
: : The Players : :
Matt Sweitzer
(guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, percussion) - Chris Cobel (keyboards,
trumpet) - Greg Lounsberry (vocals, guitar) - John Swope (drums) - Tom
Mattern (vocals, flute, keyboards, bass, guitar, trumpet, sax) - Brian
Pierce (acoustic guitar) - Brad Cotner (trumpet, trombone) - John David
Thornton (guitar, bass, Fender Rhodes, keyboards) - Zach Olah (vocals) -
Orlando Blanco (guitars) - Bruce Smith (vocals) - Vince Simon (drums) -
Heather McPherson (violin) |
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: :
Digital Pigeon : :
Canvas is a studio project formed by Matt "The Canvas Prog Hour"
Sweitzer and Chris Cobel, and Digital Pigeon is the second release from
this US based project band. On this release they have gathered 9 more
musicians to record a total of 14 tracks.
Musically, Canvas explores the lighter realm of the progressive world on
this release. Soaring but subtly used synths, synths floating in the
background and acoustic guitars is what most of the tracks on this
release have in common as leading instruments. The bass guitar is also
brought to the front, but without adding heaviness and umph as such to
the tunes. Rather than creating epic sounding melodies and rich
soundscapes, mellow and laid back are good descriptions of how these
instruments are utilized in most tracks.
Vocal harmonies is another feature in many of the songs, further
enhancing the "light" feel of the songs offered here. And vocals in
general on this album is utilized in the same way as the instruments;
mellow and laid back. Delivering the melody is more important than using
lots of vocal effects it seems.
As for musical styles, this album is a happy mix of mellow art rock and
lighter fusion explorations; at times exploring close to easy
listening/lounge music. And all but one track here is tinged rather
heavily with 70's atmospheres and moods, the one exception (Catwalk)
exploring a somewhat rougher 80's sounding atmosphere. As for similar
artists I can't personally pinpoint anyone in particular, as this is a
type of music I'm not too familiar with myself. Other sources points in
the direction of Alan Parsons Project for similarities though, which
might or might not be useful information.
This album as such
isn't a strong release though, at least not in my opinion. There are
quite a few good tracks here; opening track "Dark Side Of The Sun" and
"Ghost Town" being the best in my opinion. The first 6 tracks here are
all good, but the last 8 leaves me rather cold.
There is a variety of reasons for these 8 tracks not working out for me
though, so pinpointing reasons really isn't very constructive in this
case. In this case, perhaps more than in others; I think this is purely
a question of personal taste.
All fans and followers of the lighter and poppier prog rock that was
released in the 70's should check this one out though; as that crowd
certainly will enjoy this release better than me.
Rating: 5 (out of 10)
Reviewer: Olav Björnsen
: : Visit the Artist’s
Website :
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: : Discography : :
Digital Pidgeon
(2007)
Avenues (2002) |
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