Canyon Candy: Javelin Goes Cowpoke
For almost no particular reason, it makes sense for Javelin to have released a western themed EP. Perhaps it their ability to make dusty old samples relevant – a mandatory skill for the assignment. Maybe it’s because they go about their work with the same precision and let-it-be-damned attitude of all those steer drivers of yesteryear. Or, it could just be that they’re the only people awesome enough the pull it off.
But as always, the reason is obsolete. What matters is that it’s happened. Thankfully.
I usually approach themed albums with great hesitance. There’s been one too many disappointments, and I’m willing to bet that most of you have my same record with them. Mostly, a corny way to sum up some half-assed ideas in an effort to try to pass them off as a credible piece of work. Well, that’s my experience with them anyway. And with this outlook, away I went into Canyon Candy. As I soon discovered, not all of these projects are created equally.
Track one is charmingly named “Fievel Goes West”. Damn right, Javelin. After all, our generation didn’t have the great westerns of those before us. Let’s be honest, we saw them, and enjoyed them, but very few of us actually formed a significant emotional tie. Fievel Goes West is what we had, and we loved it. Fact. So, when I saw this title pop up on my playlist, my vulnerability was already peaked. And with this, a steam train engine starts to motor in the the background of smooth bass pulsations and warm, hollow organs. I was pulled into the EP. It has begun, and you’re along for the ride. Good form, Sirs.
It goes on with the rugged, round and classically warm tones throughout the tracks. Overall it’s on the mellow side of tempos and dynamics. However, Javelin’s always been able to keep you plugged into this style with their suspenseful writing. “Windchesters” – track six – is a great example of this. The moment it starts, you can picture the grit and brawn of the old west, but just as you’re digging into it, you’re pulled back with some multi-tracked, soothsayer vocals. You’re forced to straddle your feelings and go on. “Love Gulch” is likely my favorite track on here for mainly the same reason, but done with a bit more conviction.
In the end, this EP shows that Javelin’s great at working with what they have. In a project that could haven easily been bogged down by such a dangerously heavy theme, they’ve created a dynamic and tasteful display. You can even hear their own maturation through the western filter. Even though Canyon Candy doesn’t show Javelin in it’s most regular light, they’ve managed to remind you of who they are and what they do. It’s a step in the right direction.
This is a fun, impressive piece that you should get just so you can say you’ve experienced it. Watch this promo video to get a taste of what you’re in store for.
Threat Level: Green
-Maxwel Lemberger
Javelin - Winchesters by inyourchest Javelin - Love Gulch by inyourchest Javelin - Fievel Goes West by inyourchest
