By: Charlie Butler
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 20/11/2016
Label: Kapa Records
The Canyon Observer takes the epic song structures and dynamic shifts of post-metal but filter it through an ugly lens. There are extended melodic passages here reminiscent of ISIS’ more serene moments but here the smooth edges have been worn down to give a darker, gnarlier texture. The Canyon Observer create a really captivating world of noise on “FVCK” by taking familiar influences and moulding them into compelling new forms.
“FVCK” CD//DD///LP track listing:
1). Luscious Red
2). Bounds Tied Tight
3). Lost In Silence
4). All of Her, Mine
The Review:
Nothing arouses my suspicion quite like the use of v’s in place of u’s. At first glance I feared the worst of The Canyon Observer’s new full-length, the charmingly titled “FVCK”, but I shouldn’t have worried. The Slovenian quintet offer a welcome fresh approach to the well-worn tropes of post-metal, far removed from any bandwagon jumping wannabe true black metal.
“FVCK” is not devoid of any black metal influence though, as evidenced by the frantic bursts of rage that open “Luscious Red” and “All of Her, Mine”. This is just one of many moods the band embraces though during the three monolithic compositions that make up the bulk of the album. The Canyon Observer takes the epic song structures and dynamic shifts of post-metal but filter it through an ugly lens. There are extended melodic passages here reminiscent of ISIS’ more serene moments but here the smooth edges have been worn down to give a darker, gnarlier texture. The band’s powerful rhythm section lays down dirty basslines and rumbling, tom-heavy beats akin to Swans and Shellac. This noise rock feel brings a gritty tone to “FVCK”, aided no-end by the sporadic appearance of some filthy, no-nonsense sludge riffs.
Albums crammed with massive ten minute tracks can often crumble under the weight of their ambition and become a chore for the listener. The Canyon Observer recognises this and keeps the overall running time tight and break up the lengthy complex tracks with the briefer tracks such as “Lost in Silence”. Based around an eerie three note synth refrain, the band slowly add more layers with each repetition before their restraint gives way to fury at the track’s climax, frayed, howling vocals adding another level of intensity.
The Canyon Observer create a really captivating world of noise on “FVCK” by taking familiar influences and moulding them into compelling new forms. Once the silence descends following the stereo-mangling studio trickery that closes the album you’ll be wanting to press play and subject yourself to it all over again.
“Fvck” is available here
