Review: Crown Lands 'Fearless' (progressive rock/hard rock)
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 28. 08. 2024
- Join Pete Pardo for a review of the new album from Canadian act Crown Lands, 'Fearless'. #crownlands
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts dude!
Lots of love for Rush here for sure. Nothing to hide! We wanted to carry on on the artform of 70âs prog as best we could. Such a magical era of music that captured our imaginations.
And you did a GREAT job! I love it! Cheers from Brasil!
People are comparing it to Rush and Zeppelin, but I really dig those Alan Parson's Project-like keyboards!
Love it...these guys have a great future ahead of them...and I'm already looking forward to anything else they put out down the road as they can only get better with age...and it's amazing to see them pull off these songs live with just two people.
When I first heard these guys on CZcams I went to pick up Fearless and White Buffalo. Two excellent releases!! While their influences are obvious, they are still quite unique in their own right! I look forward to more by this dynamic duo from the great white north!
This is the best album of the year so far in my opinion. This album is not a copy and paste album like some people say but it's an amazing tribute to Rush and as huge Rush fan this is ear candy. Why would you not want to hear 70's Rush but done in a fresh updated way. I wish more bands would do that but most bands don't have the talent that these guys do, and remember that this is a duo. The Fearless songs are incredible and The Shadow is amazing and Cody's voice is so good. This is my new favorite band and I can't wait to see what they will do next but I hope that they will continue to pay tribute to Rush because we won't be getting a new Rush album.
You know the fans desire more than the typical rehashed offerings out there by established bands like Neil Morse, TransAtlantic, Flower Kings, Threshold, etc. Crown Lands reminds us why we love Prog and they do it uniquely great!!
Crown Lands' album is a spectacular creation. They love Rush and they play to it with enthusiasm. And ... Taurus pedals!!
Taurus pedals!!! Gotta love em!
I am a huge Rush fan as well and I love that album
It brings older rush sound to another level! I think you have very well reviewed the songs
I can hear Xanaduâs influences on « reflections »
I believe that they will grow from this album and find their own sounds
It is easy to ear that they went to rushâs school and there is nothing wrong there
Itâs actually refreshing đđŒ
Really cool album. Waiting for my copy. Thanks for the review. Yes the cover resembles the first Magellan albums.
Great record I heard Rush, Triumph, Zeppelin what can be better than thatâŠ. Great record
Rush has been my favorite band for 40 years. I think this Crown Lands album is fantastic and have been waiting to hear your opinion. Thanks Pete!
Rush meets Star Wars...great new band.
Glad you're talking about this, Pete, as nobody in my circle seems aware of this. So will put it on the listening list and see where it goes. Generally no issue with a band paying homage to another band but generally appreciate bands that stand more unique as themselves. But then, good music is good music, Once again, thanks for the weekly new product shows on SoT. Always anticipated for the week and always seems to be time well spent.
That multi-part song series is going sound like Rush because they worked with producers who actually produced Rush! "They made a demo of the song with Terry Brown, producer of Rush's first nine albums, and later worked on the track with Nick Raskulinecz, co-producer of two Rush albums, and Rush producer David Bottrill." Wikipedia entry on the band.
It's their second full length album. You got to give some credits to the guys. Contrary to Greta Van Zep, who apparently are not fan of the mighty Led Zep, they totally embrace their Rush fandom, and are on record saying that they stole ideas from the best Canadian band in the history of the universe. Even Alex Lifeson supports the band. I totally respect the Crown Lands guys for their honesty. In a world of rap, hip-hop, The Voice, America's Got Talent, and Ed Sheeran, we should be grateful that some young musicians still have the guts to play real music with real instruments.
Marc, can't believe you fell for that. Of course GVF are Led Zeppelin fans
@@JIF882 I didnât fall for anything. Thatâs why I used the word « apparently », because I donât believe them.
@@marctoupin3968 Just FYI, GVF has never, ever denied the influence - that's a rumor that's been wildly blown out of proportion and there are many examples of them talking about how much Zep has influenced them that can be easily found. Regardless, I enjoy both bands.
I think all the grumps need to give this a few more spins. They don't hide the fact that they are paying homage to Rush, kind of like how Rush paid homage to Zeppelin on their first record. Let's also appreciate the fact that band is only two guys in their early 20s so lot's of time to grow and evolve into their own. Great album.
Good point.
I'm buying this when I go to Utah in the summer. As a big fan of Greta Van Fleet, the Watch, Marillion, and Starcastle, this is right up my alley. I took a peak on Discogs, and was jumping for joy when I saw an Oberheim among their list of equipment. Rush used those synths. So has Styx(in the '70s and on their last two albums). Dave remixed Vapor Trails, and produced Tool and King Crimson.
I like this band. Iâve listened to their earlier work. Didnât know a new album was out. Gonna check it out!
This album is superb. A new source of music of a classic genreâŠâŠprog lives on!
i have the vinyl on order. i really liked the White Buffalo EP.
I love this album. Of course, the Rush influence is overwhelming, but I don't necessarily consider that a bad thing. The music here is exceptionally well done. It's one of the best albums of the year and I've listened to it a few times now and I plan on listening to it some more.
Its even more amazing when 2 guys are doing the instruments
Real music with real instruments. Huge Rush fan here and I dig it â«
Thanks for the review, 70s Rush Iâm all inâŠpicked up the CD todayâŠIâm loving it!
I love it. There are definitely parts throughout that underwhelm me, but overall I think it's great. Original, derivative doesn't matter as long as it's good and it is. Citadel is my favorite track and the one I come back to the most. I'm sure they'll get more "original" as they go on. Like how GVF now sounds really nothing like LZ anymore. Be cool to see and hear.
Will check out Thanks Pete
Will đŻgive this multiple spins this week. In depth / great review PETE. Thank you đđŻ
You should sub to this channel. This guy is the real deal!
@@georgelamie7001 / ok. Had not yet pulled the trigger: guess I had cold đ„¶ feetâ / actually got frightened and scared. But, this host seems very warm and engaging ; so thatâs it. Todays the day I do this. Thanks for the encouragement GEORGE đđŻ
A fantastic album!
Cracked my top ten 2023. What's at 2023 top? Haken, Riverside, Poil, and Zopp.
Heard them in Feb this year. Great band. As a hardcore Rush fan they sound awesome. And have taken the influence to another level. I heard all their songs after listening to starlifter âŠ
Here was my take on them
I think theyâre my fave new band âŠ
My analysis of starlifter - In order
Grand Designs - Keys
2112 -overture / Rush Chords
Xanadu - Bass
2112- intro chords
2112- break
Xanadu - Bass
By-tor post battle - Break
Rush- Arpeggio chords
Natural science - Break
Xanadu - mixolodian riff
Vocals - Very Geddy / Song remains the same led Zeppelin
Solo -
Xanadu
ByTor
Xanadu intro chimes
Red Barchetta chords
Spirit of radio / Rush chords
La Villa ish breakdown but with Xanadu moog and keys but faster drums
Xanadu chimes and flute / oriental ( tau Shan)
By Tor Hym of Triumph
Natural science - arpeggios
Rush style chords
Natural science - arpeggios
Solo
Some Synthwave sounds
Prelude hemispheres vibe with keys instead of harmonics
Cygnus - The bringer of balance part
Necromancer- intro
Big wheels spin / between the wheels lyrical reference
Overture 2112 intro riffs
( but diff
( a bit of YYZ type mix )
A passage to Bangkok/ Kashmir chords
Solo - Armageddon style riff
Solo-
Hemisphere style - come back - Chords
Armageddon Hemispheres
Grand designs keyboard outro
One of my favorites of the year so far. Pete, if you haven't already, check out Sermon-Of Golden Verse(my apologies if I missed it ).
Not just Magellan but that Enchant cover!
Everyone do yourself a favour, listen to the last track, Citadel, close your eyes and visualize Freddie Mercury doing it. I hear a HUGE Queen influence on this track.
Bottrill is a big-time producer. Will check it out. Thank you for posting.
Thanks Pete for turning me on to this awesome band!!!
Iâve been discovering this band now lately and this was the first album Iâm Listening to by this band. I really like this album few tracks donât do it for me at the end of the album, I have no problem with sounding like Rush and Greta Van fleet, love those bands. It might be album of the year for me but lots of albums left to be released this year
Lady of the Lake is a fantastic song......love how Rush has inspired and influenced them.
I love it. Just checked it out last week.
One of the best albums this year. Something old in a kinda new way. I dig it.
The Rush comparisons are valid. But everyone forgets that they are much harder and heavier than Rush. When top 40 artistâs blatantly steal melodies and recordings directly thereâs not a word, but when a creative band take a risk thereâs a microscope. I really weird imo.
Just discovered these guys about 1 month ago and I live about 1 hour away from them. Love the new album. Just got tickets for their show in April 2024. Can't wait.
I think if you just relax into the music and concentrate lees on particulars of who, what, when, where, why, and how, this is a real transformative album. The techniques of drumming are crazy accurate and powerful, and the synth/guitar/bass really developed some awesome tones and techniques, and the music is totally original. I mean, Led Zep's 1st 3 albums were all mostly written by South Chicago and Mississippi delta blues guys. We are all influenced by somebody.. We call that Standing on the Shoulders of Giants. I think these guys are the New Giants! I mean, that fact that there are only 2 guys?
Another band I will check out. Thank you for the review, Pete.
I've been listening to this album quite a lot recently (pretty much every day) and, although it sounds a lot like Rush, and being quite a bug Rush fan too, I do love this album loads not because of the Rush influence being fairly in your face, but because of the quality of musicianship on display!!! 10/10 from me!!! đ
Saw this band touring with Jack White, which I thought was cool. Jack himself found success in a 2-piece band. Crown Lands performed well, were exciting and already invoked the Rush sound, including the lead singer sounding and looking like Geddy. I wasn't surprised at all to learn that they're Canadian afterward. Have always remembered them and looked out for their name since.
Crown Lands are Crown Lands i think its the best band i heard in years actualy im waiting for my cooy of the new album and i cant wait until the next album comes out
My review, song by song:
1- Mid to Late 70's/Early 80's Rush (2112/Red Barchetta)
2 & 3 - Late 80's Rush (Time Stand Still)
4 - Zep meets Rush
5 - Mid 80's Rush (G/P)
6 - GVF meets Rush (G/P)
7 - Jimmy Page Bron Yr Aur/White Mountain Side
8 & 9 - GVF (homage to Starcastle in the titles)
Overall: GVF meets Rush
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Derivative as hell & yet still in the top 5 best prog albums of 2023. Musicianship is phenomenal! Appreciate the references to Starcastle, a really good prog band of the 70s that were much maligned for sounding like âYes lite.â
Context : Fearless Pt. 1 & Right Way Back came out 2 years ago. Couple Rush moments but not most of the songs. I like it so far. Go check out the first album that came out in 2020
Honestly is the best policy.Pete I trust you 100%, Love Starcastle going to see Elder at Arctangent in UK now there's a band all thanks to your great work
Lady of the Lake gotta see the huge robbing of Starcastle what the bleep
Musically interesting but can't get past the Greta Van Screech vocal vibe.
Never heard of the band ,have listened on CZcams to a few tracks and really enjoyed
I blame their tour with Greta Van Fleet, lol. I enjoy it, but yeah, hard to give it a higher ranking when it's so derivative. But who doesn't crave a Rush tribute? Their earlier stuff, as a 2-man band, is much more like a heavy Black Keys.
Very impressive to me! Iâm a rush geek soooâŠ.. of course I love this! They giveyou this » i know Iâve heard this somewhere else but⊠canât quite put your finger on it! Feeling! Very well done and keeps you guessing! Itâs obviously an homage! But well done!
Oh amd just recently saw them live st the NAC opening for July Talk! And these 2 kids yes only two are the real deal and perform admirably and very tight! Good job! Love emâ! đ
I saw them live last year. Great band !
Good album.It's the second album of the band.
To the people hating it because "they ripped it out from Rush", well, both Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee praise the band and Alex even played with them live. So, chill out, you're not Rush's legacy guardians. Don't try to be the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx.
it's in fact a good mix between wolfmother and rush ...
i get that this album is an eclectic mix of styles and many consider it a tribute - and it is, but what a tribute. It may not be the most groundbreaking album of the year so far but its cetainly one of the most musically accomplished. as others have said the musicianship is outstanding, the maturity for two young guys is also top drawer and im sure thsi will be a launch pad for future greatness. BTW so many Rush and Zep refs but thansk for the Sabbath nod too. i must be one of a handful who thinks Cody's got a very young Ozzy soundign vocal in places - especially on Lady of the Lake. brilliant album
Off topic but have you ever ranked the Ronnie Montrose catalogue? His obscure off label late 80s releases of their time but we'll played and should've done better in their niche
Yes.
I think 3.5 / 5 is a fair enough rating. Reverting to the album homework buy, stream or forget I've streamed it after reading about it, and may do so again, but I dont think I'll buy as I probably wont pull it out to listen to again. Its very well played but I fall more into the if I want to hear Hemispheres or A Farewell to Kings I'll put them on.
I dug it, even though it's very derivative. Sure, you can say "Go listen to 'Hemispheres instead'", but I've listened to all those RUSH albums a million times, and don't need to hear them again. It's like "Stranger Things" - it all feels very nostalgic and familiar, even though it's something new, technically speaking. YMMV
Spot on Pete. I have the exact same opinion right down to the 3.5/5 rating...
Every band is inspired by something right? I don't really care if they sound like Rush or any other band. There will be bits and pieces of rock history in EVERY band. I think they are doing great and i hope to see them live in the next year.
David Botrill produced Mastodonâs last album.
They toured with greta van fleet .
I will say this tho, I like Crown Lands take on RUSH themes better than Glass Hammer. In fact I'd say Glass Hammer literally steals RUSH riffs outright.
Your review is spot on....this album is incredible. I agree this band seems to be influenced by Rush but I think their material is orginal and I love it. Considering they are getting this sound from just two guys is super impressive.
This album made me smile when I heard how much of Rush they borrowed/stole. I think this was definitely a Rush tribute effort. I also kept hearing Wolfmother quite a lot, especially the singer.
Love this album. Especially the vocals. 4/5.
ANSWER: Fearless ----------------- QUESTION: What is the outcome when a Rush tribute band decides to start doing original material?
Killer!
After watching this review I had to hear a newer younger RUSH đź as I'm a huge RUSH fan! I must admit they sound A LOT like RUSH, but I also hear some Triumph and a little bit of Zep musically. Vocally there's only one group they remind me of and that's Killer Dwarfs (another Canadian band from the 80's). Not sure if this was done on purpose, but the singer sounds just like Russ Graham from the Dwarfs in their heyday, and as a big fan of Killer Dwarfs this is not a bad thing! RUSH music mashed up with Killer Dwarfs vocals is an A+ with me! đđđđžđšđŠđ»
These guys are amazing! I'm an instant fan. I don't think they sound like Rush at all.
As I said on Facebook...I'm not sure who these guys really are. All I know is who they WANT to be.
Way better than most of the crap that comes out these days. Not complaining
I have no problem with bands that are borrowing heavily, as long as I like it. Ad Infinitum and Mangala Vallis borrow heavily from Yes and Genesis and I dig both bands. Tiles and Myriad are Rush-influenced and I enjoy both of them too. I will check out Crown Lands and see if I have the same reaction.
UPDATE: Listened to a few tunes, didn't do anything for me. "Starlifter" sounded like a mish-mash of Rush-y ideas thrown together with no cohesiveness or logical arrangement.
UPDATE: Listened to a few tunes, didn't do anything for me. "Starlifter" sounded like a mish-mash of Rush-y ideas thrown together with no cohesiveness or logical arrangement.
Thanks for the review, Pete. I like it a bit more than you do. I give it a 7 out of 10. As I said in the chat, I hope the band can evolve away from this Rush sound. They only have two members, so it limits them on what they can put into a song due to having only two hands and two feet. LOL! I wonder if they will take on more members in order to have more perspectives.
Well, I gave it a 3.5 out of 5, so I'd say I liked it more than you!
@@sotdude7 7 out of 10 and 3.5 out of 5 = 70%, so both of you like the album the sameđ
@@danielwolski873 LOL, you are right. I meant to put 7.5 out of 10 instead of 7 out of 10. I was trying to go in between 3.5 and 4 out of 5. That is why I went to a 10 scale. I just wasn't thinking correctly this morning.
@@robertdendooven7258 It's all good. I was trying to give Pete a hard time đ
@@danielwolski873 I understood that, but I still messed up my ranking number and had to correct it without editing the original comment due to Pete already replying to it.
Reminds me of Greta van fleet especially Lady of the Lake
Mars Volta
I heard this album and without reading other comments and reviews the first thing I thought of was damn this sounds like rush
Didnt realise this has been released on CD, only on vinyl and streaming platforms. I have only heard the few uploads of song on CZcams and do find them growers. Interesting you dont rate 'Lady of the Lake' Pete as that's the one I keep returning to. Cant rate the whole CD as I havnt heard it !
Agree with the review and final score.
Definitely a Rush carbon copy. The music sounds good, not a big fan of the vocals.
The vocals turned me off.
@@tomp8463 Yep. I almost wish it was just instrumental.
I'm in the camp that thinks they sound too much like Rush and LZ, they are very good but maybe need to get their influences out of their system and then will come up with something better and more original next time? I would like to like it more but I have failed so far..
The Greta Van Fleet of Rush
â€great band
The art work is very cats in space
Hi Guys. I used to play in a Rush cover band in the 70s and 80s and have learned every chord, lead solo, riff etc from Alex Lifeson on those early 70s and 80s Rush albums and I also learned much of Geddy's bass parts (playing bass with my fingers) and also learned many of Neil's drum parts as I grew up with a 3 professional drummers in my family and always had a drum kit to play.
Sorry to say but I think this is a terrible imitation of Rush from a songwriting and playing and singing point of view...Sure, it's in the style of Rush but it has none of the beautiful vocal melodies of Rush and the classic guitar riff and solos, drum and bass parts that Rush very, very carefully fretted over (pun intended)when editing song parts until they got it just right. Rush used to take pride in their song melodies, lyrics, song construction and bass and drum fills for every bar of their music.
These vocal melodies are really hard to listen to with no hooks and quite a harsh vocal tone as well with nothing pleasing to the ear at all. There are no memorable bass parts either and the harmonic content and choice of chords and riffs is really bland and it sounds like they literally sat down and "wrote" this stuff in a few minutes.
I'm not sure what the lowest rating you can give it but if I gave it 1/2 star out of 5, I think that would be too generous.
Sorry about that.
Who cares if they sound like Rush, it's still a fantastic album....they are superb musicians...boo hoo on the purists. đđ
Id rather listen to a Farewell to Kings and hear the real Rush than this Rush tribute band
Yes this is the band that i really love. From all the new generation classic sounding bands i like this one the best. Overly hype greta van fleet lately sounded a little like modern rock. Maybe because of too much praise for the vocalist of greta that has effected his ego. Now he tries to hard to sound like Robert Plan that he over does it which is really really high with no punch at all. In fact the natural vocals of crown lands vocalist is too good i mean great. Love it . For me the best new wave Rock band that really sounds classic.
I have been a Rush fan since I was fifteen, got turned on to 2112 first, and after that, I researched their other albums. I'm not a die-hard Rush fan but really enjoy them. I went on Spotify with a clear non judgemental attitude after listening to your video. I can fairly say this band totally copied Rush, I truly hear some riffs from Temples of Syrinx. When listening it sounded like Rush but not in focus. The only way I can explain it to you. As I was listening it drove me crazy because I just listened harder to tune the out-of-focus sound in. I'm sorry, I tried other songs but just couldn't listen to them. It sounds like Rush but they're all of a sudden sounding like crap. I really enjoy your videos and have really purchased some great new CDs because of your info. Thanks! In the long run Rush doesn't deserve a band doing this kind of thing. Peace Out. â
3.5 is cutting them short Pete. Way short. You discount them because they sound too much like Rush. Seriously? To perform this complex of music as a 2-piece, 6 stars.
Huge Rush fan but I canât stand this at all
Was hoping for an overkill review today
Next week.
@@sotdude7 awesome. Youâre on top of it like always.
Iâll preface this with Rush has been my favorite band since â76. Clearly some talented musicians but this does not work for me. I keep thinking, well its an ok imitation but what can you do on your own. There are plenty of band that are heavily influenced by others but still have their own sound. What Ive heard here is not that. Having said that. I do believe itcan be hard to come after a legendary band and make your influence your own. Its not for me but I wish them well
Not necessarily you, but all the faux Rush criticism is reminiscent of when the early Beatles recorded some blatant ripoffs of Chuck Berry songs. Buncha posers they were acting like it was original. Hmmmpfff. đ
The Rush aping parts are offensive, and the more original stuff is just weak. I'd give it 2 stars
Ouch!!! đŁđ„ I listened to it a second time and was liking it more. It felt dirty.
I'm right there with you George, I'd rather go and listen to the real thing.
â@@jason-budney7624 Even if the real thing isn't making music anymore?
@@JIF882 Yes, as Rush have a pretty big catalog.
Unintentionally hilarious, which is typical for you. Offensive! Alex Lifeson has endorsed these guys and played with them but you're offended. Can't make it up.
Good,but just too derivative
Yeah just another Greta Van Fleet to me. I think the Rush worship is ultimately what they are all about and the singer kinda annoys me almost as much as the Greta dude.
Why copy ,just a tribute band ,great musicians who are soooo lost