Listen: Canon Blue - "Beholden"

Several years ago I was introduced to Nashville based singer/songwriter/producer Daniel James' Canon Blue project through Efterklang (a band he was a touring member of)'s recommendation of his album Rumspringa when it became a spotlighted album for Noisetrade. Even then the orchestral dance record had been out for several years and so while I haven't had to wait as long as some longtime fans, I still greeted the news of both a brand new single and album from James as welcome news.

"Beholden", the opening track and first single from Canon Blue's upcoming third full length record Lasso Yo, arrives six years after James' previous effort but he hits the ground running. It's a track very in line with the sort of lush, uptempo songs that defined much of Rumspringa but without the assistance of Efterklang or the blend of electronics and strings Icelandic collective Amiina. Without the trappings of James' very talented friends, his powers of production are much more obvious as he builds an intricate tapestry of sounds that eventual burst into a resplendent climax. James' emotive tenor makes a welcome return and the track's bright melodies almost make it hard to believe that Lasso Yo was a record forged from James' struggles with anxiety and depression. But some of the saddest songs come in most upbeat of dressings and though "Beholden" relies mostly on metaphor and storytelling, it's not hard to see how the introduction to James' psyche would strive to go down easy. It's a thrilling return and an intriguing first taste to an album no one quite expected.



Canon Blue's third full length album Lasso Yo is out October 6th on Temporary Residence Ltd. You can pre-order the album now. Digital orders come bundled with a Jamie Lidell remix of album track "Onyx".

Pitstop: Canon Blue

If there's one thing I've learned from paying close attention to Efterklang from about the time I discovered them back in 2010, it's that the trio contains some of the most top shelf taste both in terms of collaborators and in general music likes. Their touring members have consisted of absolutely amazing musicians in their own right: Budgie, Heather Woods Broderick, Peter Broderick, and now you can add Nashville singer/songwriter Daniel James aka Canon Blue to that list. 

Touring with Efterklang in support of  their excellent Magic Chairs afforded Canon Blue's sophomore album Rumspringa with an absolutely amazing production team that not only included Efterklang but Sigur Ros' go to string section Amiina. The result - an orchestral pop album of stately beauty that certainly doesn't skimp on the pop element. So intrinsically intertwined, Rumspringa combines the majestic grandeur of a fully flushed out string section with undeniable danceability or just good old fashioned ear-catching infectiousness.



Even stripped of Rumspringa's legion of masterful musicians, Daniel James has an abundant wealth of musical ideas and skilled effective delivery. Just take the Chris Taylor (of Grizzly Bear) assisted debut Colonies which contrasts stark textures and introspective lyricism with the telltale signs of poppiness that would flourish into Rumspringa. The leap from arty to accessibility is not unlike Efterklang's occurring at a slightly quicker pace. It's enough to make me positively giddy to see what he'll do on the next Canon Blue album. Hopefully it's not too long before then.



Now and for a limited time you can snag a free download of Rumspringa with some extra goodies (b-sides, sketches, remixes, etc.) from Noisetrade. Do it.