Having built a strong following since theeir debut full-length ‘Thank You,’ Canterbury’s setting effort proves to be one which picks where the former left off and builds upon. Over the last 18 months or so the quartet have pateintly honed their craft with throrough touring up and down the UK.
The end result of this is ‘Heavy In The Day,’ a confident, mature record that sensibly combines layered guitars with well-crafted songwriting. The opening title track is a harmonious moment which builds to a gratifying point with soothing strings and soaring guitars. Although ‘Heavy In The Day’ is atmospheric introduction, ‘Something Better’ gives the fiery kickstart this album needs; rocking guitars, an upbeat tempo and powerful vocals from Luke Prebble.
One characteristic Canterbury pull off very well is their ability to provide neat pop-rock numbers that are perfectly balanced with plenty of examples in the form of ‘More Than Know,’ ‘Ready Yet,’ ‘Calm Down’ and ‘Saviour.’
Whereas tracks likes ‘Gloria’ are warming with towering vocals and bold, layered guitars. It shows the band in a somewhat ambitious light yet it gives them variation in their sound.
The only downfall of ‘Heavy In The Day’ is its length. Coming in just short of 50 minutes and with the final two tracks (‘Garden Grows’ and ’Seen It All’) alone taking over eleven of those fifty, I have to admit the band may have outstretched themselves. The former is a suitable closer bringing together the bands sensible pop-rock approach with their confident harmonies and (slightly) easy going approach. Whilst ‘Seen It All’ sends you somewhat into a lull with its light, atmospheric tone that slowly builds towards a grand finale with soaring melodies, crashing drums and orchestral instrumentation. It’s affective yet kind of overbearing.
Nevertheless Canterbury should be proud of ‘Heavy In The Day’ as it offers plenty of depth and variation that will make it stand out from the crowd, as well further their fanbase and career. It also sees a band that doesn’t cater to any current trends which in turn allows them to produce their own identity.
A bold, ambitious record from a rising British band.
4/5
‘Heavy In The Day’ by Canterbury is released on July 9th.
Canterbury links: Official Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Sean Reid
