We know there’s definitely not another MA/AZ hybrid outfit out there making the kind of modern Alternative Americana the way that Canyons and Locusts do. And we’re pretty sure there’s not an artist as prolific right now as CaD either especially with a concept album rearing to go barely a year removed from their last full-length.
That’s right, kiddies, it was only last March that Canyons and Locusts unveiled their Justne Covault-inspired The Red Angel to the masses and now they’re back with not just a new album but a concept record at that! But what’s it all about???? Howzabout we let singer/guitarist Justin Keane break it down for you:
“Broadly speaking, The Goal Gigolo is the story of a guy who makes his living solving others’ emotional problems while trying not to get entangled with them romantically, It’s set in the 1970s, so I guess we weren’t calling those people life coaches yet.”
And there you have it, fans! If you dig your music with a little more substance then you’ll enjoy pulling parts of the story out as you listen along. And if you just want your music to Rawk without any kind of message then The Goal Gigolo works twofold!
“Have To Fire That Goal Gigolo” is immediate and incendiary built of swirling riffs and steady stomping beats from Amy Young with “Trapped In The Tiger” following as a sort of segue but not, harnessing the Dream Pop aesthetic found in lots of Pop in the ’50’s or ’60’s as Keane shows off a softer side vocally.
“Day Of The Canyon” comes next and embraces listeners like a comfort blanket having been previously released. Here, in The Goal Gigolo, the track sounds wholly different with a more anthemic quality as Keane’s shining guitar licks truly stand out. “Motorwall Us” is a more subtle thumper and “Here Come The Buzzards” slows it down even more with a prominent croon coming out of Keane’s maw at times.
“Anna Save A Life” arrives midway through and acts as a reset, picking up the pace once again before the trippy sounds of “Moriarty The Serpent” takes the Canyons and Locusts sound in a wild new direction. “Take Me Back To Lee’s” represents a “classic” CaD sound with “Detain The Piano Man” diversifying again for an almost AC/DC-like jam with the way that Keane’s riffs and Young’s drumming connect. And what would a concept album be without a killer ending? When it comes to The Goal Gigolo, that task falls to the aptly titled “It’s A Long Goodbye” which is an endearing, fuzzed out romp fitting for this final act with a mix of modern Bob Mould but put through a Hüsker Dü blender.
The Goal Gigolo is out now and you can get your copy to stream or download by heading here or to the embed below! For the latest from Canyons and Locusts, hop on the information superhighway and be sure to make stops here or here for more!