Album Review: Kanaan – Downpour (Jansen Records)

Instrumental stoner psych trio Kanaan will release their new album, Downpour, on May 5th, 2023, via Jansen Records.

Always busy, always moving forward, Downpour is the fuzzy warped head-banger’s fifth studio album, and it represents a continuation of 2021’s Earthbound. Where a cacophony of instrumental wackiness coalesces with a talented band’s ability to be incredibly infectious. Yes, Downpour is manic and trippy, but it’s incredibly rhythmic, groovy, and fun too.

All elements characterised by the thrilling heavyweight hit of energy that is Black Time Fuzz. Before Kanaan really take the listener on a weird and wonderful journey with Amazon. Assisted by the unique abilities of jazz guitarist Hedvig Mollestad. Together, the foursome make compelling noise that coils around the mind in a comforting, rather than restrictive way. It’s not tiptoeing on the line between genius and madness, it is confidently striding with one foot on either side.

You’ll be as mystified as you will be ecstatic with what Kanaan has produced so far, and it only gets better. Starting with the verbose and versatile title track, where the trio’s experimental side is on dazzling display. Followed then by the ambient and relaxing ‘intermission’ of Psunspot, before Orbit initially follows suit but transforms into a groovy desert-infused psych heavy-duty head-banger. Kanaan proving that no matter how much they experiment, it is always mesmerising.

The final part of the album is split into two parts, beginning with Solaris Pt. 1. Where Kanaan combine laidback melodies and sci-fi style effects. The initial lethargic approach does transform as it goes on, turning into a full-bodied rocker. Before Solaris Pt. 2 wraps things up with monolithic tones, heavy instrumental crashes and bangs, and enough fuzz to set the teeth on edge. It’s just one more exceptional track on an exceptional album. Kanaan continue to impress with their releases and Downpour is a brilliant example of what they are capable of when this inspired.

Kanaan – Downpour Track Listing:

1. Black Time Fuzz
2. Amazon (Feat. Hedvig Mollestad)
3. Downpour
4. Psunspot
5. Orbit
6. Solaris Pt. 1
7. Solaris Pt. 2

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