I have been listening to this Ernest Ellis & the Panamas' King's Canyon LP on and off for a few weeks now. I now find myself sitting at home on a Friday night after a few beers, listening to the rain outside and enjoying the album once again. It's never sounded better, which is strange to say considering the amount of affection I hold for this album.
King's Canyon is the sophmore album from the Sydney band, following on from Hunting released late last year. They have recently played with the likes of Florence and the Machine and Jamie T, as well as selling out their own nationwide tour. Originally commencing as a solo project, they were still known as (just) Ernest Ellis until recently when they decided to add to their moniker, once and for all declaring themselves as a collective.
Clearly a reflective bunch, King's Canyon is a beautifully poignant album, a result of their everyday emotion and passion. The lyrics and overall scope of many of the songs can be quite heartrending, but in a way where you can still see a way out. It's honest.
The album's first single "Great Sky" gives that exact impression, a big infinite space. Recorded with high levels of reverb and echoed backing vocals, they cleverly give what is in actuality a very large track a withdrawn feel. "Save Me" is one of the more upbeat songs, tempo wise at least. It's definitely a toe-tapper, and reminds of a time when Kings of Leon weren't shit. Ellis, who has been quoted as feeling unconfident in his voice, does himself proud with his wailing vocals soaring throughout. The opening track "Sons and Daughters" may be my favourite, a track which delves into deep melancholy before finishing on a powerful and victorious spike.
I read an interview about the recording process, how they wanted to create a rounded album, not a couple of good singles surrounded by filler. This is exactly what they have accomplished.
I saw them live recently and was blown away by their performance. I really just stood and gawked for an hour while they did their thing. I go to a lot of gigs, and this was one of the best I've seen this year, plus they sell awesome vintage sweaters in their merchandise table. What more could you want.
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