Surrey based melodic rockers Canterbury have come a long way since their 2009 debut full-length ‘Thank You’. What started as reasonably straightforward pop-rock saw itself remodelled by layers of expansive, and often ominous, soundscapes which up until now had culminated in the criminally underrated ‘Heavy In The Day’.
‘Heavy In The Day’ saw the four-piece play with atmospheric hooks, and pushed frontman Mike Sparks’ vocals firmly to the forefront. The record balanced the experimental moments with outright bangers, placing the moody title track next to the likes of ‘More Than Know’ and the undeniably catchy ‘Gloria’.
With album number 3, the band further embrace the delicate balance between the two. Perhaps less immediate than its predecessor, ‘Dark Days’ lives up to its namesake by pushing at the atmospheric boundaries. At its most sinister it truly is dark and introspective – take the doomed marching tones and explosive chorus of ‘Hold Your Own’, or the ominous closing moments of album opener ‘Expensive Imitation’.
The punchy melodies which dominated ‘Heavy In The Day’ are still present, but warped by a clever combination of experimentation and grandiose instrumentation. Soaring guitars envelop the sound, while the distinct vocals are amplified to become a sound all their own. Brimming with captivating melodies, ‘Dark Days’ retains a consistent juxtaposition of gloomy atmosphere and catchy choruses.
On their third full-length, Canterbury have exaggerated the theatrical elements which underpinned their previous releases without becoming melodramatic. The darker sound suits them extremely well, and proves an obvious evolution from ‘Heavy In The Day’. ‘Dark Days’ is characterised by its morose atmosphere, but one which provides a bright light at the end of its tunnel. Ultimately it is as uplifting as it is foreboding, and well worth your attention.
BEN TIPPLE