FEARLESS

I was very interested in this band upon hearing their name because I could guess they were Canadian. They are also a prog band, a metal band, and include a First Nations person as a member. All of these facts made me want the album before even hearing it. Only the price kept me from ordering it immediately. So I went to Bandcamp to listen to how they sound.

The opening track, Starlifter: Fearless Pt. 2, immediately reveals the band's influences. I was actually thinking of Queen II with synthesizers instead of piano until the vocals came in. That's when the band totally sounded like classic Rush. Covering 2112 to Signals, the first stretch of this track is a textbook example of Rush's classic years. However, the segment closes with a short bit of First Nations woodwind, which I thought was a great touch and something the band could use more.

After this, I felt the music was very similar to Vancouver-based Spell but with vocals like the Ontario metal band, Skullfist. That didn't last long as the Rush influence returned. In fact, my impression was that the track sits either smack in the middle of classic Rush or strays closer to Spell with some temporary deviations that sound like neither. It's a superbly done track, but I'd like to hear less Rush and more individuality.

Dreamer of the Dawn is largely still Rush-influenced but the chorus sounds again more like Spell with Zach Slaughter of Skullfist on vocals. It is a catchy chorus if you like that modern retro eighties metal sound. (I went back for a second listen and the chorus is now stuck in my head!)

The Shadow finally sees the band keeping distance from Rush (mostly) and resembling the Spell/Skullfist sound. As I like both bands, especially Spell, I can get into this.

By the time we reach Right Way Back, I'm reminded of several eighties bands and modern retro bands, but prominently to pop to mind is vocalist Randy Jackson of Zebra. By now, the band is showing more diversity and my interest is growing.

Context: Fearless Pt. 1 keeps us back in camp Rush. They sure are doing a good job of it though. Listen to that bass! And the lyrics, 'If life is a wheel / Please, let it spin,' has that Neil Peart enthusiasm and optimism for life.

Reflections continues the Rush vibe, which I am enjoying for the excellent execution; however, I'd really like to hear more of a unique band rather than so much hero worship.

Penny is a pleasant surprise. It's a beautiful acoustic guitar piece that stands apart from everything else on the album so far. This is followed by Lady of the Lake, which is not like Rush at all. I'm actually reminded of Jake E. Lee's band, Badlands with those high Zach Slaughter (Skullfist in case you need reminding) eighties metal vocals. This song is a welcome diversion from all the Rush Love that has dominated much of the album so far. And that woodwind makes a return near the end. This could be my favourite track so far.

That brings us to the closing track of the album, Citadel, which opens with some lovely piano. We're off to a great start here with another track that sounds nothing like Rush. And this is what I wanted to hear more of. Fine that the opening epic wears a Rush heart on its chest. But if the rest of the album was more like the last three tracks, I'd be looking for change in vending machines and behind couch cushions just to be able to order this expensive CD.

Had this been released as an album in 1982-3, I think Starlifter: Fearless Pt. 2 and Penny could have been on one side, and Context: Fearless Pt. 2 along with Lady of the Lake and Citadel could have comprised the other side (perhaps the other way around). Dreamer of the Dawn would have been an infectious single and a bonus track for cassette and later for CD. That selection would showcase the band's range of abilities. Perhaps the reminder of the tracks would have made an EP to be included on future CD reissues.

As it is, I'm curious now to hear what else Crown Lands has done. I'd welcome hearing more Crown Lands just with less classic Rush.