Canary – A Maturing Sound for Hypnotic Songwriting Duo

It is early 2015 and I am walking to high school, hands freezing, pockets overturned and iPod earbuds stuck in with ‘Party Line’ by Belle and Sebastian populating my teenage airwaves. This was the sound that made me think twice about dying my hair green and skipping school… more pop than rock, more aloof than angry, and it paved the way for my love of bands like TV Girl, Soccer Mommy, and Tennis. A real left-hook at my youthful obsession with punk rock…

This is also the road that Pennsylvania-based Indie Pop duo, Canary, are following with their new track, “Love Me While You Can” and I was honestly taken straight back to those days after hearing it the first time. 

Kat Leverenz’s vocals are nothing short of hypnotic and although the lyrics offer us something to hold onto, I much preferred to sit back and enjoy the song as a whole experience that offers context to a room and a bit of light. Her vocals are reminiscent of Monica Martin (Phox), Phoebe Bridgers or Mistki but as her sound develops I look forward to seeing even more of that luxe tone she possesses showcased in a more in-your-face track; I digress…

The mix provides us a warm afterglow effect and even when the song was over, I was compelled to listen again purely because I knew there were pieces I had yet to latch onto, and that proved true as Zach Dennis’ thoughtful guitar arrangement really gives way to this being a strong pop song. Also, take note of Leverenz’s vocal line at 1:50, it’s an ear-worm that showcases the timbre of hers that I am sure is to become a signature, if it isn’t already.

I am a big fan of the bridge, that is lead into with Leverenz singing ‘cause I don’t wanna fight no more – the only thing I need you standing at my door’ because the full effect of the band here is truly appreciated and the drum breaks offer a proper lift in energy. 

I’m looking forward to seeing what this band brings us next and how they continue to stretch the limits of hypnotic – bliss – pop-rock ‘ roll cause we can all use a bit of light.

Make sure to give Canary a spin (or three) as this new track is something all my nostalgia-heads will be sure to put on with a glass of red, coffee, and a book, or, for a mellow, yet cinematic boogie-in-yer-living-room. Sash yer curtains, let the sunshine in, and give Canary yer momentary, undivided attention.

FFO: TV Girl, Belle and Sebastian, Tennis, Soccer Mommy, Cage the Elephant, Phoebe Bridgers

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