CANTERBURY – HEAVY IN THE DAY
Released 9th July 2012 (Sweet Lime Records)

Words: Stevie Blackburn

With every band constantly feeling the need to change their musical direction on every new album, it’s a refreshing change to see that the boys of indie pop band, Canterbury have realised that they’re doing pretty well with the sound they’re going for as this week sees the release of new album, Heavy in the Day. A band who have continued to rise over the past 3 years emerging from a small following of fans from previous release, Thank You to a solid fan base selling out shows all around the UK.

Although we may be praising the band for not wanting to move into some new direction, don’t expect a repeat of the 2009 album as with anything, the time they’ve spent putting into this album has well and truly paid off into creating something that’s going to help the quartets career expand even more.

The opening track to the album (given the same name) starts us off quite slowly, something which we’ve yet to really see with this band as past songs have been so upbeat and powerful it’s nice to see the contrast they have to offer. At four and half minutes long it does seem quite a dragger for an opening track, particularly for an album that’s been so highly anticipated by fans for months.

Have no fear however, Canterbury are not here to continuously showcase you a slow meaningful album as we instantly go straight into Something Better, with a rockier start its again bringing a new sound to the band with the talent of guitarists, James Pipes and Mike Sparks being well and truly shown off in the rocky riffs to the track.

With the previous two songs demonstrating a new talent to Canterbury, you’ll be pleased to know More than Know is the band at its finest. The band already have a video for this on YouTube which is full of that indie pop vibe that makes you want to jump around and containing that Canterbury spirit that has made their fan base take off in no time at all. The song has a ridiculously catchy beat throughout and you’ll be singing along in no time.

Already established fans shouldn’t expect Heavy in the Day to include complete new songs however, as the band have took this chance to include previous songs that were released as filler songs between the two albums including Gloria, Ready Yet? and Calm Down but all three songs are such feel good anthems, we’re sure we’ll forgive the boys for this bit of repetition.

As previously mentioned this album has enlightened us to a slower much softer side to them which can also be heard on Seen it All and She’s a Flame, if you’re used to the power of Canterbury then make sure you set some time to give these tracks a listen as its proof the band have so much more depth and are truly growing with each record. She’s a Flame shows off the melodic vocals of Frontman Luke Pebble and we can’t help but think it sounds very similar to something you can find on Thank You which is reassuring to know the boys are still sticking to their roots even as their fame on the music scene increases.

The two tracks on the album that stand out by a mile as possibly the best songs the band have to date have got to be Garden Grows and latest release, Saviour. Both completely unique with Saviour having an almost funky, 1980’s feel throughout with the rest of the band coming together to make it a perfect sounding record including drummer Scott Peters demonstrating what he’s made of. Whereas Garden Grows sounds completely different but is the sound of Canterbury at is pinnacle and it’s that diverse sound that has got the boys where they are today. Possibly one of the most singalong tracks on the album with one of the catchiest chorus’ we’ve heard in a while.

A great album from one of UK’s best up and coming bands, if you get a chance to go and see these guys then we suggest you do so  before they well and truly take off on the music scene. If you haven’t got this album already then what are you waiting for, you can currently get it off the bands website which offers a range of goodies from just an mp3 download to t-shirt bundle packs so there’s something for everyone. Website: http://www.musicglue.com/canterbury/pre-order/