I’m looking forward to hearing these songs live. He should be a household name in the Nashville music scene. In my opinion, Canyon City deserves far more credit than he seems to be getting. Again you’ll hear both his quality vocals and a stunning poetic lyric style. It’s a really great way to end the album, driving home Canyon City’s signature style. The final track “Olivia” has a similar electric-guitar dominated style. I think it’s about making the most of our opportunities (but I’d love to ask him what it’s about… maybe I will soon!) He delivers the lines like they are desperately important for us to hear. The lyrics are delivered with depth and sincerity. Perhaps my favorite track on this album (that I clearly love) is “Blue (Midnight Version).” Something about the stripped down sound makes this one cut through me. The imagery of nature and existential questions work nicely, finding resolution in being with someone you love. The melody line is almost John Denver-esque in its delivery, yet it works really well for a modern sound. The following “Time” is another that shows off some intriguing guitar work, using a chromatic acoustic line to set the tone of the song. It’s a soothing, comforting song for sure. The balance between the acoustic guitar and the distant, traditional piano works so well. It’s a wonderfully articulate, swooning song. “Between the Stars” was the song that won Canyon City this spot. The lyrical message is a bit more simple, but it’s a track that really fills the space beautifully. It’s one thing to play a basic plucking pattern over and over, but this one really changes in each part of the song.
The music itself is more complex than it seems at first blush, with a complicated melody layered over a changing fingerpicking line. “Alone With You” is a perfectly romantic song. The way Canyon City phrases on this song is just perfect. In fact, a lot about the acoustic guitar line on this track reminds me of Gundersen and David Ramirez. “Firework” begins with this excellent, punctuated mention of “Carolina” that reminds me of Noah Gundersen’s music. The layers, here, actually conjure more emotion (as well they should) but the song would still hold up solo acoustic. Sometimes that can be frustrating, but Canyon City pulls it off well. The melody and string lines are quintessential folk, layered with some more modern instrumentation and production. The man is heartsick and it works so, so well. The theme is about being uncomfortable in society, something that many of us creatives can relate to. The second song is “Needles and Pins,” a wonderfully relatable song about trying to make it in life. The electric guitar work, a staple of Canyon City, can be instantly calming to open the album. It’s also romantic, connecting to a key relationship. There’s a lyrical connection to the theme of the album overall, allowing water to be the conduit. It’s hard not to compare him with artists like Sleeping at Last. It’s an atmospheric, beautiful indie folk style that you’ll really enjoy. It’s the moniker for Nashville-based singer songwriter Paul Johnson.
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