When I caught Canterbury playing live last November, I was genuinely impressed by their competence and by their immense energy. And so it is with 'Thank You,' the band's debut album. It's an accomplished set of songs that are thoughtfully composed, boasting tempo and key changes, hooks galore, huge choruses and some big rocking guitars, all finished with some solid and layered production.
'Peace and Quiet' really does come on full-throttle. The vocal melody reminds me of something from the 80s, but then, so do many songs, and besides, it's hardly a criticism. From hereon in, the blueprint is essentially set.
When they do slow things and let off the gas a little, as they do on 'Hospital' and the light and airy guitar pop of 'Diver,' it serves to provide pause for breath before leaping into the next burst of guitar-driven pop.
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'Accident' introduces elements of post-rock and shoegaze into the rock template, with soaring, echo-heavy guitars and drums that are rudely interrupted by the rocking but tuneful 'Ambulance.'
There's nothing pretentious about 'Thank You.' It does what it does, and does it well, and pitches teen anguish and exuberance in equal measure. That the album is available on physical format, and as a download for which payment is optional evidences the fact that they're all about the music and really aren't in it for the money. Idealistic it might be, it's an attitude I can't help but applaud.
www.canterburythankyou.com
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