While I prefer watching bands mature over time, seeing them perform raw by fully utilising their creative freedom during their initial stages is just magical! This is not just me, but I am sure all melomaniacs out there find this particular phase of a band’s career fascinating, as well! At the same time, analysing both aspects of a band’s career is like living a dream!

Recently, one of the bands that I was paying real close attention to – Cannon – released their second album, perhaps their first big effort, entitled “Desert of our Dreams” this Spring. Their first album was that of an EP that the band released quickly after forming in the year 2019. In that particular EP, the band went berserk with quality, creativity and memorability aspects. Short and sweet guitar riffs are outstandingly catchy, and at the same time versatile with a lot of influences ranging from Thrash Metal, Doom, Synthwave and Progressive Music. Following the release, the band gave themselves an identity that truly outlined their sound – “Deep-Psych Metal”.

In addition to their emphatic studio release, the band got a lot of fame within their local community across Oakland, for their energetic live performances. For them to carry this momentum forward, a second release was quintessential. That’s how we got “Desert of Our Dreams”. Like said before, the band had a humble beginning and hence it is safe to assume that their first album will only find them who dig into their old times. Therefore “Desert of Our Dreams” would be their first release to a vast majority of people, especially those who are not stationed around Oakland, California.

The one that grabbed my attention was the second track “Two Snakes” – a banger that features one of the best riffs on this album. Starts off something from a Thrash Metal album, but the vocals kinda remind me of OSDM – especially with a very peculiar production. Throughout the 8 tracks, it is noticeable that the band decided to retain their original sound from the last album, but to make things interesting for those following the band – they made sure some new elements are also included in the mix. Like how the third track “The First and Last” had these rhythmic noise-Esque breakdown shifts that end with a soft outro-like guitar note, just to have this played like an interlude before ending this 7-minute track with a Math-ey chaotic guitar riff.

The title track shows how the band is not just heavy “heavy”, but also knows how to write something beautiful. This two-minute track might come off like a filler track, but for me, it just shows the extent of the band’s songwriting skills. At once they were full throttle heavy metal, but in just like a second they are melodic, not just solo-ing but almost like nightcore-ish synth notes. If you go through the next set of tracks after this particular one, you would notice melody taking the centre stage. It is almost as if the track reversed the sound – a nice little play.

One particular track that appealed to me the most is “Cold July”. Starts strong with a guttering riff, but then the cleans take off the brutality that the first riff spread. The riff, albeit short-lived at the intro, is the one that drives the chorus. Catchy – and the drum is the cherry on top – a beautiful roll through the toms, amidst the riffage….just perfect! Perhaps my favourite track on this album!

The only thing that I found hard to digest is the long mid-interlude-like pauses to showcase the synth notes and other melodic elements. They not only stretch the track but also take away the excitement and build-up for the ending smash. Like how on “The First and Last” the 1-minute melodic section took away the fun of the ending riff. But, I must say, unlike me, many may find this “calm before the storm” soothing and love it. It is just not for me. And, yes, being one of those waiting for the album to drop after being blown away by “Two Snakes”, I was taken by surprise when the album lacked riffs towards the second half of the album. However, the mirror-reverse trick that I observed on the title track just made it easier for me to digest. But, for the rest, they would be disappointed to note the lack of riffs

Overall, I lived a dream while listening to “Desert of Dreams”. The band has indeed matured a lot, incorporating a plethora of elements while still keeping it all together takes some songwriting skills! While I would like to see a better production on the next, I’m not unhappy with how the album came about. Perfect for those who want a piece of experimental metal, I am really curious to see whether they are going to continue experimenting or stick with their trademark “Deep-Psych Metal”

– Sooraj Ram

Links: Bandcamp // Facebook