There is an interesting quote in the blurb that comes with the new single from Chicago’s Canning, that the band “does not play the song; moreover, with the elasticity of time…the song will play them.” And it got me thinking about all sorts of things. Such as, how, after achieving a certain level of skill, musicians often play more in the moment than by strictly following the sonic script – it’s why when you see a band live, your favorite solo is frequently different from show to show and rarely as it appeared on the album. It got me thinking about how songs take on lives of their own. And about how not only is there no such thing as a final, definitive version of any song, but any change or evolution within it is driven more by the song’s own urges and suggestions than by the player’s wishes.
But mostly, what I thought about whilst listening to “State of Mind” was what a wonderfully complex web of sounds it is. Canning manages to blend all manner of rock-infused sounds together, from classic rock drive with seventies vibes to an anthemic, almost brash glam quality with deft and delicious solos, busy and blustering grooves with rock and roll grind, technical playing with harmonic grace, edge with energy, melody with muscle.
Canning clearly knows how to get the most out of the ebb and flow of styles and musical dynamics. They understand that true diversity comes from a broad exploration of the musical landscape and that if they keep shifting and reshaping their own sound, even within the space of one song, no one, not even smart-arsed journos like myself, will ever be able to put a label on them.
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