Canon Blue

Add Date: August 16 

Artist: Canon Blue 

Album: Rumspringa 

Label: Temporary Residence Limited 

Genre: Rock, folk pop, etc. 

Comments: Rumspringa isn't a debut LP--Canon Blue's Daniel James released Colonies, a record produced by Chris Taylor, back in 2007--but it may very well serve as your introduction to the band. And boy, is this ever explosive stuff. Swirling, orchestral arrangements surround James' well-constructed melodies, which borrow from folk, pop, rock and even electronica--he claims Autechre and Boards of Canada as major influences, though on the new album that's most evident through the song structures.

James has been a touring member of the influential Danish outfit Efterklang, which sent his demo on to Temporary Residence Limited (Explosions in the Sky, The Books, Pinback) and helped him produce and record the album. The Icelandic band Amiina, which works with Sigur Rós and has released some fine music on its own, plays strings. Everything on Rumspringa seems meticulously crafted, simultaneously intricate and expansive.

The LP is reminiscent of the full-band chamber pop that you'll hear from the likes of Sufjan Stevens, while some late-album tracks veer into Arcade Fire territory. An amazing effort; begin with tracks 1, 3, 9, 8 and 5.