You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. Producer David Bottrill, whose discography includes Tool, Muse, Rush ends up makinh them sound very much like the latter. But there's a storytelling format within the multi-part suite that just really captures our imagination.

Unfamiliar with the debut currently (although I will rectify this ASAP), the composition, in the words of drummer and vocalist Cody Bowles, “spans hundreds of years following our titular hero: Fearless after the events of (2021 single) ‘The Oracle. The fuzzed-up lead solo is infectious, and the sub-four-minute affair is over in the blink of an eye.Covering 2112 to Signals, the first stretch of this track is a textbook example of Rush's classic years.

Interestingly, for all its upbeat nature and welcoming embrace, the final track, ‘Citadel’ allows the duo to introduce a slightly more sombre, almost melancholy vibe upon which to close things out. Recorded at Universal's studio in Toronto with producer David Bottrill (Rush, Muse, Tool, Mastodon), Crown Lands' new album, Fearless, creates a world you want to spend time in. II," readily conjures the sound and scope of Rush's 2112, the album is clearly the product of 2023, its fantastical, character-driven plotline functioning as a parable for real-world discussions about capitalism, colonization, and Indigenous struggle.And yet, there’s a certain authenticity to the production courtesy of Dave Botrill, who worked with the likes of Rush and Mastodon in the past, meaning that it’s not sterile or lacking warmth. However, the myriad of clever ideas, interesting time signatures, and atmospheres means it keeps my attention each and every time I press play. With such a powerful and all-encompassing opening composition, the concern is that maybe the remainder of the album will pale into insignificance. Crown Lands has certainly been buzzing up the prog and classic rock ecosystems of late, and why not?