Introducing a deserving creative duo, an acoustic to full-rock ensemble undeniably guided by intention and feeling above all else. Crown Mountain drive with talent and passion at the forefront, and despite the versatility of their catalogue, that quality rings loud every step of the way.
Initially something like medieval progressive rock but with an acoustic folk-rock set-up and intriguing harmonies, the Gypsy jazz musicality of Crown Mountain is gifted a sense of identity and depth by the unique stories the band weave along the way.
Consider their latest offering a fine example of their journey and creative vision as it has evolved. The song By A Thread reflects boldly upon life, the world, the threat of extinction, all by way of a passionate and poetic, often confronting set of lyrics. Meanwhile the voices move from curious and distinct to energetic and defiant, harmonising wildly to reinforce the growing emotion, and with keys solos and instrumental explosions to further match that vibrancy.
It’s a highly emotional, expressive sound, the lyrics piercing through initially for their reflections on childhood, mindset, self-awareness, the music taking precedence later on. It’s unpredictable but compelling, and while creative freedom and passion are threads throughout their repertoire, no two songs from Crown Mountain are ever the same.
For The Rearview, we’re simply immersed in the live sound of country rock and folk – soulful vocals and solos backing a warmer groove and a more optimistic mood that naturally shines light on another side of the duo.
Then to flip the script all the more dramatically, the acoustic purity of Blindsided takes things to greater artistic depths still – a fingerstyle arrangement both intimate and empowered as it rolls along. Then there’s the song itself, topically reflective again and poignant as it captivates both musically and lyrically. A definite highlight performance-wise, and the vocals sound beautiful together amidst this haunting folk progression.
My Rock lifts the mood once more, a simple sway of an Americana to pop-rock hit, short lines and an easy groove, a relatable degree of appreciation and honesty. That classic vibe continues but expands as we dive into the anthemic realm of A Vivid Glimpse.
Made up of Jonah and Ryan Murray-Laird, Crown Mountain appear to secure their appeal just a little more with each new song you hear. They’re a live band, by all accounts, but these studio captures deliver that well, and the songwriting is refreshingly interesting, humble but provocative, and the music a pleasure to let rain down at volume.
Jonah also wrote and performed the title-track for the film I Saw The Light (YouTube), and the band’s entire repertoire holds the key to so many moments both nostalgic and eye-opening – the yesteryear acoustic pull and intimacy of The Old Fashioned Way and Made of Oak, the bigger band soul-rock conclusion of Enter The Soul. It’s a playlist that keeps on giving, bridging the gap between timeless organic music and the modern day songwriters who simply have no choice but to create and play and perform.
It’s passion that brings these songs to life, and for all of these reasons, Crown Mountain are a band worth knowing about this year.
Find Crown Mountain on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.
