The Canvas Divine

Originally posted on June 9, 2014:

          Throughout history, Germany has given us some of the greatest musicians of all time, such as J.S. Bach, and in more modern times, The Scorpions (Rock You Like A Hurricane anyone?).  In addition, who could forget the infamous techno and tekkno musical movements that boomed in Germany starting in the mid 1980's.  Today, however, I have something different for you, I have The Canvas Divine.

          The Canvas Divine hails from Ulm, Germany and is made up of members Janosch Riemann (Vocals/Guitar), Stefan Simon (Guitar), Stefan Vogt (Bass), and Ben Schubert (Drums).  Having formed in early 2009, they have released their debut album (Color The Sun) and a recent EP (Just Like The Moon).  Their mixture of modern pop music and dreamy psychedelia creates an atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else that I'm aware of.

The Canvas Divine's new EP, "Just Like the Moon"

          The title track on their EP, Just Like The Moon, is an interesting blend of modern pop concepts and vintage ones.  It begins with a brief fill by an electronic drum kit, that opens up into a dreamlike, airy guitar progression.  The sound creates a sense of freeness in a large open space and draws on techniques developed in the 60's and 70's.  After the introduction, the track breaks out into what has become The Canvas Divine's signature sound.  That is, a steady drumbeat and thick bass line with the rhythm guitar playing the airy riffs from the beginning, whilst the lead guitar takes over the foreground and fills it with more conventional, yet equally interesting and unique licks.  Another important aspect of the band's sound is Janosch Riemann's vocals.  He puts power into everything he says while having a voice that simply engages the listener and draws them into the music.  The song ends with a distorted guitar solo that seems to combine the tone of Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) with the complexity of Jimi Hendrix.

The Canvas Divine live

          Another particularly noteworthy song on this EP is Compliments & Cold Hands.  The song takes a more upbeat approach than Just Like The Moon.  It begins with happy dual guitar licks and a fast, yet light drum undertone.  Again, the bass holds the song together with its low tones.  Riemann takes a slightly different direction with his vocals in this song, though he still maintains the power in his voice and creates a feeling of tangible emotion, not only with his vocals, but also his lyrics.  This is particularly evident in the chorus when Riemann pushes his voice and emotes those tangible feelings to their fullest, backed by even more upbeat instrumentation.  The track finishes with the chorus on a high, mood-lightening note.

          Overall, The Canvas Divine is a group of 4 incredibly talented, inspired musicians that seek to improve the world with their music.  Their blend of pop sensibility and the classic psych-rock of the 60's and 70's makes them stand out, more so, within the indie community.  You can listen to their music on their Bandcamp page (http://thecanvasdivine.bandcamp.com/album/just-like-the-moon-ep).  Their website is currently under construction, but can be viewed at http://www.thecanvasdivine.de.  Also, head over to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheCanvasDivine).

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading this review.  Please feel free to comment on this article about whatever you feel like (suggestions, what you think of the band, etc...).  If you would like to contact me for any reason, check out the 'Contact' tab above.  Have a nice day and rock on!