Crown Lands

Crown Lands project a sonic scale and intensity exceeding that of most duos, as this Canadian pair channels the power and attitude of classic rock. Their fusion merges hard rock drive with progressive and psychedelic textures, allowing the music to command vast spaces regardless of lineup size. Initial widespread notice arrived in Canada via the 2017 EP Rise Over Run, while the self-titled major-label debut from 2020 brought greater studio sheen and force, and the 2021 single "Context: Fearless, Pt. 1" stands as a direct homage to their progressive rock forebears.

The pair formed in 2015 when Kevin Comeau, who plays guitar, bass, and drums, teamed with Cody Bowles, lead vocalist and drummer. Both grew up in Southwestern Ontario, though their first meeting took place while Comeau lived in Los Angeles pursuing music, including work in a reggae band. Home for the holidays, Comeau encountered Bowles, and shared passion for vintage rock, especially Rush, sparked an instant bond. Comeau returned to Ontario, after which the two began regular rehearsals and live performances of original songs. The name Crown Lands references Bowles’ First Nations background as a Mi’kmaq nation member, evoking territory taken from indigenous peoples by the government. Choosing extra equipment over additional musicians, they adopted a demanding Ontario touring schedule. With growing stage experience they entered the studio, releasing the independent debut EP Mantra in August 2016.

The five-song set sold strongly in their region, leading a year later to the six-song Rise Over Run, which drew wider media attention. They broadened live work, headlining clubs while opening for varied major acts from Jack White to Primus. After a show with Rival Sons, the headliners connected Crown Lands with producer Dave Cobb, known for country work with Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell as well as rock projects involving Marcus King, All Them Witches, and Needtobreathe. Cobb secured them a Universal contract and produced the self-titled album issued in August 2020. With COVID-19 halting tours, they recorded an acoustic EP instead. Wayward Flyers, Vol. 1 contained four originals and a cover of Neil Young’s “Birds.” They also filmed a video for “End of the Road,” shaped by real stories of indigenous women and their treatment along the Highway of Tears.

At the same time they developed “Context: Fearless, Pt. 1,” exploring their progressive rock leanings, above all Rush. Early recording assistance came from Terry Brown, who had produced several early Rush albums, and live performances further strengthened the arrangement. In January 2020 the duo worked in the studio with Nick Raskulinecz, another Rush producer, on a refined version. The session became a tribute to Rush drummer Neil Peart, who had passed away the previous day, yielding the additional song “Right Way Back” as explicit homage. After remote vocal recording, David Bottrill, whose credits include mixing Vapor Trails, handled the final mixes. “Context: Fearless, Pt. 1” and “Right Way Back” appeared in March 2021.