Brilliance, even that of the subtle and simple variety, cannot slip under the radar.
With exactly zero announced performances in over a year, the last memories of Buffalo-based band the Dollar Canon are their splendid "Future Apartments EP" and a jam-packed crowd at the Mohawk Place. Thought of as long dissolved by most in the Buffalo scene, the Dollar Canon have simply been busy creating.
Their latest work, "Good Morning, Detective," was released on the band's website with a simple, romantic note to listeners:
"Welcome friends, we have a gift for you. Our new album 'Good Morning, Detective.' Ten songs only available here. Download and burn as many copies as you want. Just don't sell them. And make sure you listen to the songs in order."
"We are sorry for the wait," it concludes.
Apology accepted.
"Good Morning, Detective" is a study in solid songwriting. Rarely intrusive and never pretentious, the Dollar Canon is both steadied and made frantic by the vocals of George Skaros. His vocals complement the instrumentation nicely and also hold the ability to drive a song.
With little more explanation than the website's note, it is necessary to infer that the album is a concept album, or a story at the very least.
This noted, Skaros is a masterful storyteller, painting images and emotion in a way rarely caught on record. It is not ridiculous to place him in a class with Lou Reed or Michael Stipe. A compulsion to know what lies next in Skaros' language and tale would override any distaste for the music. The inherent romance in his construction and delivery is nearly perfect.
"Let's go downtown and both talk to the sidewalk. Let's take a drive and whisper to the water. And listen to what the waves have to say. And drown off the words if you're so afraid they'll hurt you," he sings on "Tonight Would Be The Night."
Bleep bloop bleorg. Detected.
This comes recommended for fans of: Pedro The Lion, Homesick For Space, and early Death Cab For Cutie.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
