On March 30th, 2012 The Cla-Zels will release their second studio album In a Canyon, the follow-up to their successful debut I Own Hawaii. This time around the band has taken a decidedly roots-y turn, exploring country and blues territory with 10 new tracks, including “The Hurting’s On Me”, Metromix’s pick of the week last December.
Showcasing both male (Jason Erickson-lead guitar, vocals) and female (Joanie Whittaker-rhythm guitar, vocals) lead singer/songwriters, The Cla-Zels are known for the musical diversity evident on 2010’s I Own Hawaii. Drummer Brian Baverman (alum of MCA Recording Artists Frazier River) and Bassist Chris Barlow had not yet joined the band, and the songwriting duo relied on studio musicians to bring their first album to life.
The sophomore effort In a Canyon is a throwback roots rocker that features all four current
Cla-Zels, as well as top-notch studio session men Mike Georgin (Bass) and Kenny Cowden (Harmonica). A stripped down, bluesy feel is the musical result. Effects like guitar distortion are kept to a minimum, and Canyon has many songs (like Whittaker’s “Hot and Cold Running Love”) that would sound at home on an Alternative Country album.
But make no mistake—In a Canyon is a Rock album. Sardonic lyrics fuel “The Hurting’s…”; soulful vocals tear through “It’s Not Mine”; latin drums groove on “I’ll Be Damned.”
Their next album (currently underway and set for a fall 2012 release) will be an all-out, Zeppelin-style rocker. In the meantime, The Cla-Zels will be donning the cowboy hats and sheriff stars as they tour Cincinnati, Louisville, Chicago and all points in between to promote In a Canyon. The band will preview the album March 24th at Louisville’s Maple Inn, throw a CD release party March 27th at Northside Tavern in Cincinnati, then roll into Newport’s York Street Café April 20th the following month for its Anniversary Show.
In a Canyon will be available in a deluxe digipak CD format at select retail stores, as well as online through digital avenues such as iTunes and CDbaby.com. WWW.CLAZELS.COM
