Kanaan is another one of those bands that can be tough to figure out. 2021’s Earthbound was a stoner rock classic emphasizing how heavy the band could go which fit in well at Roadburn 2022. Their latest release brings them more into line with the earlier efforts with more emphasis on sound, jamming and atmosphere. Either way though both of their sides has always been present to one degree or another. Diversions Vol.1 is really aided by the brilliant organ/keyboard work of Håvard Ersland. The outstanding 15 minute opener is a full on retro jam with killer drumming, blazing organ solos and spacey guitar work. I swear you can hear sax on this album but I assume its the guitar tone thats throwing me, so you can still hear some of that jazz influence. “Softly Through The Sunshine” slows things down in with the plodding bassline leading the way for some spaced out guitar noodling and atmospherics. “Hyperstate” lays on the drumming extra thick. It’s like a killer drum solo with only atmospheric aid from the guitars and a faced paced bassline but on further listens you can really hear the depth of the track. “Immanence” is steeped in classic prog music with its brighter tones and intricate interplay throughout its 12 plus minutes yet in a way its very loopy with a touch of Philip Glass, though more orderly. The album closes with “Cab Light Rocker” with a nice bass run and some lighter keyboard work driving the piece. Really likeing this record alot. Though i enjoyed the heavier tunes this is where Kanaan is at it’s best.
Released by Jansen Records and available in numerous outlets and the bands Bandcamp
