Crown Lands: Allegory’s And Apocalypse
For centuries, fables and stories have been told through song; whether it’s a myth or a movement, music will follow. CROWN LANDS takes their story and sends it interstellar, but how out of this world is it really? We caught up with Kevin Comeau, who reveals plans for future tours, life with a new faraway label and future creative projects. There is also a light shed on what truly makes a villain like Blackstar and how it can happen to anyone.
The allure of an escape is something that speaks to everyone. A yearning to live on a different plane, if only for a few minutes. CROWN LANDS make world-building and escapism seem as easy as breathing. They create their art and offer it as a medium to transport the listener to faraway galaxies. It doesn’t stop there, though; they create worlds within their characters…then have that character hold a mirror up to our own society. Encouraging the listener to look not only at the action but to view it as a reaction.
Comeau‘s passion is infectious as he dives into the background of this story’s villain. It would be fair to consider the main character of Apocalypse as a cautionary tale. While weaving subtle pleas to never lose sight of what’s important. In a digital age of echo chambers, misinformation and algorithms, the album highlights the importance of staying mindful of reality. “It’s kind of an allegory for what we’re seeing in the world today, of how a person can be so easily seduced by fascism and the alt-right movement.” Blackstar is a product of fear combined with hatred, and there is a lot to learn from Apocalypse‘s protagonist.
The narrative that Bowles and Comeau want to expose is that these villains are not only fictional. “It’s important for art to reflect what’s happening in the world because all art is a mirror. It’s a warped mirror put up against reality.” Comeau continues to explain that Blackstar, after his suffering, becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. We see him “double down on his hatred, and sort of turn into the villain he’s always hinted to be.” You can persuade anyone into thinking they’re fighting for the right side.
Despite the deep and heavy themes weaving throughout their discography, there is still beauty and a whimsicality that also exists. Discussing his own relationship with music, Comeau does not see progressive rock as a list of expectation boxes to tick. It is important to him that music feels accessible. Everyone starts somewhere; for him, Mike Dirnt of GREEN DAY is the watershed moment. “Good music transcends genre; it transcends time and space.” Proceeding to highlight that good music that means something is not something you need to overcomplicate.
“As an 11-year-old kid, it’s accessible. You can pick up a guitar and learn how to play those bass lines within a couple of months of picking up an instrument.” The American Idiot album has examples of nine-minute-plus anthems on a record without stealing the show. At the end of the day, it’s all about the art. American Idiot is another record to tread the line between fiction and reality. So many issues on it still ring true today. It also honours a connection with fans, speaking to them, and validating their feelings and fears. CROWN LANDS continue to nourish simple connections like this between band and fan. But also have some fun with it too; there is an Easter Egg on Apocalypse. They encourage fans to listen to this record back-to-back with Fearless.
Musicians have an important role with their younger listeners. It’s not necessarily their responsibility to guide them. But they can be motivators to analyse the world and criticise what they see as wrong. “I notice there’s this kind of bubbling anger in the younger people. They have been denied any upward mobility in their lives”. Music and messages like those of this band communicate to people that their struggles are valid. CROWN LANDS is an excellent example of bringing a story to life in a playful manner, with the depth of a feature-length film series. Not only this, but they bring a unique ‘why not’ attitude to their work. Why not create a galaxy through the power of music? And what if it wasn’t just through music…
Learning the amount of detail and how fleshed out their characters are, it will come as no surprise that they have multiple creative outlets. So naturally, they are eager to add another level to this universe. “Cody‘s actually a really big Dungeons & Dragons fan. We’re working really hard on doing a one-shot series on this world that we’ve been building. And we’ve also been trying to figure out who we’re going to collaborate with on a graphic novel front.” CROWN LANDS – the band that never sleeps.
The ambition that fills this band is not exclusive to creative endeavours. As a duo, it’s clear how they trust each other to choose what’s right for them personally and the band. They have a unified goal: to get their music to as many people as possible. Earlier in the year, they had a label change-up and are now with a Germany-based label, InsideOut Music. To some, this move would be a huge risk. Being based on an entirely different continent, managing time zones and navigating unfamiliar territories. CROWN LANDS knew the risks but trusted their art and trusted music fans. They’re going to follow wherever the music takes them.
Being now based on a European label also opens doors for potential European tour dates. Comeau is keeping the finer details close to the chest. However, there’s a glint in his eye as he discusses some potential dates at the end of 2026. The ball just never stops rollin’ for this duo. They are walking hand in hand with the greats that inspire them and are inspiring those in return! It all just adds another layer of intrigue to the enigma that is CROWN LANDS. They’re a band that goes beyond the music (quite literally) and encourages people to immerse themselves in the universes they create entirely. All the while, encouraging people to look inward, think critically and ask questions.
Apocalypse is out now via InsideOut Music. View this interview, alongside dozens of other killer bands, in glorious print magazine fashion in DS131 here.
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