While Canyon Candy is a far cry from the hip-hop electro Javelin has bestowed upon us previously, it’s not something to miss. Inspired by the rolling tumble weeds and red clay encrusted jeans of the Wild West this brief album brings back snippets of that the Frontier used to be. Word is that this is the future soundtrack of an upcoming epic of the same name, directed by Mike Anderson. Previous fans of Javelin may be turned off by this album, it’s not electronically inclined and if anything, sounds vintage. However, Javelin’s master-sampling and melody-making skills were not missed. The album maintained a melodic sway the whole time, with twangy steel guitars and wavering vocals in replacement of synthesizers and funk samples. With most of the songs finishing between one and a half to two and a half minutes, one of this album’s qualities is certainly brevity. As soon as one song begins it suddenly seems to end, sometimes a bit too quickly. The use of samples in tracks such as “Strawberry Roan” and “Trembler” creates an authentic western sound, and adds to the overall reminiscent feel of the album. At the same time, tracks like “Colorado Trail,” and even “Strawberry Roan,” incorporate a little more of the beat that Javelin is known for. Javelin incorporated some western instruments too, I’m pretty sure I detected a steel guitar, and did I hear a jaw harp in “Love Gulch?” Standouts on this short album are “Estavez,” “Colorado Trail,” and “Streets of Laredo.” If you’re a Javelin fan who is open to an album unlike any of its predecessors, pick this album up. You’ll be amazed by their versatility and willingness to experiment. Available April 16th, 2011.
Modern Mystery 
