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A Folk Rock Reflection on Finding and Returning Home in the Canyon.
Los Angeles based singer songwriter Ali Mills’ Canyon is a beautifully evocative track that channels the spirit of Laurel Canyon’s golden era, drawing comparisons to the harmony-rich folk rock of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. With its warm, organic instrumentation and reflective, deep yet simplistic lyricism, the song feels like both a tribute to a gone era but a needed meditation on the passage of time.
From the opening lines, Mills sets an intimate and nostalgic tone: “Let’s build our house on a mountaintop… In the silence the canyon talks.” The imagery is striking—there’s a sense of longing, of finding solace and comfort in nature, and of the quiet wisdom that the canyon imparts. The refrain, “I can hear the canyon calling us to come home,” reinforces this pull toward a place that exists both physically and spiritually.
Ali’s vocals echo in this song, like a mother wolf calling her pups home: strong, natural, and commanding, yet deeply comforting.
Musically, Canyon embraces a warm, analog sound, with Mills and co-producer Steve McCormick crafting a rich sonic landscape. The interplay of acoustic, folk like and electric guitars is fluid and expressive, blending seamlessly with Frankie Pedano’s understated keyboard work. The rhythm section—featuring Lyle Riddle and Mills on drums, with Ben Mathews anchoring the groove on bass—keeps things steady yet unhurried, mirroring the song’s themes of time and memory.
There’s an undeniable thin layer of melancholy woven into the track, especially when considering the devastating wildfires that have reshaped much of LA’s natural beauty and have destroyed the iconic Palisades canyons.
The song serves as both a lament and a love letter, capturing the weight of loss while still embracing the hope of rebuilding.
With Canyon, Ali Mills delivers a song that is both timeless and timely. It’s a reflection on nature, memory, and resilience, wrapped in the familiar yet refreshing tones of classic folk rock. Fans of the Laurel Canyon sound will feel right at home, and for those new to Mills’ work, this track is an excellent introduction to her artistry and sultry vocals.
Don’t forget to follow Ali Millis on Instagram and Listen To Canyon, on All Streaming Platforms
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