Released on the universally aligned date of 9/9, State of Mind by CANNING unfolds as a journey through both the mind and spirit, merging elements of the old with the spontaneity of life in a truly dynamic fashion. From the very first cymbal strike, we are thrust into a super-dimensional experience, with Ricky Canning’s electric guitar soaring like a cosmic beacon, his vocals wrapped in an introspective timbre that pulls us inward, inviting us to reflect on the forces that shape existence. The interplay of instrumentation within the track mirrors the flow of life itself – unceasing, evolving, and filled with moments that are both fleeting and profound.
The song captures the essence of “the new,” not as a rejection of the past but as a renewal, elevating what was once old with fresh vitality. Fritz Armstrong’s basslines weave a deep resonance through the song, grounding the expansive guitar work with a rhythmic pulse that mirrors the heartbeat of life itself. His vocals add layers of introspective depth, complementing Ricky’s reflective lyricism. Tom Miller’s drumming, especially the precise opening cymbal strike, is a vital force, like the tick of a clock counting down the moments, yet with a spontaneity that reflects the unpredictability of time.
The transcendental guitar solos are an otherworldly experience, taking us beyond the confines of reality. They possess a psychedelic edge, blurring the lines between the tangible and the intangible, much like thoughts that hover between clarity and ambiguity. In these moments, the song seems to float, as if untethered from gravity, exploring the elasticity of time itself.
As a band, CANNING plays with the energies of the day, allowing each track to be shaped by the here and now, constantly shifting and evolving. This philosophy is palpable in State of Mind, as it echoes the experience Ricky had while writing the song in Roma – a place where life’s aromas, sounds, and spontaneity fused to create something ineffable. In this track, we sense how the world around us can inspire both renewal and introspection, with music becoming a vessel for time’s passage.
Each member’s presence on the record is distinct, yet interconnected, much like how different threads of thought combine to create a single moment of awareness. CANNING are explorers of sound, seeking to place each song in its rightful place within the moment, acknowledging that music – like life – is an ever-changing flow. Their DIY approach to recording is both pragmatic and philosophical, embracing the imperfections of spontaneity while crafting something that feels deeply intentional.
In State of Mind, we are not just hearing a song but participating in a shared experience, one where the energies of the past, present, and future intermingle, and we are reminded that time, like music, has no boundaries – only possibilities. We have added State of Mind to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of CANNING, including Collide and their album, Astatic.