Canon Blue: Just Before The End

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Canon Blue's "Indian Summer (Des Moines)" captures the uncertainty surrounding a relationship that's solid, but not enough to last forever.

Courtesy of the artist

Canon Blue's "Indian Summer (Des Moines)" captures the uncertainty surrounding a relationship that's solid, but not enough to last forever.

Courtesy of the artist

Though Canon Blue's "Indian Summer (Des Moines)" exhibits a cheerful, even playful sound, the song turns out to address a deteriorating and long-neglected relationship. "No, you won't ever reach me," repeats the chorus, which seamlessly blends Daniel James' subdued lead vocals with falsetto backups, in the process communicating the hopelessness of a doomed relationship. "Consider this a sign / Consider this a way out," James sings without much conviction, conveying the uncertainty surrounding a relationship that's solid, but not enough to last forever.

Casper Clausen and Mads Brauer of the Danish band Efterklang produce Canon Blue's recent Rumspringa, and hints of their electronic orchestrations are peppered throughout "Indian Summer." But they don't overshadow James' talent, and the song remains unique and refreshing — in part due to a lovely mix of flute, keyboards and strings that eventually gives way to ukulele plucks and a violin playing full force. That constant flow of smoothly switching instruments builds up as "Indian Summer" reaches its emotional peak before closing with a pretty and morose violin solo, perhaps signifying a relationship's unfortunate but unavoidable end.