Vancouver's Brass Camel Fuses Rush Riffs with Funk on New Self-Titled Album
Vancouver quintet Brass Camel has unveiled its highly anticipated third album, a self-titled release that masterfully combines the intricate guitar work of Rush with energetic funk influences. The band has also announced an extensive Canadian tour to support the new record, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.
A Deliberate Creative Process
Lead guitarist and vocalist Daniel Sveinson revealed that the band took a markedly different approach to this album compared to previous works. "We took a very different approach to it this time, teasing it out over time and gradually rolling out the videos," Sveinson explained. "At the end of the day, we are still entirely self-represented, so there is an element of throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks. But we really had so much fun making this album that we've followed it up with the way we are teasing it out."
The recording process occurred during a break in the group's constant touring schedule, with the album being completed at Crown Lands multi-instrumentalist Kevin Comeau's Chalet Studio. The project was co-produced and mixed by legendary producer Terry Brown, whose impressive credits include work with Rush, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who.
Perfect Production Partnership
Given Brass Camel's unique fusion of Rush-inspired riffs and over-driven funk elements, the collaboration with Terry Brown proved to be an ideal match. The ten road-tested tracks were finalized at Vancouver's renowned HippoSonic Studios, resulting in a collection that captures the essence of classic 1970s progressive rock while maintaining contemporary production precision.
"The Chalet was just the perfect place to record for us to get into the right mindset to make something that reflects all the influences we bring together as a band," Sveinson noted. "As someone who has been playing professionally since I was 10 years old, it's so enjoyable to make music with people who are all on the same page about making music that makes us happy to play, and throwing out the so-called rulebook."
Defying Categorization
The band deliberately selected preview singles ranging from What Are You Going to Do to Everybody Loves a Scandal to showcase their genre-jumping songwriting versatility. This approach, however, presents challenges in an industry that often demands easily definable sounds.
"The industry is really looking for a one-sentence pitch and so are we, and we have yet to hit upon it," Sveinson admitted. "That's one of the most exciting things about this band, and also one of the most frustrating, as we just keep going about playing what we play."
Building Through Live Performance
Since forming in 2018, Brass Camel has evolved from a project with revolving musicians into a stable quintet with a dedicated following. Their high-energy live performances have become their primary method of connecting with audiences across Canada.
The band has criss-crossed the country repeatedly, gaining recognition for their spontaneous, improvisational approach to concerts. Fans appreciate witnessing the musicians' technical skills firsthand, often converting skeptics into devoted followers after experiencing their dynamic shows.
Brass Camel's new album represents both a culmination of their artistic development and a bold statement about their musical identity. By blending diverse influences and maintaining creative independence, the Vancouver band continues to carve out a unique space in Canada's vibrant music scene.
