ARTIST OF THE DAY: NON CANON

NON CANON today returns with a haunting new single: ‘The Saying of The Seers’.

Complex of arrangement and contemplative of lyric, ‘The Saying Of The Seers’ is a brooding and atmospheric addition to Non Canon catalogue fitting of the troubled times we find ourselves in.

WATCH VIDEO HERE // STREAM HERE

Though written well over a year ago, its themes of isolation, routine and their impact on our mental health are unsettlingly resonant today.

“‘The Saying of the Seers’ is a song about the long, slow winter routine” says Barry. “Of waking up before the sun rises, and trudging home after it has set. It’s about how the days and nights blend into one as you stare at the calendar waiting for the clocks to change. It’s about losing sight of the fact that it will, eventually, get better.”

Set in the minor key and laden with a sombre mariachi sound that wouldn’t sound amiss on a dark day upon the streets of New Orleans, it’s a brittle and bone-chilling listen whose spectre will loom long after the needle has left the groove. Backed by the all-star band who also perform on his upcoming new album, Non Canon also enlists the talents of jazz saxophonist supremo Pete Fraser (Field Music/The Pogues/Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly) who stamps his inimitable signature on ‘The Saying of The Seers’ with a breathtaking solo conjured from the depths.

‘The Saying of The Seers’ is just the latest single to emerge from Non Canon’s highly anticipated sequel album: ‘Non Canon II’ (out 15th May 2020, via Xtra Mile Recordings). Arriving four years after his debut release for the label, the record was self produced by Barry Dolan, and recorded in studios in Bristol (Bink Bonk), London (OneCat), and Portsmouth (Old Blacksmiths Studios), plus, at home studios in Bristol and Stockholm. The album was expertly stitched together and mixed by Neil Elliott at Old Blacksmiths Studios, before mastering by Dan Coutant at New York’s Sun Room Audio.

‘Non Canon II’ also sees Barry Dolan joined by a host of guest musicians throughout who each offer their unique talents. Neil Elliott and Ben Whyntie from Barry’s heavy rock/metal outfit Oxygen Thief;  Pete Fraser (touring member of Field Music/vocalist of super-noisy-math-metal trio Down I Go); Gareth Amwel Jones (My First Tooth/Lucky Shivers); drums Jon Clayton (Hurtling, Chris T-T & The Hoodrats); cellos Hannah Johns (The Leylines); violin/viola Ryan Brooks (Left Side Brain/Super Goliath) and piano Alex Ball (composer and popular YouTuber).

‘Non Canon II’ will be available on CD and digital download. A novel limited edition “Eco-mix vinyl” – created from a lucky dip blend of colours recycled from leftovers from other coloured vinyl releases – will also be available, with each vinyl press guaranteed to be individually unique.

Non Canon is the solo project of Barry Dolan. Hailing from Bristol, Dolan has been a prominent figure on the UK scene since emerging with his Oxygen Thief project in 2006. Over the years Dolan has supported the likes of Frank Turner, Mongol Horde, InMe, Johnny Foreigner, Chris T-T, and has established a devoted fan base of his own. A talented songwriter and performer, Dolan has been championed by BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music (Tom Robinson). Signing with the Xtra Mile Recordings label in 2013 for Oxygen Thief’s ‘Accidents Do Not Happen, They Are Caused’ album, Dolan has since released a string of EPs and albums on the label, including the first Non Canon LP, which marked a more traditional and acoustic-based outlet for the singer. In Spring 2020, the story will continue as the curtain is lifted on its long-awaited follow-up: ‘Non Canon II’.

NON CANON – ‘NON CANON II’ – OUT 15 MAY 2020, VIA XTRA MILE RECORDINGS

PRE-ORDER HERE

‘NON CANON II’ – TRACKLISTING