Raised in the isolated timber community of Vernonia, Oregon, Canoe frontman Matt Hoiland had ample time and space to develop his love of music and songwriting. Early on in life retiring to the woods with his beloved St. Bernard and guitar, he quickly discovered the song he had within. Now, musing the simplicity of nature and the complexities of human interactions, Hoiland creates a rich tapestry of theme and texture in Canoe's debut album Places. The connected themes throughout Places illustrates the complexity in determining a place on this earth by introducing us to the hardships of early American immigration in "Journal" or contrasting the elements of domiciling in the desert or forest in "Drip, Drip, Drop." Also of note is an original and sincere take on Neutral Milk Hotel's "Holland, 1945" that keeps nicely with the theme of the album. The songs are deep in meaning, simple in understanding and capturing in melody. Portland, Oregon's Canoe has been compared to such artists as James Taylor and Sufjan Stevens and their accomplishments on this album hold true to the same standard as these great songwriters by layering a memorable under-structure with lush arrangements and accompaniments. With his wife Sofia on her salvaged and nearly-forgotten Wisconsin violin, brother Carl on acoustic bass and long-time friend Dave Westhora on drums, Hoiland and Canoe create a debut album that sounds as if it were their pinnacle. We hope you enjoy Places.
