CAR287 - Looking Through The Lens
Backroads & Reverb: A Vintage Spin on Modern Emotion Winnipeg-based rockers CAR287 have officially arrived with their debut full-length album, Looking Through The Lens; a 13-track journey that draws deeply from the well of folk-inspired classic rock, all while infusing it with a tasteful sense of nostalgia. Clocking in at 51 minutes, the album is a heartfelt love letter to rock’s golden era, but with just enough edge to situate it confidently within today’s indie music scene. With its carefully layered instrumentation and evocative mood shifts, this record doesn't just nod at the past—it revives it with a purpose. From the first track, Gateway to the West, you’re immediately immersed in a reflective, windswept atmosphere that feels like staring out a car window on the prairie at dusk. This introspective tone flows seamlessly into the acoustic ballad Passing of Old Days, showcasing CAR287’s ability to slow down without losing any emotional weight. But they don’t stay mellow for long—midway through the album, the band kicks into high gear with Road Rage Leady, a fast-burning hard rock anthem that slams with energy, and Muddy Waters, a track powered by a fat, pentatonic bass groove that could easily soundtrack a highway chase scene. Tracks like The Things They'll Miss continue to explore memory and motion, two key themes that ground this record in its vintage, rootsy core. Analog Heart, Digital Precision The production on Looking Through The Lens deserves its own spotlight. The mix is rich and vivid, with insanely accurate vocal harmonies that echo the greats without sounding derivative. Guitar tones are drenched in vintage sounding overdrives, evoking everything from late-'70s stadium rock to early '90s alt-country crunch. The vivid dynamic range from hushed acoustic intros to full-tilt choruses creates a cinematic listening experience that is further enhanced by a carefully crafted stereo field. You can feel the space between instruments, especially on moodier cuts like Deep Undercover, where the modulation effects add a dreamy sense of depth and atmosphere... It’s easy to imagine this album slotting into the soundtrack of indie homecoming films like The Kings of Summer or All the Bright Places, where themes of rediscovery, belonging, and youthful rebellion take center stage. The sonic palette here feels handcrafted for those quiet, personal moments that demand something a little raw, a little real. Prairie Roots, Rock Intentions CAR287 may have started in a Winnipeg basement in 2014, but with Looking Through The Lens, they’re proving their staying power far beyond Manitoba. With founding members Jay Yarmey (Vocals/Acoustic), Travis Wog (Guitar/Vocals), and Terry Ferguson (Bass), the band’s foundation is tight and deeply collaborative. The recent addition of drummer Ryan Olenick in 2023 has clearly elevated their sound, adding percussive depth and sharper live dynamics. After the limited success of their 2022 EP, this new LP, recorded at the iconic Private Ear Recording studio-marks a bold step forward for the band, and possibly, a defining moment in their trajectory. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering CAR287 for the first time, Looking Through The Lens offers something enduring. It’s not just an album, it’s an experience rooted in the landscapes and stories of rural Canada, filtered through decades of rock tradition and shaped by the unmistakable heart of four musicians chasing something timeless.
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