Album Review: Leon III - ‘Candy Cigarettes’

One of the bandfams we have worked with in the past and coincidentally one of our favorite acts in the psychedelic range of the alt scene, Leon III are back with their latest effort (and fourth studio release), Candy Cigarettes everywhere, this Friday! Never one to follow convention, Leon III have preceded the release of the record with “Invisible Ink” and then “Brushstrokes” a single that clocks in around eight minutes and is a magnum opus and case study as to what makes this band so great. The band definitely leans psychedelic and roots centered in genre, but I would say they are one that would attribute any particular genre, but rather do what’s necessary to convey the message or story they are weaving. I had an opportunity to chat with Andy Stepanian about the record, check out our conversation HERE LINK, if you missed it!

Candy Cigarettes is another collaboration with producer Mark Nevers, who is famous for his work with bands including one of my personal favorites Silver Jews, which featured the late-great David Berman. In our interview Stepanian stated that he considers Nevers a member of Leon III in a way as he allows the band the space and freedom in the creative process but comes in heavy in the post production arena and assists the band with implementing unique sonic textures and sounds (such as sitar, pedal steel, and more) which ultimately provide a cherry on top of the band’s artistic vision.

What I have always loved about Leon III is that the band does what is necessary to accomplish the goal when it comes to a song. They don’t ponder the implications that using a sitar on a prospective track might have on how the algorithm ultimately treats the. Rather, if the song calls for it, that is what they are going to do. Again, the band definitely has psychedelic tendencies at times where they have tracks that are longer, ironically, both of which are singles for this record in “Invisible Ink” and “Brushstorkes”, which come in between six and (pushing) eight minutes. However, they have other tracks such as “Habits of Creatures” which come in around three and a half minutes. Regardless of the length of the track you’re listening to, these songs never feel unwieldy or cumbersome to hear. Additionally, the band doesn’t beat you over the head with hooks until you’re numb. They move deliberately and methodically at the pace they choose and no matter the length of the track you’re listening to, they bring their A game.

Some of the tracks I enjoyed the most from this one include “Habits of Creatures”, “Phantom Train”, and the singles “Invisible Ink” and “Brushstrokes” respectively. Leon III continue their tradition of flipping the birds to what the music establishment “says” a single is or what you should do to trend or go viral. Instead what you get is no nonsense songwriting that is holistic in that it is equally concerned with the melody or audio layers as well as the lyrics and vocals. Candy Cigarettes continues the band’s high achievement in our eyes as this is another strong entry into their already dynamic discography.

Rating - 9/10