Description
Young Gun Silver Fox – Canyons – Vinyl Record
Canyons, released on March 20, 2020, is the third studio album by Young Gun Silver Fox, the transatlantic duo made up of British multi-instrumentalist and producer Andy Platts (of Mamas Gun) and American singer-songwriter Shawn Lee. Known for their signature blend of 1970s-style yacht rock, soul, West Coast pop, and funk, the duo doubles down on their retro-modern aesthetic with Canyons, delivering an impeccably smooth, sun-soaked collection of songs that feels both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly vibrant.
From the first track, Canyons immerses listeners in a sonic palette that recalls Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Toto, and Boz Scaggs, but with a modern production sheen and tight songwriting that avoid pastiche. The album is a masterclass in blue-eyed soul, with silky harmonies, lush horn arrangements, shimmering electric pianos, and precise rhythm work that exude laid-back sophistication. It’s not just a throwback; it’s a fully realized continuation of a musical era that prized groove, melody, and studio craftsmanship.
Highlights include the buoyant opener “Kids”, which sets the tone with its carefree chorus and lush textures, and “Baby Girl,” a mid-tempo groover full of falsetto vocals, tight basslines, and summery guitar riffs. “Dream Woman” and “Long Way Back” delve into deeper soul territory, showcasing Andy Platts’s emotionally rich vocals and the duo’s gift for crafting songs that feel effortlessly timeless. “Just for Kicks” and “Who Needs Words” lean into disco-funk grooves with punchy horns and rhythm guitar straight out of a 1978 studio session.
Canyons sticks to the classic pop themes of romance, reflection, longing, and escapism—never overly complicated, but delivered with sincerity and class. The emotional tone ranges from flirtatious and breezy to introspective, making it the kind of album that fits both a relaxed road trip or a candlelit evening. The production is tight but never sterile—there’s a warm analog glow to the entire record, reflecting the duo’s commitment to vintage instrumentation and live feel, despite its crisp modern mix.
What makes Canyons especially compelling is how seamlessly Young Gun Silver Fox merges Anglo-American musical influences. Platts and Lee are clearly students of American AM radio gold, but they bring a European elegance and pop sensibility that elevates the songs beyond nostalgia. The record is also sequenced like a classic LP—each song flows naturally into the next, creating an immersive listening experience best appreciated in full.
Canyons was met with enthusiastic praise from fans of retro soul and soft rock, with many hailing it as one of the best modern examples of the “yacht rock revival”. But even that label doesn’t quite capture the depth and polish of the album. It’s not kitsch—it’s authentic, groove-rich, and deeply musical, made by two seasoned artists at the top of their game.
Canyons is an elegant, feel-good, and impeccably crafted album that delivers on every front—melody, mood, musicianship, and emotional vibe. For fans of smooth grooves, vintage production, and soulful songwriting, this record isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a contemporary classic in its own right.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Kids
Who Needs Words
Baby Girl
Dream Woman
Long Distance Love Affair
Danny Jamaica
Just For Kicks
Private Paradise
Things We Left Unsaid
All This Love
