Cult Canyon has officially stepped into a new chapter with the release of their debut LP, Smoke Tricks, available now via Rattleback Records. Spearheaded by Josh Chicoine, the album marks a defining moment for a project that has quietly evolved within Chicago’s indie scene.
Available digitally and as a limited-edition vinyl, Smoke Tricks was celebrated with an in-store performance at the label and a release show at The Hideout—a fitting stage for such a personal yet expansive record.
Following the earlier Golden Line EP, this full-length effort broadens Cult Canyon’s sound. The eight-track album—featuring songs like “Bitter Birdies,” “Good Bad Habits,” and “Run Red Lights”—leans into rich arrangements, weaving in strings, layered harmonies, and textured guitar work. Contributions from Alison Chesley, Susan Voelz, and Max Crawford help shape its fuller, more collaborative feel.
At its core, Smoke Tricks balances intimacy with atmosphere. It’s melodic and warm, but never stripped-down—trading lo-fi grit for a polished, immersive soundscape. Reverb-drenched guitars and subtle orchestration give the album a sense of depth that rewards repeat listens.
In simple terms, this is Chicago indie rock refined: thoughtful songwriting, lush instrumentation, and a clear artistic evolution. For longtime followers of Chicoine’s work, Smoke Tricks feels less like a debut and more like an arrival.
Cult Canyon’s Smoke Tricks is streaming via https://joshchic.bandcamp.com/album/smoke-tricks
Note: Cult Canyon will be playing the Rattleback Records showcase at The Burlington in Chicago on Friday, May 29 – https://do312.com/events/2026/5/29/tuff-sudz-cult-canyon-am-slingers-tickets
