I’m not the biggest fan of Chapters’ [Myspace] style of low-note rock; the style went out in 2001 when Nickelback and Three Days Grace overdid it and essentially killed rock radio. However, public rock radio still exists, and rock radio DJs need new bands that sound exactly like those nu-metal bands from 2001 (if only to prove they were right in overdosing us on it) to play right along with them. I’m sure Chapters will find a nice, warm home there and their latest EP, Wife, fits neatly into that format.

These five songs show that the loud-soft-loud template given to us by the Pixies in the 80s still holds influence over new rock bands. The formula has been modified slightly in the past 20 years to a loud-louder-loud formula, but the gist is the same. On the plus side, there’s a singular theme running through these songs (something I appreciate in an EP). Sure, the theme is “fucking,” but at least it’s there. Every song is about sex in some way. “Critical End,” is probably the most telling; “Tell me did you like it? Tell me did you like it? Say it like you mean it!” There’s lots of talk of compensation and insecurities in between the lines, but every direct phrase is about wanton sex.

That in and of itself wouldn’t be so bad if the actual rock music wasn’t so tired and if the singer’s voice wasn’t so grating. I’m definitely giving points for having a direction, but the tools of three-chord, drum-heavy, gravely-singer rock are all rusted and really need a break. Best of luck on mainstream radio.

“Climax and Exoneration” [mp3]

Last 5 posts by K Sawyer Paul

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