Chew is a very eclectic trio from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, that plays experimental sounds contaminated by electronics and Psychedelia. After several EPs and a 2020 debut album, they released “Horses” on March 11, 2022 via Stolen Body Records and containing 9 tracks. This record contains no pre-arranged music and marks a change of direction and a new era in the band’s musical style. The opener “Kisouma” is a good intro with samples of various tracks that follow one another and lead us towards the title track “Horses.” A track that opens with Sarah’s eclectic and refined drumming that is enriched by continuous tempo changes. The guitar adds a heavy touch to the sound, while the bass creates supporting lines that give body to the track. A track that alternates passages with synths and electronic drums and others that are heavier and closer to the sounds of Experimental Rock and Avant-Garde. The band is adept at immediately immersing us in the sounds of the record, enhancing their individual technique on the various instruments and in improvisation. Synths and sampled electronic sounds open “Holy Fountain” with its funky rhythmic beat characterised by a killer bassline and exceptional drumming. The guitar and synth dialogue perfectly and the combination of acoustic and electronic sounds is truly original and avant-garde, giving the track a distinctly personal touch. “If You Are Sensitive To Simulators, Close Your Eyes and the Feeling Will Pass” is a short-lived interlude characterised by more modern, electronic synth and drum sounds enriched by a fine use of modulations and effects. An intricate rhythm section with elaborate drumming and an outstanding bass line open “Palo Santo.” The guitar provides excellent work giving a heavy touch to the sound, developed on continuous tempo changes and alternating with intense and deep electronic passages. An excellent change in the second part elaborates the theme of the song, enhancing the technique of all three musicians with very refined passages in a unique musical crescendo. Another track with a deep and elaborate sound “Pseudocide” where the electronic component is exploited more. Tempo changes and experimental sounds characterise its ever-changing structure and the intensity is always very high. “All Operators Will Be On Site” is another short interlude with drumming and sound modulations. Scratching sounds, synths and electronic drumming open “Rosette Pattern,” another example of the band’s evolving style that combines electronic sounds with more acoustic and traditional ones. Intricate and ever-changing in a constant musical crescendo that evolves the central theme of the song thanks to the technique of these three excellent artists. Heavier than its predecessors and enriched by patterns and distorted sounds. The album ends with “The Mall,” a short and atmospheric track where drumming is added in the middle part and takes us to the end of this excellent listen. A band with many quality ideas and a refined technique on the instruments, skilled in creating their own personal style by combining tradition and innovation with a high level of experimental imprinitng. Intense from start to finish, very elaborate and full of sophisticated ideas that enhance the technique of these three exceptional musicians. A recommended album that with each listening reveals new nuances and passages, technique and quality mixed with Experimentation.
Tracklist
01. Kisouma (00:31)
02. Horses (07:59)
03. Holy Fountain (05:04)
04. If You Are Sensitive To Simulators, Close Your Eyes and the Feeling Will Pass (01:11)
05. Palo Santo (06:27)
06. Pseudocide (03:26)
07. All Operators Will Be On Site (00:59)
08. Rosette Pattern (05:08)
09. The Mall (01:19)
Lineup
Sarah Wilson / Drums, Electronic Drums, Percussion
Brett Reagan / Guitars, Electronics, Sound Manipulation
Morgan Soltes / Bass, Synth, Effects