It’s actually quite embarrassing how long I’ve had this CD for review, but for whatever reason it either stayed in the queue or then ended up under a pile next to the CD player, where I would listen to it with the intention of reviewing it, only to be put off by other things. That’s not a reflection on the merits of this band – after all, Chin Music (who incidentally feature ex-members of Nt Katies and Howards Alias) are actually quite good. Sounding fresher than a lot of the bands on the ‘circuit’ right now, and also miles away from the sounds that made their former bands ‘famous’, Chin Music play a brand of heart-on-sleeve rock music which references acts such as Biffy Clyro and Quicksand.
The five tracks on offer here are pretty damn good, although to be hyper-critical I feel they lack something to take them to the next level. The first track sounds great but maybe slightly outstays its welcome, drifting on over the four minute mark when a little less – mure punch and a snappier sound – would possibly sound better. Vocally Chin Music are distinct, the guitars are loud and the drums, as you would expect, are carried out with panache. As a first five-track release this shows plenty of promise and given some hard work, Chin Music could certainly deliever a Shawn Michaels-esque knockout blow.
www.myspace.com/chinmusicrocks
Paul