Reviews

Samplings from print and around the Web.

The Chantigs continue their defiant march through the musical wastelands with their latest CD, The Mission Faucet. Boldly going where few bands today dare, The Mission Faucet, like its predecessor Up With Chantigs, gushes with layers of psychedelic instrumentation, lofty harmonies, and innovative twists on classic late sixties/early seventies stylings.

The disc literally springs to life with the opening track, "Minotaurs". Built around a solid bass guitar lead, and sparkling throughout with the clanging of a Byrds-like guitar ring, the song quickly establishes the eclectic mood that ultimately carries this disc to soaring new heights. Picking up where they left off with their first effort, the "The Mission Faucet" is a masterful mix of layered vocals, doo-wop harmonies, and intriguing blends of a variety of instruments. "Portable Nights" pops with a frantic, Ziggy Stardust-like guitar, while "Karaoke Queen" plows forward around classic power chords and a fuzzy lead vocal that echoes back with Beach Boys-era harmonies--with a banjo throw in for good measure. The decision to cover "Only Colombe", a song off of Byrds co-founder Gene ClarkÕs first solo album, is as much a stoke of brilliance as it is a testament that this bandÕs roots are firmly entrenched in furtive soil. The album closer, "Minotaurs (reprise)" is a stunning, melodic burst of sound that brings this adventurous trek to a shimmering end.

Make no mistake about it: The Mission Faucet is an exceptional piece of work, easily shooting to the front of my 2000 CD class. The Chantigs pay homage to a musical era rich in experimentation, individuality, and the simple beauty of a melody not easily heard at first. Once again, they continue to put the fun back into listening to a complex recording. At a time when popular music offerings are primarily easily digestible fare with flavors that quickly fade, Chantigs The Mission Faucet is an eight-course smorgasbord of the finest quality. While it will undoubtedly be an acquired taste for most listeners, the question begs to be asked: why would you settle for everyday musical ground beef when you can feast on this delectable slab of Chantig prime rib? Ê -VS

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