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Chase Long Beach
Gravity Is What You Make It
(Victory Records)
Within the atypically experimental and unpredictable realms of the Hard Rock genre (and, more accurately, it’s various sub-genres), instrumentation has long been a subject left open to interpretation, generally yielding what can best be described as varied and/or ‘…less than stellar…’ results. With groups ranging from AC/DC, Jackyl and Van Halen utilizing everything from bagpipes, a chainsaw, and an accordion during their respective recording processes, the possibilities, it would seem, are endless. Despite this, or perhaps in part because of it, the ensuing indulgences were marred by artistical eccentricities. Not surprisingly, when I was initially approached regarding Gravity Is What You Make It, the highly-anticipated Victory Records debut from Long Beach, California-born Ska/Punk/Rock upstarts Chase Long Beach, I was again only more than happy to oblige.
On the brilliant Gravity Is What You Make Of It (2009), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of Ska and Punk-infused Hard Rock, each track, beginning with the maddeningly infectious “Joe Vs. The Cricket”, and the delightfully frantic “We’ve Got Pockets Like Nobody’s Business”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of all parties involved, myself most definitely included. Wisely attempting to distance themselves from their few like-minded brethren whilst retaining the primary (i.e. fundamentally necessary) trademarks of the genres in question, the group scores ‘…major points…’ early and often via an assault almost assuredly destined to inspire repeated listening. Effectively setting the tone for the onslaught that follows in its rather expansive wake, the group offers a carefully-manicured serenade that is as intriguing as it is entertaining.
Continuing with the relentlessly pummeling “That’s No Moon It’s A Space Station”, and the emotionally-barbed lament “Bad Habit”, the steadfast--to say the very least--combination of vocalist Karen Roberts (imagine a far more versatile Monique Powell), bassist/vocalist Patrick Fitzgerald, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Meagan Christy, guitarist Joseph Cooper, trombonist Andrew Pedersen, trumpeter Tristan Dolce and drummer Jose Rodriguez (replacing the inexplicably absent Emilio Corralez) steamroll ahead with a sickening ease. Further reinforcing their ‘…collective cause...’ via an improbably varied array of intricate arrangements and razor-sharp hooks, the frequently ferocious septet boldly challenges the listener’s preconceived boundaries without, believe it or not, sacrificing the undeniable ‘playfulness’ that have so regularly punctuated the group’s previous efforts.
Easily surpassing both 2007’s Aaron Barrett (Reel Big Fish, The Scholars and The Forces Of Evil, to name only a few)-produced LEBEC and 2006’s curiously-titled--albeit highly-effective--Chase Long Beach Hosts A Molotov Cocktail Party EP, other standouts, including the impossibly hook-laden “Where’s My Time Stick”, and the equally impressive--or, if you will, outright exhaustive--closer “The End”, drive home each key focal point with a seemingly unparalleled tenacity. Leaving little (if anything) to the imagination, the group ultimately succeeds by shamelessly pandering to their target demographic, a shrewd yet politely understated characteristic that will undoubtedly only add fuel to the proverbial fire. The end result(s) of the group’s electiveness, as you may have already guessed, are indeed extraordinary and should thus be treated accordingly.
But is it really that freakin’ good? Absolutely! While quite obviously not for everyone, the majority (if not all) of the decidedly tuneful wares contained herein are quite easily worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades. Attempting--or so it would seem--to singlehandedly revitalize (or, at the very least, ‘re-popularize’) the arguably underexplored Ska/Punk/Rock genre, the group seamlessly blends equal elements of Pop, Rock, Punk and, as one would expect, Ska, leading to what can only be described as a truly refreshingly and entirely unique sonic amalgam. Needless to say, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of a slightly less than obvious alternative to the painfully mindless din and clatter that is ‘so often force fed en mass’, then this, my friends, might just be the cure for whatever ails you. Trust me, my friends, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
Gravity Is What You Make It (2009)
LEBEC (2007)
Chase Long Beach Hosts A Molotov Cocktail Party (EP) (2006)
Attack Of The Fuzzy Things (EP (2004)