REVIEW: Chapter in Verse, Wicked Smile (5*4*1 Records)
- Jon Steltenpohl
Chapter in Verse is a new girl group out of New England that will blow the socks off of fans of straight-forward female rock bands. Dueling vocals and acoustic guitars haven't been done this well since the early Indigo Girls, and the additional band members skew the sound a bit towards Chrissie Hynde or early Melissa Etheridge and the rougher feel of a Concrete Blonde. The beat is strong and the vocals are inspired.
Lead members Brenda White and Rachel Clayton share duties as song writers and lead singers. Their lyrics are drawn from the same well, and their musical styles mesh fluidly. They seem to share the music equally, and the balance bodes well for them. The chance of one "Garfunkeling" the other is slim. Their harmonies and lyrical counterpoints fit seamlessly and owe a debt to the Indigo Girls sound. Their meeting at an open mike explains a lot, and the touches of mandolin and harmonica don't hurt the comparison either. Fortunately, the punchy lyrics and electric guitar draw them away from being a Indigo Girls clone, and make the comparison simply a reference point for the genre.
In grand indie tradition, the production is raw and untouched. It is a joy to listen to because it is professionally done yet it encapsulates their energy. The album has all the hallmarks of a live band that's just hitting its peak. The overdubs are few and far between, and the music sounds exactly like it must on the mixing board in the clubs. The liner notes support this theory. Each shot is of the band members with instruments in hand -- grimacing at a note or lost in the groove of the song.
Unfortunately, this sort of band seems to be falling out of vogue at the moment. At its essence, Chapter in Verse is a rock band. You won't find any trendy Party of Five songs on Wicked Smile or any VH-1 ready Jewel ballads. These are heartfelt, straightforward songs without any frills or synthesizers. There's passion in this album, and without a doubt, Chapter in Verse will continue to be a band that builds a strong, solid following based on intense live performances. Here's your chance to say you knew them when.
More information on the band can be found at http://www.chapterinverse.com
