Chasen - That Was Then This Is Now
Artist:
Title:
That Was Then This Is Now
Type:
Album
Released:
09 Mar 2010
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Review
Chasen are a four piece rock band from Greenville, South Carolina, named after their lead singer Chasen Callahan (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards). The remaining members are Evan Silver (guitar), Aaron Lord (drums) and Jared Barber (bass). After a debut full-length album called 'Shine Through the Stars' (2008) they signed to INO Records for their brand new album 'That Was Then This Is Now'.
The album opens with 'Castaway', and a great opening rock track it is too. Fast tempo, jangling keys and superb guitars, this is a definite foot tapper. My early thoughts about Chasen's vocals were to be reminded of...
Read More Chasen are a four piece rock band from Greenville, South Carolina, named after their lead singer Chasen Callahan (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards). The remaining members are Evan Silver (guitar), Aaron Lord (drums) and Jared Barber (bass). After a debut full-length album called 'Shine Through the Stars' (2008) they signed to INO Records for their brand new album 'That Was Then This Is Now'.
The album opens with 'Castaway', and a great opening rock track it is too. Fast tempo, jangling keys and superb guitars, this is a definite foot tapper. My early thoughts about Chasen's vocals were to be reminded of Nickelback, which is by no means a bad thing. Next up is the fantastic guitar driven track 'Love In Your Name' with its infectious chorus of "so long misery, by grace I've been redeemed, there is love in Your name". It's one of those 'stay in your head' kind of songs.
The album's first single is 'On and On' and is a slower track compared to the quick paced opening songs. The slightly gentler style gives you more of a chance to really appreciate Chasen's impressive vocal range. "Some say we need a miracle, some say there's no hope at all. But I know that Your love is strong, it goes on and on and on and on" he sings in an effortless manner.
Continuing the slowed down style of music, 'Leave You Alone' is more of a ballad but continuing the trademark guitar sound which just keeps getting better the more you listen to it. The guitars sound more acoustic on 'Airplanes' but the drum beat keeps things moving along comfortably and by the time you reach the end of the chorus you'll already find yourself nodding along in time to the music.
Sounding like early Switchfoot in style, pop track 'One In A Million' in short and sweet, and certain to find fans from all walks of life. With a song title like 'Bullet' you probably expect something fast and direct - and that's exactly what you get. Sounding not unlike a U2 number, with more driving guitars, it almost reaches frenzied proportions at times.
By the time you get to the end of this review you might notice that my chosen standout tracks are the three opening songs. But don't worry, that's not to say the quality on this album doesn't stretch through all ten tracks. 'Eyes Of A Rescue' could easily have been in the top three as well. Yet another great chorus, musically brilliant, lyrically clever, and further evidence that this band knows how to write great songs.
Now, stay with me on this next one because this probably won't sound like the way to compliment a rock band, but the opening 20 seconds of 'Slow Down' sound just like the Madonna song 'Dear Jessie', with that fabulous frantic violin sound. But fear not, the Madonna comparison ends there. The song develops into a fabulously mild mannered song that oozes comfort. Closing out the album with 'There Is Love' Chasen finish on a simple and gentle love song. "Don't be afraid tell me what's on your heart. There is love for you here in my arms". Accompanied by an almost classic Spanish style guitar and gentle probing beat, the singing reaches that earnest, almost crooning vocal sound of Bryan Adams that coaxes you into wanting to listen again and again.
In summary, this is a highly talented band with a stunning array of songs in their arsenal. Instantly enjoyable, Chasen Callahan's vocals are a pleasure to listen to. What a stunning album.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 5 out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Castaway
Love In Your Name
On and On
