by Jordan Lewis
Chamberlin has been called "The biggest band in Vermont that no one has ever heard of," but after seeing them for the first time on Tuesday at Mercury Lounge, they're likely to be much better known before long. In 2010, Chamberlin was signed to Roll Call Records along with fellow Vermonters, Rubblebucket. Their debut album, Bitter Blood, was recorded around the same time by producer/guitarist Scott Tournet of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. Shortly thereafter, Chamberlin supported The Nocturnals on their sold-out winter 2011 tour.
Their set on Tuesday had a wonderful dynamic arc, featuring backbeat-driven, synth-heavy numbers followed by acoustic tunes laden with lush five-part harmonies and gentle brush strokes on the drum kit. This is not to say that they have an ambiguous sound: on the contrary, their ability to maintain continuity while playing in various styles is what makes them so special. It is true Americana, in the best sense of the word.
Lyrically, they've got some real gems. Their songs deal with lost love, heartache, isolation, and retribution. As in: "Let the demons in your throat say the things you know you won't," and "Lord, you know I choose my words like a miner picks the stone." Lead singer and guitarist Mark Daly has a range as wide as the day is long, and his falsetto reminded me strongly of Jeff Buckley's. Both lead vocals and harmony parts were spot-on.
Chamberlin is about to embark on another month long tour in March. An inside source tells me that another record is currently in the works, and if it has as much to offer as their previous releases, then we have another great bunch of tunes to look forward to.
This review captures Chamberlin well. Daly’s vocals have an exquisite range and the song writing is stellar. The band plays with a joy, precision and energy that make their live shows memorable. They are one of the finest new bands around and hopefully 2012 will be their breakout year. They deserve a larger following.
This review captures Chamberlin well. Daly’s vocals have an exquisite range and the song writing is stellar. The band plays with a joy, precision and energy that make their live shows memorable. They are one of the finest new bands around and hopefully 2012 will be their breakout year. They deserve a larger following.
This review captures Chamberlin well. Daly’s vocals have an exquisite range and the song writing is stellar. The band plays with a joy, precision and energy that make their live shows memorable. They are one of the finest new bands around and hopefully 2012 will be their breakout year. They deserve a larger following.
This review captures Chamberlin well. Daly’s vocals have an exquisite range and the song writing is stellar. The band plays with a joy, precision and energy that make their live shows memorable. They are one of the finest new bands around and hopefully 2012 will be their breakout year. They deserve a larger following.
This review captures Chamberlin well. Daly’s vocals have an exquisite range and the song writing is stellar. The band plays with a joy, precision and energy that make their live shows memorable. They are one of the finest new bands around and hopefully 2012 will be their breakout year. They deserve a larger following.
This review captures Chamberlin well. Daly’s vocals have an exquisite range and the song writing is stellar. The band plays with a joy, precision and energy that make their live shows memorable. They are one of the finest new bands around and hopefully 2012 will be their breakout year. They deserve a larger following.