I used to run the music blog Neon Musical Insight, but have since placed focus on freelance writing for outlets such as Impose Magazine, Beats Per Minute (BPM) and others - particularly album reviews. I also work for the music PR company Audible Treats.
For record review consideration, email me here: chinupcheerup1@gmail.com
For possible publicity representation, email me here: chrisb@audibletreats.com
The Opiate of Blame
In the process of landing a major label deal with Columbia, Chairlift also managed to lose one of their founding members, Aaron Pfenning, after his relationship with singer Caroline Polachek went south. As unfortunate as it might be to say, this may have been the best thing that could have happened to the band, especially considering how much further the act has come since their 2008 debut Does You Inspire You.
What we have on Something is Polachek and Patrick Wimberly sounding both confident and self-assured, and at the peak of their game. Their sound is fleshed-out and the album navigates into the depths of their romantic hearts, yet never digging too deep. At the end of the day, Somethingis the most pop that Chairlift is capable of being, with “I Belong In Your Arms” serving as the best example. Strongly influenced as per usual by shimmery 80s synths, “I Belong In Your Arms” sounds like a b-side to a Tears For Fears song.
But while their sound has come together quite well, its really Polachek’s vocal abilities that leave the best impression. On album opener “Sidewalk Safari,” she pulls this neat little trick where her vocals trail and accompany the ascending octaves on guitar, which also happens to be one of the finest numbers of them all. “Take It Out On Me” brings things down a notch, sonically speaking, and is pretty self-explanatory from its title, with the song’s central character wanting to prolong the onslaught of abuse set to come her way to not make a scene in public. Polachek’s lyrics often tend to not dig too deep, which reinforces Something‘s pop appeal.
