Chuck - Umm Na Nagay

  by Geraint Jones

published: 9 / 2 / 2005

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Review

Currently spearheading the revival of the Sheffield independent music scene led by local label Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation, the quirkily named Chuck have already started to make waves outside of their native city.  Last year, their two contributions to Thee SPC's surf'n'garage compilation 'A Box of Odd' garnered praise in the Guardian Music section while debut single 'No not Ahhh' scored Radio 1 airplay courtesy of Steve Lamacq, quickly establishing it as an underground surf-cult classic in Britain's more discerning clubs. Pressed-up on glorious aqua-blue vinyl, the playfully titled second single ' Umm Na Nagay' looks certain to consolidate the band's recent success. From its gentle beginnings and vocal delivery/lyrical observations that Pulp's Jarvis Cocker would be proud of, the song speeds head-long into the first rendition of its infectious and punchy chorus-line. What it all means I'm not too sure. Indeed, more cynical listeners may dismiss it all as a bit too nonsensical and silly. But that would be missing the point. This is not about being hi-brow, its all about fun and 'Umm Na Nagay' has got it in bags. Throw in some pretty nifty surf-guitar work and a Pulp-fiction style ending and you've got the vital ingredients of a hit single. Sadly one that will, more likely than not, fail to grace the charts. The more muscular and discordant flip side 'We Got Squeezed (Inside Their Machines)' starts with a thundering bass line reminiscent of the Fall, before rapidly unfolding into a blistering cauldron of guitar riffs and manic vocals. It's difficult to make a judgement on a band only two singles in. With such an obvious talent for penning catchy pop gems such as these, however, all we can do is hope is that Chuck get round to recording an album rather than drip-feeding us two songs at a time.

Track Listing:-

1 Umm Na Nagay
2 We Got Squeezed (Inside Their Machines)