Chin of Britain - Chin of Britain

by Adrian Huggins

published: 15 / 10 / 2013

Label: Waltz Time Records
Format: CD

Unpredictable but brilliant debut album from Chin of Britain, the moniker for London-based musician Chin Keller who recorded it entirely on vintage equipment

Review

Chin of Britain is the creation of Chin Keeler who created this self-titled album solely using some vintage equipment and little recording skills. That is certainly not obvious as the album is a wonderful landscape of sounds and ideas which sit together perfectly. Throughout the album there are some wonderful weaving bass lines reminiscent of the Stone Roses and guitars that echo Brian Jonestown Massacre, most notably on 'Make It All Go Away'. There is so much going on here with progressive layers of percussion and programmed beats that are used subtly to brilliant effect. 'Rot in Heaven' is somewhere between a happy Sonic Youth and a more tuneful Pavement. It leaves you hanging for the next part. There's even a hint of Merseybeat about it. 'Climb in Your Mind' seems to have infinite parts to it. As it progresses more and more layers of sound are interspersed with some perfectly executed breakdowns that allow a full wall of sound time to build. I found with all the tracks that I couldn't guess where the tune would go next. The results are neither predictable nor chaotic which makes Chin Of Britain really compelling listening. Keeler is certainly not afraid to let the music breathe before singing his vocals as 'Go Down the Hole' shows which patiently creeps along. There is even a bit of a drone moment on 'So Good to Be Here Again', which becomes more optimistic as it moves along. The aptly-titled 'Chill the Fuck Out' is filled with breezy guitar and handclaps, and has a Primal Scream feel to it. 'When You Come Back to Us' closes the album in a wonderfully hypnotic way which manages to encapsulate what this recording is all about.

Track Listing:-

1 To the Sun and Beyond
2 Make It All Go Away
3 Rot In Heaven
4 Climb In Your Mind
5 Nothing Changes
6 Run from the Sun
7 Go Down to the Hole
8 Chill the F**k Out
9 So Good to Be Here Again
10 When You Come Back to Us