TOTAL VICTORY

Chest Rockwell is a pleasant surprise. They make excellent use of multiple clean guitars, maintaining an effervescent sound that doesn't get bogged down, yet keep some delightful treats tucked away in their 2009 album. The band dredg is a good comparison, as Chest Rockwell often sounds similar although not quite as memorable or robust in terms of composition, and has a singer with a lower voice. The vocal melodies are sometimes served on these rising chord progressions, which can be a bit uncomfortable in context with the rest of the music. With a couple of exceptions, there's nothing outstanding here, but there sure is much to enjoy.

"Being an Able Man. There are Always." A nice pop opener, this song has delightful clean guitar and gentle electronic percussion. It is more like a crossover track with post-rock tendencies.

"2 Pumps Away" This has a jaunty yet grungy sound with occasional Rush-like guitar riffs and synthesizer moments, but more of a modern pop-rock sound.

"Within 10 Paces I Cannot Fail" Old radio speeches about war carry on over acoustic guitar. Josh Hines said he wanted to write a piece that might work with Oriental martial arts cinema. The title comes from a line in the movie Hero.

"Body Prop" Several light electric guitars buoy the track, as an unexpected verse ensues, which consists of building drums throughout each line. The tapestry of clean electric guitars is a refreshing sound.

"Body Prop 2" Guitars are strummed in a static way as the bass provides the chord changes. Some fluid noises weave their way through the fabric like musical worms.

"Body Prop 3" Spoken word over clean, picked electric guitar makes for somewhat dull listening. After a heavy moment, some dark but hushed music begins, and it's quite lovely.

"11 is the New 7" A rattling bass opens this quirkily-titled instrumental, as a distorted guitar lead joins in. It has many intriguing passages and never settles into one groove, keeping things fresh and interesting. By far the most progressive and creative musical moment on the album, this should find favor with many people.

"Colossus" The band cranks up the distortion a bit, which admittedly is rather tinny and not to my liking, but gives one an idea of how edgier Chest Rockwell sounds.

"Mortal Universe" A pleasing riff and easygoing beat serve as the foundation for gentle male vocals. The ensuing staccato vocal section is rather irritating, however, and once again, that tinny distorted guitar returns. The final moments are harsh and grating and don't serve the flow of the rest of the song well at all.