The Chapman Family : 'Virgins'
Released: 19th October 2009
Label: Electric Toaster
Despite their ever increasing reputation, “Virgins” falls someway short of what would be expected of The Chapman Family. Despite it's fairly solid instrumentation, it's lack of refinement ruins any lasting impact it may have had.
With it's driving guitars and continuous bassline, the track is not without it's charm. Tinny and full of reverb the melody bounces throughout, ably supported by some solid drumming. Yet with the introduction of Kingsley's vocals all effect is lost, his rich baritone becoming entangled amidst the contrasting instrumentation, resulting in nothing more than a confused noise. Add to this a slightly over done chorus on behalf of the vocals, and you have a track that is good up to a point, considerably less so after it.
Sadly “Good Times” does little to improve the quality. Minimalist to the extreme, it's slow melody gradually builds to it's conclusion, sustained guitars and strings effectively building the atmosphere. Yet coming right at the very end of a three minute track it is little reward for such a dramatic build up. Whilst the piano notes and subtle strings offer somewhat of a pulse, it is simply not enough to maintain interest to the very end.
It is a shame that a band with so good ideas end up disappointing, especially given the potential each track had. Yet given more refinement and a more considered approach, The Chapman Family will no doubt reach their promised potential in the near future.
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