Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Chicanery




The adjective that won't leave my mind when trying to describe the music of Chicanery is "swirling." Perhaps it's the blades on the "Solid Gold Helicopter" (the title of one of their tracks) that conjure this circular vision. More likely, though, it's the head-spinning combination of the often heavily effected guitar by former Duran Duran, Missing Persons and Frank Zappa guitarist Warren Cuccurullo and the bizarre (but in a good way) vocals by singer-songwriter Neil Carlill of Delicatessen.

There's a great diversity to Chicanery's self-titled debut album -- a blending of the organic and the synthesized -- yet it feels cohesive. This is modern psychedelia that actually works, the textures and lyrics as wonderfully askew as the house on the album cover.

Like "Medazzaland" (Duran Duran's most experimental -- and in my opinion, best -- album), the 13-track release draws you into a world that's much like our own, but a bit more dark, twisted and unpredictable. What's more, it doesn't shy away from being funny at times, something that's often lacking in even the best pop music.

Standout tracks for me: "Alien Chant," "Gold Pavilions," "Solid Gold Helicopter."

Have a listen with the music player below.


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