Chelan
Vultures
Reviewed by: Ziggy Merritt
Summer of 2016 may as well be nicknamed the summer of reinvention. More and more artists within the crowded sphere of indie have begun to adopt a fresher sonic alphabet, trading in some of their trademarked style and sound in favor of a fresh coat of pop. The second album from the reinvented Tegan and Sara made its way to the shelves along with the unexpected new wave debut of Kristin Kontrol who some may recognize as Dee Dee, the creative head behind Dum Dum Girls. Trend or no, California-based outfit Chelan has adopted that same approach for their latest record, Vultures.
As such Vultures is a distinct change from the more subdued indietronica they’ve traditionally been known for since their debut back in 2007. After four albums, their latest breathes a heavier, synthpop style in its production, something not entirely dissimilar to the epic scale that fellow pop pioneers Chvrches currently employ. Their very first track and lead single “Beams” produces that effect in full, starting off with the heavy staccato of analog synths followed soon by vocalist Jennifer Grady’s effortless alto.
Other tracks such as “Won’t Break” bring to mind the moodier sensibilities of School of Seven Bells as ethereal atmospherics give off an icy texture which keeps in touch with Chelan’s occasionally introspective back catalog.
Vultures finds the band in a state of flux as they start to experiment and embellish on their already well-polished sound. Their singles and more abstract, orchestral tracks -namely the gorgeous effervescence of both “Carry” and “Blue Room”- give room (and reason) for them to grow but the album itself falls short. The more bombastic production often ends up taking too much focus away from the songwriting itself instead of enhancing it. The title track as well as “Nervous” float on by with grace but their substance feels thin in comparison. In execution the album may not be remembered as Chelan’s best but marks a promising turning point as the band journeys further into pop stardom.
Rating: Listenable
