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ÉA sort of harmonic post-punk rock group, CHETT has been compared to the Foo Fighters and others in that genre. TheyÕre a fun group to listen to, but donÕt listen to the lyrics too carefully, as they can be a little angst-ridden.
You gottaÕ give props to these guys. They have achieved a scene of followers when their lyrics are so depressing. Song after song of love gone wrong on their new album, Weary Path, might deter some, if not for the fact that CHETT is musically stimulatingÉ
-Molly Flemming, Music Critic, Rock River Times
- Rock River Times
Chett's first full length album is filled with melodic modern rock with a sense of urgency reminiscent of hardcore or early grunge. "Weary Path" is very hard to classify because it doesn't fit any of the common molds. These muscular songs stand out from most modern music, while being reminiscent of early Soundgarden or Brandston.
The only problem I have with this album is the mix. There is some really excellent lead guitar on "Weary Path" that is just difficult to hear. It clears up a few songs before the album closes, leaving the solo on "Maybe", a song that left me screaming along, to shine. Other high points included the flowing rocker "Agogamy" and the Soundgardenesque "Burned".
"Weary Path" is a good album. If Chett shows this much intensity live they must leave audiences stunned on the floor.
Key Song: "Maybe"
Reviewed by: Jim McDonald - www.1340mag.com
Rating: 5 out of 5
CHETT's surging second full-length release "The Swell" is one heck of a ride. With it, they deliver a promising hard-hitting album that demonstrates how a band can take a distinct sound, as in their 2004 release "Weary Path", and strengthen it by delivering a tight, intelligent report on how to make the best from the ebb and flow that life can throw at you. From the ruthless opening track "Paper Doll" to the songs leading up to the solemn final track "Last Days," CHETT utilizes crushing guitars, complex drumming and spot on bass work as the vessel on which the listener sails along "The Swell".
In today's mix of analogous music CHETT finds their own sound within "The Swell' that ranges from an introspective nod to bands like Pearl Jam with tracks like "Blind Spot" and "October Air" and U2 with tracks like "Stay With Me," to flat out heart on the floor rock & roll with tracks like "Paper Doll," and "Fatalism."
With the release of the powerful new "The Swell" and their latest win in Chicago's Emergenza Music Festival, it won't be long before the wave picks CHETT up and sweeps them far from Rockford.
Reviewed by Patrick McDonough - www.beetcafe.com
The band has crafted songs that all show an individuality about them. This is not an album you will sit down to listen to and walk away feeling as if you listened to the same song over and over. There is a flavor that runs through all of this, but truly each composition is its own individual creation. They know how to drop the intensity while still maintaining that edge, and while none of what they are doing is really new, this particular combination of influences is all their own. - Beetcafe.com
Vocalist/guitarist Luke LeFevre gives Chett a radio-friendly appeal, particularly on “Paper Doll,” the manic opening track on Swell. The melodic “Fatalism” is another showcase for LeFevre and fellow guitarist Chris Branstiter; plus it’s the best song ever written about a grasshopper being fed to a snake. Other tracks tend to have ponderous lyrics and similar-sounding arrangements. A lighter touch works well for the spiritual ballad, “Last Days.” (www.chettmusic.com)
– Terence Flamm - Illinois Entertainer
This band sounds out of control, like they could be dangerous in an old school melodic way. Ya gotta love this combination of melody, sonic clarity and raw energy. (DV) - HM Magazine
CHETT The Swell (RendezvuZ Music) Another winner from Rockford, IL. This pulsating alternative rock outfit taps into the contemporary contemplative song sphere and rolls out a tangy platter of delectable melodies and heartfelt impressions. (8 out of 10)
(www.chettmusic.com) - Maximum Ink Magazine
Discography
2002 - CHETT - 3 song EP
2004 - Weary Path - Full Length
2004 "Necromance" Movie Soundtrack, Aegis Studios
2006 - The Swell - 2nd Full Length
2008 - Fatalism and Stay With Me Featured on MTV reality show NEXT.
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Bio
HIGHLIGHTS
Weary Path LP - Released 2004
- Growth On and Heaven Featured on Independent Film "Necromance"
- Chosen for 2004 Rolling Rock Town Fair Battle of The Bands
The Swell LP - Released 2006
- Fatalism and Stay with Me Featured on MTV's Dating show NEXT
- Paper Doll Chosen as Track of the Day on Garageband.com
- Paper Doll included on 2008 Midpoint Music Festival Best of Compilation CD
Hmm . . . CHETT. Strange name. What does it mean? Is it that guy from Weird Science? Is it a country singer? And why the capital letters? Is it an acronym? Or maybe some kind of literary device, like e.e. cummings, only in reverse.
Maybe not.
CHETT is the name of a rock band, nothing more, nothing less. They're a group of guys who have been plugging their guitars in and making noise together for almost 7 years now, and they love it. Maybe one of them is named CHETT . . . but probably not.
In those first 7 years, the guys from CHETT went through a lot. They saw ups and they sawdowns. They tragically lost their first drummer, Jason, to heart failure in 2004, but they got back up and kept going. They played on, and with Pearl Jam, Sparta, The Who, The Prayer Chain and U2 blasting from their speakers they kept moving forward, testing the creative waters with new sounds and novel approaches to making music. They played hundreds of shows and amassed a large contingent of followers throughout the Midwest: when they hit the road in their pickup equipment trailer in tow, it took them from the dive bars of Indiana to the back alleys of Chicago, from the endless cornfields of Iowa to the frozen climes of Minnesota, and everywhere in between.
In May of 2004 they self-released their first full-length studio album called Weary Path, which was produced and engineered by Jeffro Lacksheide (The Felix Culpa, The Moment) and mastered by Trevor Sadler (NIN, Moby). A couple of tracks "Set Me Down" and "Burned" landed them a spot on the 2004 Rolling Rock Town Fair Battle of the Bands, which was held at The Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago, and a couple more"Growth On" and "Heaven" were featured on the soundtrack to the independent film Necromance.
Now it's 2008, and they guys from CHETT are still playing. Bands, clubs, friends, and naysayers have all come and gone, but CHETT is still going strong. They released their second full-length album, titled The Swell. This release combines all the emotions, feelings and frustrations that come from being in a band, and from just living life. From the crushing intensity of the opener, "Paper Doll," to the soft release of "Last Days,"
The Swell has had 2 songs, Fatalism & Stay With Me, featured on MTV's dating show NEXT. Paper Doll has also been chosen for the 2008 Midpoint Music Festival CD compilation featuring the best of the festival.
They know that there will be ups and there will be downs, they know that they'll face adversity and hopefully come out on top. But regardless of what life throws at them, the guys from CHETT will keep on playing, loud and hard and intense. CHETT will keep playing, strange name and all.
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