CD review - The Royal Chains, Bear Island EP (2010)

This new EP from the Royal Chains is a great reminder that music is supposed to be fun. They bring a sweet indie rock/pop vibe to a very listenable set of songs. Musically, the Bear Island EP hits a retro Cheap Trick vibe and a strong Replacements feel, along with a few other older bands. They're not earnest enough to be a tribute and they don't seem to be trying to prove anything. The Royal Chains are just sharing a few nice songs.

My favorite track, Lucy Takes the Dare, is a pretty love song. The lyrics are short enough to print here:

Actions are actual when truth is factual
Summer slips by as we swing through the lights
Pushing back the dawn as we draw out the nights
Ask that colleague her name, ask that colleague her name,
And she's taking the dare

Timing means everything if time means anything
Summer slips by as we swing through the lights
Pushing back the dawn as we draw out the nights
Ask that colleague her name, ask that colleague her name,
And she's taking the dare

Lucy takes the dare...

I like the one line verses and the clever turns of phrase. The bounce between ideas nails a certain youthful naivete. It evokes Trip Shakespeare's Lulu period music: well crafted, lush, and romantic.

Both of the above songs can be heard on their MySpace page.

Shifting gears, Wolf channels that Replacements vibe, with maybe a touch of Hüsker Dü. The overamped guitar, throbbing bass, low-fi groove come together for a loose, live sound. Lyrically, this has some of that Paul Westerberg fell, too.

The only odd note is the title cut, Bear Island, which has a folky, Neil Young feel. The vocals are echoed and distant. Sonically, it breaks the mood of the other songs. Changing up the song order might have helped.

A good simple beer, like a fine ESB, would complement the Royal Chains well. Fuller's on tap is what I'd recommend.