Chandu's: Self-titled EP
That feeling of stepping into truly unrefined pop terrain is compelling to the end
- Chandu's
Chandu's have a murky, five-song demo posted on their Band Camp page that's worth checking out. What’s most noteworthy about these songs is that they capture the sound of a group that's torn between two sides of its personality. The first shows off the new wave no wave and death-afflicted art rock stylings of songwriter David Spence (formerly of Facehugger) in “Ain't Got No Money.” The second is a more lovey dovey venture under the influence of Jaye Marie Spangler in “You Were Wrong,” “Caretaker” and "Toes."
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"Anything You Need" is sort of a 50/50 affair that emerges as one of the best numbers of the lot.
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Both sides draw from a haunted backdrop of girl group cadences as Spence and Spangler take turns alternating between bass, guitar and vocal duties for their respective parts. Lilly Roche (keyboard) and Balkans vocalist Frankie Broyles (drums) fill out the rest of the songs.
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As the whole thing unfolds it’s clear that the group is still groping around in the haze for a singular identity, but along the way they’re turning out a primitive but endearing batch of experiments that are filled with all sorts of secret nuances that have every appearance of being the seed of a something much greater that’s coming down the line. But still, the dark simplicity of it all, and that feeling of stepping into truly unrefined pop terrain is compelling to the end.
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Chandu's play 529 tonight (Mon., March 21) with Carnivores, Balkans, Outer Minds and North Trolls. $5. 9 p.m. 529, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-228-6769.