chauncey: Proper ID required

Note: The band requested that the name “chauncey” be spelled with lower case letters.

The flyer read, “‘chauncey’ at Common Ground February 22, 2001; 21+ valid ID required.” It is given that Boston’s wholesome puritan establishments will adhere to all applicable laws regarding the ages of its patrons. Yet the media, as the fourth estate of government, should rationally be extended certain necessary privileges regarding these applicable laws.

Unfortunately, not all establishments are as understanding or as professional as they should be and regretfully forget to extend the appropriate courtesy to their ever-empowered media cohorts. So chauncey had to pop, lull and rock away that harshly Bostonian winter night without the media attention it deserved. The only other available records of their work exist in a self titled EP and a copy of two new unreleased songs. The EP is on Change Records and available in stores or through the band’s manager, Jacob Harris (nerd@bu.edu).

Since live coverage was made impossible, this review will only include material in the aforementioned works. Though rumor has it that chauncey covered an infamous Britney Spears number, it might be in the band’s best interest to remain a rumor. Undoubtedly better, chauncey covers include a version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Chauncey performed both of these covers during the concert. However, neither “Space Oddity”, nor Britney Spears’ sad contribution to the music world, is included on their EP.

The introductory song, “Being Here,” is well placed. It provides the listener with a taste of the band’s overall personality, from Ramsey Rouston’s careful, steady drumming and Jon Bistline’s backbone bass to Eliot Hunt’s able guitar. “Object” stands out as the least pop-driven song on the disc. It handles well as a slow, slightly bluesy jam with thoughtfully layered piano/keyboard and guitar touches. The slightly distorted guitars drive the song into a classic rock breakdown. John Paul Powell’s voice increases in intensity and leads the song into its entropic noise jam ending. This song has awesome potential as a live show powerhouse, giving each instrument a chance to excel.

“Weather,” the second song on the EP, “Telephone” and “Rent,” the two unreleased songs, all emphasize the band’s pop qualities. Here the music tends to be simple and easily accessible, as pop usually is. But at key moments the band tweaks the sound just a bit for a fleeting taste of ingenuity and sincerity. The keyboard solo on “Weather” adds a nice touch to an otherwise straight-ahead pop, radio-ready tune. Experimental keyboard playing, the added depth of Jake Zuckerman’s guitar playing and odd voice effects help “Telephone” declare its uniqueness from typical pop offerings. The same cannot be said of “Rent” which skips along as pure pop, including an easy sing along chorus.

chauncey can meander around as a pop rock band, but the musicianship and thoughtful touches have the potential to allow the band to pursue whatever avenue it chooses. Live shows allow these qualities to stand out and define a band. chauncey will be playing at Lilli’s in Somerville on Saturday, April 21 as part of the NEMO Music Showcase and the Boston Music Awards. A full-length chauncey album should be available to consumers in the fall.