At the heart of The Chief Smiles is Sarah and Alex Trimpe, a brother and sister who have been making music together for quite some time. This band is their second incarnation after releasing two EPs and a full length album under the name Badger. They used a guitar and violin sampler motif with Badger, and have streamlined that same model into this incarnation.
The sound is something unique to alternative music, though it has bits and pieces of what you might call influencing genres scattered throughout. The violin solo on "Little Hanz II" has a salsa/Latin/tango sound. "Fit to Be Tied" has a country-rock feel. "Plagued by Bad Sound" is unmistakably Beatle influenced. As a whole the sounds are unique and varied yet, somehow, you get a familiar feel throughout, even if they are different familiar themes.
Just as distinctive as the random and varied sounds from track to track is the presence of the violin on each and every one. Call it the sound which ties the songs together or the distinguishing trait of The Chief Smiles — either way it's an undeniable presence. One that is emotive and expressive. Whether it is the moaning pleading cry in "Even Albatross Wept" or the dark and tense lines in "Survivor's Mood Ring" it comes through just as animated as if the violin was a third voice.
I say a third voice, because lead vocal duties are shared on Help Us Help You between the brother and sister team. Also contributing to the sound is Michael Hummer on percussion and Vikas on guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion. Aside from vocals, Alex lends his guitar and bass talents and Sarah plays violin as well as lead vocals. The Trimpe's share writing credits on all the tracks.
Article comments