Chin Up Chin Up

This Harness Can't Ride Anything

(Suicide Squeeze)

Record Review by Michele Fair

It’s very easy to say that a band has “really matured” when you listen to their newest album, but this catchphrase has never been truer than when listening to Chin Up Chin Up’s newest album, This Harness Can’t Ride Anything. With the death of a band member a few years ago, many fans most likely assumed they would disband and disappear into the night. Instead, they’ve come back with a new full length and sound stronger than ever. This Harness Can’t Ride Anything has a lot of new elements to it, like female harmonies on some tracks, a distinctly fuller sound, and very personal lyrics. The opening title track begins with a sound almost akin to a horse’s hoofs clipping and clopping, and then breaks into a glorious harmonious tune that twists and turns and includes some playful keyboard work. A lot of the lyrics on the album are intimate and even regional, with references to both Michigan and Minnesota, giving it a very personal feel.

The highlight track, “Blankets Like Beavers,” combines the vocal styling of Archers of Loaf’s Eric Bachmann with the passionate changeovers of Versus and the upbeat harmonics of Superchunk to create the perfect indie rock song. It is a bittersweet example of excellent songwriting, and a true testament to how far the band has come over the last few years. Somewhat more down-tempo, milder songs like “Water Planes in Snow” are beautifully orchestrated, easy to sing along with, and constructed with a lot of thought. Chin Up Chin Up has always been a band that a lot of people knew little about, and they’ve relatively stayed underground. With the release of This Harness Can’t Ride Anything, it’s almost a sure bet they’re going to rise up and come out into the arena amongst the vast array of indie rock bands that are out there today. Chin Up Chin Up should be one of the few who will be crowned a winner.