chAce - A-bomb

chAce

A-bomb
self-released; 2014

3.3 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

chAce  is a 19-year-old producer who recently released an album entitled A-bomb, which is an eclectic mix of styles that include hip-hop art rock and electronic. For as young as he is he is already starting to build a decent foundation while also tipping his hat to contemporary indie acts like Deerhunter and Youth Lagoon. Not every song rises to the occasion on A-bomb but a number of them do. 

“Be On The Rise, Beyond The Downfall” is an exceptional effort that showcases inventive instrumental work with catchy vocal melodies. The synths and pads create a hazy, psychedelic cloud of indifference. I give him credit for building up a concoction of sounds that sound symbiotic with each other.

“Faded Out With the Moon” is a clash between punk rock /art rock and pop. The lack of production starts to make itself known here as you are treated to an unpleasant passage of digital distortion. “Getting In My Way (I Believe)” is a sparse effort revolving around little more than an acoustic guitar and his vocals. HIs voice sounds eerily similar to Bradford Cox at points during this song.

“Chum Bucket” is an attempt at hip-hop that oozes with a stoned slacker type feel. The delivery along with the instrumentation sounds likes its covered in THC. “Dance Like Ants” is a very solid song but the digital distortion is unbearable at times. If you listen at high volumes you can almost guarantee a constant ringing in your ears.

chAce has some potential but just needs some direction at this point. The music could use a bit more energy, especially with the vocal delivery. He seems like he is barely getting the words out of his mouth at times.  He is also kind of scattered in terms of ideas. I always suggest blending genres into one style rather than attempting a different genre pre song. Last thing is the production; the digital distortion needs to go. All that being said he does display some skill and he has all the time in the world to refine it.

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