the Chestertons - Noise & Benediction

The Chestertons

Noise & Benediction
self-released; 2017

​3.8 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

The Chestertons are Kevin Bianchi (vocals/guitar), Brian Bianchi (guitar), Justin Hartman (bass) and Rob Wynne (drums). The band from Ohio released Noise & Benediction which is a four- song EP that is a pop/rock album. The production is radio ready and so are the songs for that matter.

Their music is very accessible for a broad demographic. I was reminded of U2 in a number of ways on a couple of songs. They have grandiose, epic sounding choruses, the music feels very hopeful and the guitarist even utilizes delay in a way that sounded very similar to The Edge.

The band opens with “Golden” which was a highlight and my personal favorite. I especially enjoyed the beginning. It rocks, is a bit gritty and is catchy as well. Bianchi sings, “Give me something I can feel / Put the needle in my vein until its realI want no way out / I want the shock to break these bones.” The song gets poppy around the two-and-a-half minute mark. It's a smooth transition. The ending is pretty badass as well. Overall, I thought this was the most original and inventive song.

“Sister Sweetness” opens with that The Edge type guitar that has been replicated countless times before. The song also unfolds like a U2 song. It's a tad predictable and didn't give me any surprises good or bad. Solid delivery but it sounded too familiar to me. They continue with “Waiting for the End” which is slightly melancholy for a while and then goes into stadium rock epic territory where people are holding up lighters. He repeats, “I will fall in love.”

They follow a very similar formula on the next song “Heaven” which from the name you might surmise tries to be as epic as possible at points. The song bounces from atmospheric pads with hushed vocals to rocking out hard. The last two minutes is more or less one long crescendo with twirling guitar solos, vocal harmonies and more.

These songs are intense. They are also following a familiar template. The band has no problems in the technical department and they sound good together. I felt the band creativity was at its best on the first track. All the songs are well delivered and written but I’d like to see if the band can be a little more distinct on their next effort by thinking about where else the songs could go. Hopefully, they can get out of their comfort zone. 

I think this band has a lot of potential and mixing their U2 inspired stadium rock with something that I’m not expecting might get more people's attention in the long run. On the point this is a great start and built a solid foundation with these songs. 

Become A Fan

official website

Tweet