There are a number of musicians that have an affinity for the ‘80s in the way of music recollections of their own making. Some pluck all the tricks of the trade of that time and spit out replications without much contribution on the back end. And then there is The Chain Gang of 1974, which pays tribute to the era whilst weaving hooks, hammering beats and hail-to-the-skies glory track after track, taking the original electro form far beyond our current millennium, causing a new wave tidal wave.
Wayward Fire is the debut album from Chain Gang, coming out on June 21 on Modern Art Records, which includes a few tracks from White Guts, a self-released album Kamtin Mohager, the man behind the band, released almost a year ago, along with brand spanking new material.
Most notably, “Hold On” now has steel drums added to the intro, making an already irresistible track even more so, especially as the chorus rushes in to instigate a circle of euphoria.
“Taste of Heaven” is emulated within Kamtin’s vocals and the song’s story, which wrap all the human elements into one beating heart; a sense of defiance and determination mixed with doubt and a fear of destruction; a definite encore or opening track for a TCG1974 show.
OMD’s ghost hovers over the keyboard melodies of “Don’t Walk Away,” and even with a thematic tone of “Heartbreakin’ Scream,” the desire to celebrate the chords, keyboards and chorus spills over. And for those warm summer nights on the patio, “Teenagers” lays down a slow dance veil, woven with threads of silky guitar lines and tones.
Although Wayward Fire is considered a debut for Chain Gang, the culmination of this album has been many years in the making, as Kamtin has not only worked his ass off in the way of touring and promotion but in evolving his craft of making music that evokes emotions; the highs and lows, the rock-your-booty-celebratory and close-your-eyes-contemplative.
Taking in the album as a whole, it’s quite an experience to hear that evolution in motion in songs like “Tell Me” or “Undercover” along with tracks of familiarity such as “Don’t Walk Away” or “Hold On,” both of which sent a clear message that Chain Gang was clearly ready for the next chapter. Seeing Kamtin and his Chain Gang arrive at this time brings great satisfaction that music worth hearing and supporting is getting its due.
TCGO1974 is giving others a chance at this music thing through a remix contest. Get details here: http://remix.thechaingangof1974.com/. The Deluxe version of Wayward Fire itself includes a floorfiller remix of “Hold On,” by Skeet & Seaton.
Stream TCGO1974’s “Heartbreakin’ Scream”: http://soundcloud.com/modern-art-records/heartbreakin-scream-the-chain/s-ItOBU
Listen to/share The Chain Gang of 1974’s “Undercover” (Twin Shadow remix) here: http://soundcloud.com/modern-art-records/undercover-twin-shadow-remix
Current tour dates in support of Wayward Fire:
Tour Dates:
Tuesday, June 21: Seattle, WA @ Neumos w/ Cibo Matto (CD Release Party)
Wednesday, June 22: Vancouver, BC @ Fortune Sound Club w/ Cibo Matto
Thursday, June 23: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge w/ Cibo Matto
Saturday, June 25: San Francisco, CA @ Bimbos 365 Club
Friday, July 8: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex w/ Washed Out, Class Actress
Saturday, July 9: San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall w/ Washed Out, Class Actress
Monday, Aug. 1: Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Saturday, Aug. 6: Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
Saturday, Aug. 13: Fort Collins, CO @ Bohemian Nights at 262 E. Mountain Ave.
Friday, Aug. 19: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
Saturday, Aug. 20: Boise, ID @ Neurolux w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
Monday, Aug. 22: Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
Tuesday, Aug. 23: Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Cafe w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
Wednesday, Aug. 24: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
Friday, Aug. 26: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
Sunday, Aug. 28: San Diego, CA @ Casbah w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
Tuesday, Aug. 30: Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress w/ Tapes ‘n Tapes
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