The breakup of Hot Water Music was one of the worst things to ever happen in this world, but luckily, the boys did not simply disappear afterwards. As many of you know, three of the fellows from HWM went on to form The Draft while Chuck decided to go solo. Although The Draft was a pretty big disappointment, Chuck’s decision seems to really have paid off. He instantly obtained a huge following of those interested in his new folk jams, and for good reason. Almost every composition Chuck has released from his solo project has been hella talon; this includes everything from his 7” Club, his live album Los Feliz, to his first studio full-length Feast or Famine, which we’re looking at here, Bellions.
From the opener “The Boat,” you know you’re in for something pretty gnar. While obviously not as boisterous as any Hot Water release (It’s folk, nerd! Think more along the lines of HWM’s side-project Rumbleseat if you need a stepping stone in between the two), Chuck still manages to hold onto a certain sense of urgency and rockishness (that word is made up but coming to Webster’s soon). Almost all the songs have that head-nodding quality to them, which is impressive since there is barely any percussion on the record. Actually, I like that a lot, because it gives more of a “solo album” feel to the record. Don’t get me wrong, there are more instruments than just Chuck’s guitar on the songs, but most are a little more subdued. Plus, you even get some banjo in there. Fuck yes!
Tracks like “Do You Pray?” just make you want to get up and dance ‘round the barn with yer best gal without giving a fuck, while others like “Geraldine” let you get your softer side on. Let’s face it, as hardcore as we try to be, we all have a little love in our hearts. Chuck knows that, and he delivers without getting overly sappy on us. Thanks, man. Not only for giving us a manly outlet for tears, but for creating a fucking badass record that you’d have to be crazy not to like.
Check this out as soon as you can.
Here's Chuck playing "The Boat" live:
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