Wednesday 3 February 2010

CD Review: Chew Lips - Unicorn (released 25/01/10 - Family Records)


Chew Lips were first recommended to me by a couple of well trusted indie-scene chums, and they have subsequently received a lot of support from the likes of radio 1's Huw Stephens, Nick Grimshaw and Rob da Bank. Their current single 'Play Together' has also hit the 6music's daytime playlist hard and has been lapped up furiously by Steve Lamacq . Could this London trio's debut album 'Unicorn' be set for 'BIG THINGS'?

The first thing that struck me about this album was how many of the songs were already recognisable 'hits'. Play Together, Slick and Seven had already found their way into my musical subconscious despite not previously considering myself a fan. What's more, it seems like there are plenty more where that came from. Toro and Gold Key both show promise as tunes fit for the indie mainstream (paradoxical as that phrase sounds!)

Chew Lips offer trendy, sweet female vocals from review-shy front-girl Tigs without the pretentiousness of Florence and the Machine and catchy electro/dance tunes without the gimmickry (or suspect hairstyling) of La Roux. All I'm hoping now is that they somehow avoid this rotten tendency for over hype that seems all the rage right now. If they go the way of Bat For Lashes rather than Little Boots and keep focus on music rather than the limelight then they could really pull off something of interest and longevity.

The album is available for purchase and download here . They've got a plethora of festival gigs booked and a full UK tour is planned for January next year.

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