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Checaine - Single Review: Let Go

30 Jan 2019 // A review by Steve Shyu

Checaine have been rocking out for close to eight years now, gaining local adoration and recognition from some of New Zealand’s most renowned. With not a mention of slowing down, the Hamilton quartet have presented the universe with their latest tune, Let Go.

A tidal wave of beefy guitar layers swallows the listener, with an ominous horn-like melody, presumably from a keyboard, adding an almost cinematic-feel to the mix. Like a hybrid between Brandon of Incubus and Steven Wilson of Porcupine tree, Fraser Coombes’s vocals takes one by the ear from verse to chorus and back. Regan Aspden’s chunky guitar work is a defining feature, at times stepping back with arpeggios to allow breathing space while the vocals carry the focus. Without over-working listeners with deep subject matters, lyrical metaphors are practically non-existent, leaving the song’s topic open to interpretation.

The pumping basslines from Chris Prenter and grooves from drummer Pete Westbury complement each other well, generating stormy moods, ebbing and flowing between sweeping choruses and introspective verses. The tumbling and rolling rhythms gather enough momentum to finally release it pressure to a heavy bridge, riding through the eye of the hurricane to one more chorus. The lead singing reaches impressively-crisp high notes near the end of the bridge, providing a touch of desperation to the

The production is superb, and the guitar tones are perfect. Like a homage to some of the best in the business, Let Go delivers alternative rock with progressive sensibilities but steers clear of sounding pretentious and keeps things fun with vocal hooks and booming guitar riffs.

This single lays down another stone in the road to joining the New Zealand ranks of alt-rock greatness.

Rating: ( 3 / 5 )
 

About Checaine

Checaine are a melodic/progressive hard rock band from Hamilton. They bring powerful hooks to their songs and a progressive style that keeps the music evolving and exciting.

Formed in 2011 by Fraser Coombes (vocals) and Regan Aspden (guitar), they are now accompanied by an exciting line-up of talented members that add to the sound and live show performance Checaine have become known for.

The band have enjoyed great exposure through their new dynamic single Bring Me Down as heard on New Zealand's The Rock FM.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Checaine

Releases

Symbols
Year: 2017
Type: EP
Turn The Stone
Year: 2014
Type: Album

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