Modern rituals

Modern Rituals is not a modern album. It is an album deeply indebted to timeless American rock in the tradition of The Band, Neil Young and Tom Petty. As such, Chief sometimes struggle to escape the long shadows cast by their musical heroes. Part of this is owed to generally banal and frequently wince-inducing lyrics that do their best to scupper every strong melody. Luckily for Chief, they have a way with song that saves them. Vocals soar and intertwine wonderfully and their reverb-drenched, dovetailing guitars shimmer in a manner which attests to the English influences in their record collection. Johnny Marr would certainly approve of the twinkle of 'Nothing’s Wrong' and echoing 'Breaking Walls'. Album opener 'The Minute I Saw It' is Chief at their best – their brand of heartland rock aligned to a stirring, immediate chorus. If there is to be a breakthrough song for them, that will be it. That breakthrough is by no means guaranteed, however. Chief's current competition comes from the likes of Fleet Foxes and Band Of Horses who, for now, remain a league above. Still, there isn’t a true dud to be found and more than enough sunkissed sweet spots to suggest Chief will be around for some time. Modern Rituals is a rather lovely, if inessential, thing.