Chatham Singers Make Classic and Sexy Blues

The Chatham Singers – Juju Claudius (Damaged Goods)

With a classic blues (slightly rock) style including a harmonica on some tracks, this 4 piece UK band mixes the Raveonettes male/femae vocals with the grit and grime of The Black Keys’ inspired blues rock. The collection of power grooves and slightly distorted vocals can transport a listener to a different time and place from present day England, from which The Chatham Singers were born. I am transported into Black Snake Moan except Christina Ricci is dancing to this.

It has a sex appeal either from the “moaning”-like vocals or the sultry groove of the drums and harmonica (as in the track “Son Of Art”). The lyrics even are suggestive by saying “I’m gonna paint you, every little part of you.” With a range of moody blues to country fried blues with “The True Story of…” to a more uptempo beat that reflects a similar mood and feel as “A Man of Constant Sorrow” (from the film, O Brother Where Art Thou).

“Queen Bee” is a total chick song, which is rare to hear in today’s blues-inspired indie genre. Another favorite is “The Right Mistake”. The chorus is “I made the right mistake by not marrying you.” It’s both sexy and powerful. It’s an anti-romance song but still embodies classic blues. I guess that’s’ what I like about them. They really stay true to the blues, but they still make each track modern without becoming gimmicky.

What’s going on in the UK? Is there something in their water that is bringing out the music in a true and homage respectifully way? (See: Heavy – Great Vengeance and Furious Fire)

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Track Listing:

1. All Who Cheated and Lied
2. Juju Claudius
3. An Image of You
4. Upside Mine
5. The Son Of Art
6. The True Story of Elizabeth Sargent
7. Queen Bee
8. Evil Thing
9. Angel Of Death
10. Demolition Man
11. The Right Mistake
12. The Good Times
13. Bring Me Water
14. Baby What’s Wrong

Image source: Raucousshop.co.uk