 SONICHROME
"I've always believed in extremes," says
Chris Karn, frontman for Sonichrome. "If you're
going to write about something sad, make it really sad.
And if you're going to write about something happy,
make it really happy. "
The Orange County trio -- which also includes Rodney
Mollura; bass, backing vocals and Craig Randolph; drums
-- possess it all: talent, wit and, most importantly,
music replete with raw emotion.
The debut album, Breathe the Daylight, deftly
produced by Rick Neigher and engineered by Neal Avron
(Everclear, Wallflowers), is pure sonic genius. Embodying
intelligent lyrics and keen pop sensibilities, Sonichrome
soars high above the mainstream. With a brilliant myriad
of hooks and opulently textured melodies, you'll catch
yourself humming the tunes until day's end.
The album is rip-roaring at the outset. On "Over
Confident," an earnest Karn puts to rest any notion
that he may be anything but serious, and hits you with
a question about self-assurance and longing. "All
the things I've done I did for you / Ask me how and
I will tell the truth / It can't always be this way
I know / If I was half a man I'd let you go."
Having already received alternative radio play, "Honey
Please," the third track and first single, resonates
with ringing guitars and sunny charm. The music and
words invariably vie for the listener's attention: "Don't
be angry, don't get pissed off / Said I'm sorry, what's
to worry / I'll do right. Don't be angry, said I'm sorry
/ I got caught up in the glory / Let's not fight."
The eclectic blend of styles range from the George
Harrisonesque "Innocent Journey" to the ELO-like
"Coming Home." The lyric writing is honest,
open and reflective. Taken from Karn's own insecurities
as well as observations of life around him, his evocations
are forever engaging. In addition, the harmonies truly
personify solace and joy in music.
Finally, on "Dirty Water" he stumbles and
humbly asks for help. "If I was an ocean / Would
you want to take a swim? / If my water was dirty / Would
you still want to jump in? / Can't stop my world from
falling, it keeps changing / I'm on my hands and my
knees and I'm praying / Just praying to save me."
Behind the wah-wah and fuzzy-toned guitar swirls,
is an unequivocal rhythm section. The songs are sustained
by Mollura's strong bass work, while Randolph provides
a fervent driving beat on the drums.
With a ray of sunshine, "Folding" unleashes
a hopeful cry for love and understanding. "Share
while you can share/Be with who you can be with / These
things make up who you are / Take time to enjoy the
ones that bring you your joy and fun / I'm talking about
survival / I'm talking about my life." The heartfelt
ballad is one of the prettiest ever written.
"Saloman" is a humorous look at one's hope
of being abducted by aliens that would fit easily into
an "X-Files" episode. "I dream of the
day when they'll come take me away / The little green
men come to play / Come call my name / They'll call,
they'll call, they'll call me Saloman."
The album's cathartic terminus is demonstrated with
"Self-indulgent." It's a touching song about
Karn's experience and frustration over prior treatment
by the music industry. "Tell me how's your music
thing? / Is as you dreamed? / Money hand in hand with
fame / Are you happy?"
Are you happy, indeed? Sonichrome's unique, supremely
melodic power-pop offers something for everyone. The
band is poised to become the biggest export out of Orange
County since ... well, you figure it out. Have a go,
breathe the daylight and find yourself enormously moved.
...John H. Ohman
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