Tim Chaplin has been working as a solo artist since the late nineties, has had his music released by various labels in a number of different countries and also works in the electronic-experimental genre under the name of 'Luminous'. His first solo album proper is titled 'Chrome Plated on Nickel Silver' on Tara Records.
Album opener, 'Everybody in Here Loves You' sets the tone with a slow deliberate vocal over a simple acoustic chord pattern, layered up with up front bass, distorted guitar and percussion. The vocals sit slightly behind everything on a slapback echo and so become more part of the song than a prominent feature, which is the way they sound more or less throughout the whole album. 'Crash-Land' has more of a band sound to it with Tim's trademark effects that I would imagine spill over from his Luminous output. 'Space in Time' is an uptempo acoustic number that bounces along nicely with percussive sound effects thrown into the mix. 'This Road Was Made for the Rain to Run Down' is band sound with lots of distorted guitar and effects and found sounds 'Jemma with AJ' features some nice accordian work and the song is interspersed with heavy footsteps.
Overall, the album's vibe is that of acoustic singer songwriter with electronic and psyche overtones. The vocal style can remind one of early Marc Bolan here and there, but alongside the gentleness of the vocal delivery and acoustic accompaniment there is the psyche influence, electronic overtones and the 'found sounds' that give the songs a much harder edge. The style of music that Tim is purveying on this album is somewhat reminiscent of 'My Bloody Valentine' in places, where the vocals are sweet and light but are sung over an agressive backing / soundscape, but these comparisons are a guide only as Tim has a sound all his own that marks him out as a unique talent.
by: Kevin Wallbank M100 and Honeymoon On Mars 09-11-08
** See "Tim Chaplin" on Psychedelic Central under pop/acoustic/folk.
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