By Erin Kelleher
If music-lovers ever want to experience something totally ‘funky fresh,’ they should not miss Chin Chin.
This Brooklyn band has a funky sound that is completely retro, but still rock-related. Their style can be deemed a “blast from the past” with their old school influences, but their reinterpretation and musical spin is still fresh and mainstream. Many music connoisseurs may even venture to say that the music world has been missing a sound like this.
Chin Chin’s sweet sounds seduce the listeners’ ears with their groovy vibes. Expanding their image past clichés of imitational rock groups, their sound sticks out and cannot be compared to most present day genres.
Chin Chin, though from Brooklyn, carries some Louisville ties. Drummer/vocalist Torbitt Schwartz was raised between Brooklyn and Louisville. He and bass player/vocalist Jeremy Wilms have already produced music for documentaries, independent films and commercial works including CNN, Nike and Sundance Channel.
Wilder Zoby is the youngest member of the band. This keyboard player/vocalist used to be into acting, so his theatrical influences are often used to draw an audience in during the performance. However, Zoby’s antics are just a taste of what patrons can expect at Chin Chin’s shows.
The extended family of Chin Chin includes Tada Hirano (guitar), Jeff Pierce (trumpet), Yusuke Yamamoto (flute, percussion) and Jesse Boykins III (vocals). The atypical size of the band may remind rock fans of orchestrated bands like Yellowcard and Fall Out Boy.
From Chin Chin’s new release, “Toot 12,” “Miami” is sure to be a favorite of listeners.
The initial ease of the opening sounds places listeners somewhere ideal, like on a South Beach boardwalk. Then the funkiness kicks in, and the Latin influenced percussion continues the theme.
“Appetite” is one of the more “chill” songs from this group. Though the message is rather unclear (listeners wonder if “Appetite” is a sexual innuendo or just a general yearning to dance), the idea is fun and relaxed.
“Dontchusee” is another important highlight of the new album and a breakthrough for the band. The song has it all right-classic ease, a steady flow of beats, and a sensual rhythm for all fans.
For any music-lover seeking an alternative to the cookie-cut music of most new bands, Chin Chin maybe an easy fix.
On April 14, Chin Chin will be showcasing at Headliners Music Hall starting at 8 p.m. Antibalas will also be playing at the show.
-Erin Kelleher
