Search - Pylon :: Chain

A little underrated

race_of_doom | USA | 04/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...While, in my opinion, it doesn't rank up there with "Chomp" or "Gyrate" -- it still works effectively. Pylon themselves have referred to this period as Pylon II, as this was a period of change and new found respect for playing their instruments and touring. The guitarist, Randy, sadly got tired of being in a band, and around a year after "Chain" was released, the whole band called it quits (for Randy's sake). No use finding another guitarist; it just wouldn't be the same Pylon, they thought. Onto the album. Even on the first listen, it's obvious "Chain" is a tad different than "Gyrate" and "Chomp." I don't know how to explain it, but it seems more guitar-oriented to me, even if all of their older stuff had nearly the same sound. It just feels different, for some reason. And it's a good feeling. The instrumental "B-Complex" is a surf rock-sounding little song, and on repeated listens it really grows on you. "Look Alive" is really catchy, as is "Springtime," "This/That," "Crunch" and "Sloganistic." The other songs are perfectly fine as well and fit the feel and flow of the album. "SugarPop," which was probably my least favorite song on here at first listen, is actually really good. I think it just takes a few listens before it really settles in. Once it does, you'll realize what a beauty "Chain" really is. Sadly neglected and out-of-print, you can still happily buy it from Amazon.com's Marketplace. There's new copies and used (but still in fine condition) copies available. So why not spend about four bucks on some good music? Try not to compare "Chain" to the earlier (but wonderful) releases. Let it stand on it's own."