Surrogate
Popular Mechanics
Tooth & Nail
Decorated with likable melodies, carefully laid textures and a wide range of shifting moods, the second effort from Chico’s Surrogate is quite worth it’s share of attention. Popular Mechanics is a shimmering example of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Chris Keene’s understanding of what makes a good song. All 11 tracks seem not too busy, not too empty, not complacent, not progressive—just super-clean indie with intriguing lyrics. The nuanced yet stellar drumming of Jordan Mallory really contorts to the needs of each individual song, allowing the mood swings to be very effective. Keene strikes gold at times, particularly on the irresistibly sarcastic “State Of Jefferson” and the exasperating dream of a title track, where he shares “All I see is the blonde hair, short-skirt demographic giving me the eye.” It’s just ’cause they don’t know good music.
Dustin Bennett
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