I gave up writing for hits, traffic, and fame and fortune a long time ago. My posts now are like shimmering ghosts that elude Google searches like Derrick Rose shedding defenders on the way to the rim (obv. a little too excited about the Bulls). Despite his obvious talent and gumption (a double release for a debut!) this post about Austin singer songwriter Chase Weinacht is not going to soar up the Hype Machine charts, nor is not going to be linked to by Gorilla Vs. Bear, Stereogum, or even some of my close cyber compadres. This post won’t make or break his career or mine for that matter.
I’m fine with that. People still come here and still continue to check out the music I get excited about. And I’m excited about Chase Weinacht. Partly that’s due to the daunting nature of his debut release which is actually two separate records. They go by the titles Here Cinema and Moon Country and can be downloaded here via Bandcamp. As you can imagine from my setup they’re pretty lofi – just guitar and vocals on most tracks. The genre this release fits into would probably be indie folk. And there is some of that pretension on here that comes with that label. But by and large the songs, and there are 23 of them, stand up to repeat listens, in fact they demand it.
Chase’s voice is rich throughout, even as it wavers and strains to hit the appropriate notes. The songs though are what’s important. Here’s a song from each release. On “(A Scene Through) Cellophane” (from Here Cinema) I hear a bit of Frontier Ruckus’ stream of conscious wordplay minus the oft frantic musical accompaniment. I love the finger picked acoustic guitar on here and I love the fact that the song is deeper and more profound than can be absorbed on one listen. “Magnolia, Magnolia” from Moon Country is simpler and more rambunctious. It’s a song about nature and the glories found within.
Look, I don’t know how else to say it except that I’m as excited about the music of Chase Weinacht as I was when I first heard Sufjan Stevens or Clem Snide or Tom Brousseau. I look forward to following his ups and downs.
(A Scene Through) Cellophane
Magnolia, Magnolia
Bonus (so many wonderful songs I couldn’t keep it to just two)
Chase also plays under the name Marmalakes – here’s a couple videos
“Turquoise Ballons”
“Geneva Hall” live at Cactus Cafe