Review Summary: You wear your halo much like horns.
Chalmers grew out of the now defunct bands We Were Skeletons and French in Van. Their stomping grounds in Lancaster City are much smaller and quainter than the somewhat neighboring Philadelphia, but have enough charm and uniqueness to spare. The music scene in particular is very tight-knit and ideal. Record stores, café’s, venues, and artists alike seem to work together and collaborate more in this city than in any other I’ve been to. At the center of this, Chalmers exists as a staple of the music community. I can think of no better example of Lancaster’s youthful spirit than with this debut record from an up and coming homegrown band.
They released a four song demo in 2013 which introduced a blueprint of their unique sound, which is an unapologetic brand of hardcore punk, or as they call it on their Facebook page, “powerslop”. This new record proves its maturity and growth from their prior release right out of the gate. In terms of songwriting, recording quality, vocals, and most importantly, cohesiveness, All The Songs Sung Wrong stands its ground as fully realized and definitive.
These songs seem to come from a place of extreme passion and sometimes, hurt. The vocals cut through the mix valiantly, delivering somewhat morbid and disquieting lyrics.
“She’ll breathe the air that you breathe. You’ll watch her choke on it and be relieved.”
- ‘20 Years’
References to various themes are spread throughout the 10 high-energy songs. Maps, pushpins, water, and trauma all seem to be common motifs in the music. “Sunlight & Soap”, the second side opener, sets the stage for the intensity and power of the album’s crux. “Pushpin Constellation” and “Negate Your Wish” plunge the listener into a hopeless world, and give us glimpses of ultimate anxiety.
Similar to the emotional line at the end of “Negate Your Wish” (“you wear your halo much like horns”), Chalmers wear their crown much like a halo; in a humble but proud way.
Favorite tracks: 20 Years, Dead Sweat, Sunlight & Soap, Negate Your Wish, Lost in the Flood
