Blurring the genres of rock, soul, hip-hop and more, Chuck's Junk realizes a completely original yet utterly commercial new sound. Falling somewhere in between OutKast and U2, they seamless create a new music that is fresh but familiar.

11 MP3 Songs
URBAN/R&B: Funk, URBAN/R&B: R&B Rap mix



Details:
After 6 strong years, the local Columbus, Ohio based indie-soul outfit Chuck's Junk has released their debut full-length album. Originated in 2000 by brothers Bill & Joe Patterson and their father as an 8 piece funk party band complete with a horn section. An EP release in 2002 titled "Junk Food" was met with mixed reviews and labeled by most as a 'diamond in the rough' only hinting at the group's true potential.

In that same year, the band released 5 members including their horn section and started over with the remaining Patterson brothers and original lead vocalist Napoleon Stevewil. The new lineup was a lean original 5 piece rounded out by keyboardist Brent Mullin and drummer Seth Earnest. The new focus was not on the party vibe of their flashy live performances, but on crafting and recording an album of completely original songs worthy of repeated spins. As the band was still becoming known for it's ultra-tight performances and ever increasing stage persona, they spent most days in the studio recording an album of new material that was to be their answer to those who previously saw the group's potential, and a wake-up call to an industry lacking integrity in popular music.

Without following any trends or clichés, the band passionately wrote and recorded, putting over 3 years into what became the 11 song LP titled âBeauty of the Foolishâ. Stylistically, the songs are vastly different from each other, but clearly a signature sound cements the entire work together.

The music contained on the âBeauty of the Foolishâ LP can't be pinned down to sounding like anything released before. Yet, it is still easy to find the influences no matter how subtle. Better than any forced mash-up of current hip-hop and classic rock, the Michael Jackson flavor peppering the bass line in "The Essence" is seamlessly melded with a U2 inspired guitar melody in the hook.

The album opener "Walk" with itâs bulletproof stop/start rhythms, and the tribal club thump of "They Don't Care" easily stand out as the album's raw energy tracks. While at the same time the band showcases versatility and a melodic strength on acoustic songs such as the pop centerpiece "True" and the evolving Stevie Wonderish "Earthly". After a single listen, most pin "True" to be the track most likely to lead a film soundtrack.

Other noteworthy tracks include some of the more hip-hop based tracks fare like the immediately catchy âMy Degree (smilinâ)â and the bouncy yet pensive âLonely Planetâ that seem to demonstrate what Rage Against the Machine may have sounded like, if they werenât so busy raging against machines. A song like âLiving Lifeâ with itâs thick harmony vocals, and complex percussion is strikingly ambitious and far removed from the lo-fi garage rock that seems to be dying out one bland band at a time. Verifying again, that Chuckâs Junk hasnât followed any trends, nor are they trying to resurrect any. Thus, making their non-genre specific sound sometimes hard to market to genre specific radio. So far, the band has received the most support from alternative rock radio, where they can showcase to listeners who expect the lines to be blurred a bit. Many of the tracks on âBeauty of the Foolishâ work well alongside other contemporary artists such as The Gorrillaz, OutKast, Maroon 5, The Roots & U2.

With appearances and accolades over recent years including being voted a runner up "Best Band in Columbus" in 2004 by Columbus Alive readers, and a headlining (yet rained-out) performance on the Comfest Main Stage in 2005 for an expected crowd of 10,000, theyâve built themselves a pedestal of success in their home city. Their spread will certainly grow as more people pick up the disc.