Review by Shannon Shumaker
Sunday Brunch might only be a seven song EP, but indie rock duo Chapel manage to explore a wide variety of sounds and emotions within these few tracks. Kicking things off with the shiny “Cindy White” and concluding with the explosive and emotional “Fools Gold,” Chapel quickly prove that they’re certainly not one dimensional. Driven by dreamy synth, groovy guitar and bass and catchy vocals, Sunday Brunch is an instant hit.
The groovy and complex “Cindy White” is a rather unconventional sounding track – it isn’t your typical pop-rock anthem – but it totally works and will certainly grab your attention right away. This song is timeless and fun, impossible not to move along with and most importantly, unique.
Following “Cindy White” is “Caught Up,” in which vocalist Carter Hardin admits that he’s still figuring his life out. Definitely more guitar driven than the opener, “Caught Up” feels like more of a rock track, and that works perfectly as Hardin expresses, “I wanna be free to do what I want to.” This sentiment bleeds over into the next track, “We’ve Got Soul,” which is about sacrificing a “normal” life in order to follow your dreams. This bright, twinkly track perfectly blends the two differing sounds of “Caught Up” and “Cindy White” to make the EP feel cohesive, as well. This also flows well into the next track, “Miss Monogamy.”
Despite feeling incredibly poppy and lighthearted, the songs on Sunday Brunch are also very introspective and emotional. The warm “Don’t You Love Me” is about falling in love with someone and dealing with feelings of insecurity and uncertainty as Hardin sings, “I can’t get enough of you / Don’t you love me too?” And although the first few songs are really upbeat and fun, Chapel are quick to prove their versatility with the emotionally vulnerable and mellow track, “See You Again.” Vocally, this is easily one of the best performances on the album and easily one of the most relatable tracks Chapel have released so far.
Following the emotional “See You Again” is the perfect closing track, “Fools Gold.” The biggest downfall of many EPs is a lack of consistency or a not quite finished feeling, but Sunday Brunch doesn’t fall short. Instead, this EP sounds and feels very well rounded both emotionally and musically. Chapel don’t leave you hanging with “Fools Gold,” but instead leave you feeling fulfilled.
LISTEN TO: “Cindy White” or “We’ve Got Soul”
STAY CONNECTED WITH CHAPEL: https://www.facebook.com/ChapelUSA