Every once in a while you know a collection of songs are gonna be great before you even hear them. Sometimes it can backfire and the result doesn't quite live up to the expectation you put on them but occasionally, just occasionally, you find out you were right. This is one of those unique times. Bowling For Soup bass player Erik Chandler has used valuable time in-between the never ending marathon of recording and touring with his 'dayjob' band to step into the spotlight with his own solo project. 

Early indications from Chandler suggested that he wanted to record something with the vibe and energy of mid '90s alt rock acts such as The Lemonheads and he's pretty much delivered the goods head on. I think what excites me most about what is essentially a teaser EP of the upcoming album, is the honesty delivered in each of these four songs. It's all no-frills, guitar rock, not trying to break down any new boundaries, instead just serving up timeless, solid song writing with hooks that you know Chandler himself would have devoured had he heard them as a fan whilst growing up. 

Lead song 'Tonight's The Night' hits the ground running and sets an unbelievably high standard with its Goo Goo Dolls wall of guitars before climbing to a chorus that easily has 'Song of the Year' potential written all over it. 'Push The Pedal' is perhaps the most Lemonheads-esque of all the songs with a killer radio friendly vibe, 'Hold It Together' channels some great Matthew Sweet hooks whilst 'Malibu Classic' would not go a misson the next Butch Walker record. Throughout Chandler showcases great vocals and undeniable guitar skills, but it's the sheer quality of the songwriting that is the real winner. 

In a time when acts such as The Gaslight Anthem and Frank Turner are current media darlings, whilst the old firm of Springsteen and Petty continue to command huge respect, Erik Chandler could easily sit alongside any of these heavy hitters, standing tall and very, very proud.

www.erikchandler.com