Cha Cha are a relatively unknown London band comprising; Blain McGuigan (Vocals/Bass), Alex Cameron Ward (Backing Vocals/Guitar) and Samuel Garbutt (Drums). Their debut album We Are is a superb demonstration of talent, experimentation and uniqueness which should have been titled “We Are Great!”
Their sound is catchy and a subtle mix of many genres and influences, but definitely their own, they describe their sound as “a cross between dirty pop hymns and offbeat disco rock” and I guess that sums it up pretty well. It is an upbeat and funky sound, perfect for the summer.
This is definitely a band going places, they are musically very good and the song writing on show is very accomplished.
The album begins with Phonographic Love, a track which the band states is a tale of a girl unable to get over her infatuation with a past pop star, the track’s rhythm is held together with fantastic high tempo drumming and gentle bass. While soft guitar riffs and synthed keys work add extra dimensions in this indie meets pop medley. The track changes tempo seamlessly throughout and the effective, simple lyrics are sang flawlessly, changing their temperament to match the musical changes on show. A very, very catchy opening.
Sit You Down is another very good track; upbeat drumming and steady bass provide a funky background, while the ever changing guitar tempo and metallic riffs are played very well, giving the track a varied sound, which the vocals match brilliantly, swapping from catchy chorus lines to Johnny Borell Of Razorlight like chants, which all tempt a sing along.
The Fellowship fuses 80’s style keyboards and up-tempo drum beats at the beginning of the track, with riffs of high octane guitar. The track begins like a good electro rock song, but soon develops into a catchy pop song as the chorus shifts genres. You begin, by now to realise just how complex and well produced this album is and how the group have a great ability to mix the delivery of their tracks up, both musically and vocally.
Cherokee starts with wonderful scratchy guitar with effects and deep bass before keyboards are introduced and the track comes alive. Poppy verses and indie anthem chorus’s keep us guessing as the music and vocals change their sound endlessly, allowing a great background for the delivery of the well worked lyrics.
Bring You Down is a short acoustic number and probably the worst on the album, but in the context of things that is no flaw really. The unplugged guitar playing and simple folk singing show us another dimension to the groups work and their ability with instruments in hand.
Seventies Casualty is a great track, infectious and pop like, keyboards, upbeat drumming, crashes of percussion, soft bass and electronic guitar blend and sway effortlessly, while catchy lyrics telling the tale of a senile acquaintance of the band, convinced she was born in a different decade are sung with more Johnny Borrell like chanting and eerie backing vocals. A fantastic, catchy number.
Juicy Lucy is a heavier track then the others, showing more varied talent from the group. Heavy guitar and vocals make this a classy sounding indie track while quick tempo drumming and the use of effects keep the pop element flowing through its veins.
Second Chance is fantastic lyrically, touching on social issues without depressing the listener with the poppy sound and rhythmic tempo changes. More genre swapping and vocal adjustments which really demonstrate the talents of the groups lead singer, Blain Mcguigan.
Flashlight is a more complex, very well put together blend of heavy drumming and warped keys, before the tempo slows and melodic guitar strings are played. The delivery of the lyrics is softer and for the first time the group have a mellow sound before the other instruments come together, which raises the tempo again, causing involuntary head nodding and toe tapping.
Windows ends this amazing debut, with soft bass and gently played guitar, the vocals are performed with compassion, breaking only to allow instrumental solos. The song gently moves forward whilst remaining upbeat and in character with the now familiar sound of the group. While experimentation with lovely flirts of keyboard and gentle changes in tempo makes this another wonderfully put together track. A great way to end a great album.
I really did enjoy this album; it has lots of lots of positives and this group show great promise. I can only hope that they receive the popularity and following that they deserve. I am excited to see how this group develop and cannot wait for future works.
Stereoboard Rating: 10/10
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Sit You Down is another very good track; upbeat drumming and steady bass provide a funky background, while the ever changing guitar tempo and metallic riffs are played very well, giving the track a varied sound, which the vocals match brilliantly, swapping from catchy chorus lines to Johnny Borell Of Razorlight like chants, which all tempt a sing along.
