One of the marks of a great band is how well they handle the work of others. The best transform what we know into something fresh, something of their own, something that accents and comments on the original work. Vermont-based Chamberlin succeed admirably on all these fronts on their new Cabin Covers EP (released September 20), where they have their gentle, acoustic way with Kanye West/Bon Iver (Lost In The World), Passion Pit (Little Secrets), Cults (Go Outside), Vampire Weekend (Giving Up The Gun), and Foster The People (Pumped Up Kicks). Chamberlin has fun with the material but also respects the melodramatic heart of these modern rock tunes, singing them sweetly over arrangements that show off the underlying strengths of each. All proceeds from sale of the Cabin Covers EP will go to Vermont communities impacted by Hurricane Irene. You can pick up a digital download for a $4.99 minimum donation or a physical CD with a pound of Vermont Coffee Company Dark Roast here.
The EP is icing on the cake for Chamberlin, who put out one of the finest debut albums of 2011 earlier this year. Bitter Blood, produced by Scott Tournet of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, showcases a band with the compositional and musicianship strengths that speak of great things to come even as one absorbs an addictive song cycle that begs to be played on repeat. Put flatly, they make a lot of other new rock acts seem lazy given the care and quality of what they’ve crafted.
Chamberlin’s Fall Tour is underway and they’re equally impressive in the flesh. (Dennis Cook)
Chamberlin Fall Tour Dates 10.30 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe ^^
11.01 – Boston, MA – TT The Bears ^
11.02 – New Haven, CT – BAR ^
11.03 – Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall ^
11.05 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground ^
11.06 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl +
11.11 – Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall
12.07 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison ^
12.08 – Montreal, QC – Let Petit Campus
03.01 – 03.05 – The Rock Boat – New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico
