Search - Chomsky :: Onward Quirky Soldiers

Hey, Neighbor!

Jeff Hodges | Denton, TX United States | 09/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's good to see you here. No telling how you found your way. Maybe you are a longtime fan like me and are looking to continue supporting this great band, but hopefully you heard "15:00 to Rock" on the radio and are looking to find more info. Either way, you are in luck: "Onward Quirky Soldiers" is out and the good news is that Chomsky is continuing to push the envelope of experimental (meaning that they actually innovate) power pop as they always have, and are continuing to evolve as a band.As their previous effort, "A Few Possible Selections to the Soundtrack of Your Life", "Onward Quirky Soldiers" contains some songs that probably rank among my favorites of all time. "Straight Razor", "Gravitate", "Light" (with its Who-ish sequencing), and, of course, "15:00 to Rock", are all required listening for anyone who is a fan of flawlessly executed high-energy song-based pop. The innovation that "Soldiers" has above "Soundtrack" is twofold:For one, we are treated to a more expansive, innovative, and involved feel to the song's arrangements. Chomsky's greatest strength has always been their ability to mask complexity with accessibility, and "Soldiers" keeps this grand tradition going. You might be able to sing along, but you would be hard pressed to actually play along. A fantastic example of this is favorite "Herod's Daughter", a pop-length song that has the feel of an epic.Second is the evolution of Chomsky as an "album-rock" band. Although any of the songs on "Soldiers" can be listened to in isolation, the greatest rewards come from listening to the album from beginning to end. Especially in the lyric department, Sean & co. weave a web of self-referential characters, archetypes, and situations that create a self-encapsulated mythology. Who exactly are "the bastards"? Where exactly is "the good part"? Why are these things important? It would seem that if you could just listen closely enough, you would know the answers to these questions, and that somehow life might be better....or something like that.It's so exciting to see other people getting into Chomsky, but in a way I sort of feel sad. Pretty soon, they won't be my special secret band anymore - everyone will be a Chomsky fan! So let me take an opportunity right now to say to everyone:I told you so.Now buy it."

Sweet CHA -CHING!

Jeff Hodges | 01/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is truely a diamond in the rough! From start to finish its non stop RAWK!! Very good lyrical hooks, crazy inventive guitars, smooth bass and cool beats. Check out the track: GRAVITATE and 0:15:00. A fresh new spin compared to the boring top 40 radio!! Quite possible that Chomsky is the best band you've never heard of !! BUY this and you will be the envy of all of your friends !"

Quirky But Cool

Bob Biz | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Knowing that I am an avid Blink 182 and Green Day fan, a friend of mine in Dallas turned me on to Chomsky . Apparently Chomsky is HUGE in Dallas, and when I listened to this CD it was easy to see why. This is power pop with an edge. "15:00 Minutes to Rock" has that punk-ish type of riff that is as infectious as anything Blink 182 has put out, and has the kind of hook that is perfect for the radio and stays in your head for days. "Light" is another highlight that shows a more melodic flair in the band. "Laughing" sounds like a potential hit, dishing out catchy guitar-work and tons of energy. This album is Chomsky's second and it shows that they have style down, ripe for sharing with the world. They throw a fresh spin on the power/punk pop genre with their exuberant personalities. The phrase "next big thing" is over-used, but after hearing this album, that's the term that keeps coming to mind. Buying this album will be your chance to become one of those people who always says "I was into them BEFORE they got big...""