Chaser – The Big Picture

Releases like Chaser’s The Big Picture make me feel old.  The past decade unquestionably transformed both the face and sound of punk, all but leaving the “golden age” of 90’s Epitaph and Fat Wreck Chords punk dominancy as a former nostalgic shadow.  Now don’t get me wrong, between Red Scare Industries, SideOneDummy, The Union Label Group, and others like Vagrant there’s more excitement in the scene than ever – but the power of nostalgia has a timeless draw.  So when a band like Chaser debuts as a modern amalgamation of legacy acts like Bad Religion, Pulley, Strung Out, No Use For A Name, and NOFX, it feels like a warm celebration of past greatest hits, and everyone is invited.

And what a party.  The celebration kicks off on a high note with “The Big Picture,” a track so faithful to No Use For A Name that Tony Sly may have well been present in the studio.  Vocalist Mike speeds along with an unmatched melodic precision while his bandmates chime in with stadium filling “woahs.”  The vocal harmonies reach an impressive climax during an anthemic vocal and organ bridge on “Debt of a Nation,” matching that of a grand cathedral choir.  Throughout the grandeur, unrelenting skate punk drumming provides a pressing state of urgency and sustained sense of adrenaline.  Further enhancing the backdrop, the band’s lead guitarist continually pushes himself, on tracks like “Nevermore,” throwing in metal inspired riffs and concise solos much in the vein of contemporaries Strung Out and Pulley.  Altogether, Chaser boasts a tight and addictive sound that gets under your skin and never lets up.

Further completing the package, Chaser channels a keen social awareness comparable in worldview to inspirations Bad Religion and Pennywise.  The general theme is one of facing reality.  The album dually grapples with the idea that society shields dark truths, and that enlightenment is a painful but necessary curse for those looking for equality.  It’s a weight message but ensures that the band transcends the bounds of basic mall punk.

Despite forming way back in 2002, The Big Picture marks my first encounter with Chaser – and I couldn’t imagine a finer introduction.  While I’m obviously awestruck with nostalgia, Chaser transcends its influences, demonstrating a sense of musicianship the band can safely call their own.  This is modern stake punk with a nostalgic edge and tight execution.  One of the year’s first serious must haves.