Since October 2007, lead singer, lyricist and guitarist Pat Donovan, guitarist Alex Arthurs, bassist Chris Maurice, and drummer Nick Gallinger have been writing and recording songs together and slowly building their repertoire while playing a few Kingston and local area gigs; their first show ever opening for Everlea.  What immediately grabs my attention about Chase The Light is how infectious and melodious their music is (danceable and alternative pop/rock) and how interesting and intelligent the lyrics.  Influenced by many different genres of music, their sound reflects a little bit of everything and Pat’s passionate, tenor vocals (although he’d benefit from professional voice lessons before he blows his chords during a live performance) and amazing songwriting should guarantee him rock star status before he’s 25.

The EP opens with a gorgeous, acoustic ballad duet, reminiscent of Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan, between Pat Donovan and guest singer Clare Forster, called “Growin’ Old Without You.”  It starts out quiet and reflective, slowly forming tears in the eyes of the listener with its fragile beauty and then ends fervently; absolutely brilliant, mature, intensely moving and should be on the radio right now!  Pat’s lyrics are nothing short of sublime:

“And as I’m dying,
On my bed of thorns,
I hear you mumble,
What were those words?

I hope it was “Sorry,
For all I have done,
I left you empty,
Kept your heart on the run,

You were worth the heartache in the end,
Cause on my deathbed, 
you were holding my hand,
And I’m not scared,
To cross with the boatman,
I’m well prepared,
Now that we’re unbroken,
And so I’ll wait,
To see your face,
When we (when we) carry halos”

“Sinking Cities” is another thoughtful, up-tempo acoustic ballad and just when we’re getting lulled into melancholy, Chase The Light surprises us with the sensual alternative rocker, “World Below In Stereo,” which will undoubtedly become a live show favourite.  The band turns up the amp and the urgency with the danceable pop-punk rocker, “Thimble Cottage,” highlighted with a sizzling guitar solo by Arthurs and closes with a radio rockin’ hit, “My Ceiling,” featuring more of Donovan’s old-soul, superb lyrics:

“Awake there’s the ceiling,
It’s bland and unappealing,
I continue to stare,
But it just stares back it isn’t fair,

Asleep is just more ceilings,
Only these ones have more meaning,
They meet you quite greetingly,
As I fly full speed right through the ceiling,

Well it’s day at night,
And it’s night at day,
And I stop, I stop, stop to realize,
I can’t run, walk, talk, or use my eyes,
Well I feel more dead than alive

I draw diagrams,
Battle plans,
Totally outmanned,
And I can’t breathe

And I’m burning up,
The whole building’s engulfed,
And I’m all alone,
But I won’t break,

Time is a feeling,
Dreams are revealing,
I hope my body isn’t bleedin’,
As I fly full speed right through the ceiling”

Someone should call the record companies, the late night talk shows, S.L. (Sam) Feldman & Associates, the whole nine yards!  If there is a well-connected music industry agent or producer out there reading this review, please, please, please take the time to listen to Chase The Light and give these young men your sage advice and guidance.  Better yet, take them under your wing and steer them to the success they are destined for.  Their future will be lit with golden light provided they meet the right people on their evolutionary journey. 

Chase The Light will be playing next at the YFC Centre with Hurricane Harmony on Friday, February 29, 2008 so be sure to get out and lend them your support.  While you’re at it, drop by their MySpace site, www.myspace.com/chasethelightmusic or Facebook group to keep up with future gig dates and to let them know what you think of their songs.  They’re all ears and gangling ambition!

Christine Bode
c.bode@partyinkingston.com