The Chase Theory

Our Enemies Are Invisible (Onedaysavior)
by Tim Den

Sometimes predictability is pretty fucking kick ass. You don’t watch a Bruce Lee film for Shakespearian acting, you watch it for the beat-downs. Just as you don’t expect post-rock and experimentalism from The Chase Theory. You play ’em loud for the sheer fun of (deep breath) emo-punk. There, I said it: The Chase Theory are emo-punk. But unlike the horrid description the band unfortunately qualifies for, The Chase Theory are actually both emotional and punk. They aren’t empty-frontin’ it like fellow Floridians New Found Glory, they’re truly pissed and truly sad. Not just cuz guitarist/vocalist Matt Burke pens level-headed lyrics, but because the band writes music that’s inherently both emotions.

Beethoven didn’t dress up or strain useless melodies to grasp being “emotional,” the sadness and pain was in the actual compositions. The progressions, harmonies, placement of refrains, etc. Same goes for The Chase Theory (on a much simpler scale, of course). They don’t need Hot Topic get-ups or a skinny, writhing frontman (the Jani Lanes of our generation) to earn credibility for their emo-ness. The proof is in the music. The dueling guitar/bass interplays, the timing of the backup vocals, the subtle melodic nuisances found within every riff… They’re intelligent yet accessible, catchy yet layers-deep. Like a good Hollywood movie, The Chase Theory offer you all the digestible thrills and a healthy helping of smarts.
(www.onedaysavior.com)