Chaser has recently unleashed Small Victories, a powerhouse that fuses passion, aggression, and melody in a way that only the best punk rock bands can. With roots in the vibrant skatepunk and melodic hardcore scene, their latest offering captures the energy, drive, and defiance that has long been associated with their music. With this full-length, Chaser taps into the rich tradition of SoCal melodic punk rock while adding a modern sheen, offering a collection of songs that are not only expertly crafted but deeply emotional and unapologetically intense. Chaser are no newcomers to the scene. Since their formation, they’ve been carving their place within the skatepunk genre, with each album further refining their craftwork. Small Victories is a culmination of years spent honing their sound, delivering an album that showcases their best traits, melodic sensibilities, powerful energy, and thoughtful lyricism. From the first note to the last, Small Victories is brimming with vitality, highlighting a band that has fully embraced its identity while continuing to push sound forward.
Mike LeDonne’s vocal delivery throughout the record is passionate and melodic, each note belted with conviction. His voice is simultaneously raw and refined, capturing the perfect balance between vulnerability and strength. Whether he’s rallying the listener in a call-to-arms or reflecting on more introspective moments, LeDonne’s vocal work is nothing short of magnetic. What makes Small Victories such a thrilling listen is how Chaser combine breakneck punk rock with melody and heart. The guitars, helmed by Bill Hockmuth, are packed with energy and nuance. He delivers everything from blistering riffs to intricate melodic leads, all tied together by a rich sonic soundscape that will convince even the pickiest melodic punk rock fans to spin this gem all over again. The album bursts with powerful chord progressions that hit hard but are softened by melodic undertones, creating a perfect balance between aggression and beauty. Tracks like Brand New Enemy and The Breaks exemplify this blend, showcasing sharp guitar work that keeps pace with the energetic drums while also offering a wealth of melodic layers.
Hockmuth’s guitar work switches between blazing punk rock riffs and intricate melodies, keeping the listener engaged without losing momentum. It’s the kind of guitar work that adds emotional weight to the album, giving songs a deeper sense of purpose. This interplay between raw power and melodic sophistication ensures that each song stands out, while the album as a whole maintains a cohesive and engaging sound. The rhythm section, Jesse Stopnitzky on bass and Davey Guy on drums, serves as the driving force behind Chaser’s powerful sound. Stopnitzky’s basslines offer intricacy and clarity while binding the guitars and drums together, adding depth and heaviness to the mix while never being overbearing. Each low-end provides an undercurrent of melody, moving the songs forward and giving the album a sense of urgency. Tracks like Stay Gold and Small Victories showcase his ability to deliver dynamic and vivid basslines, adding a sense of weight and complexity to the record.
Davey Guy is an absolute powerhouse. His drumming is tight and inventive, combining flawless beats, breaks, and fills with precision that keeps the album moving at a breakneck pace. The energy he brings to songs like Fault Lines and Control The Bleed is noticeable, injecting the music with a relentless speed. Yet, he also knows when to pull back, allowing the more melodic moments to breathe. His work on more introspective tracks, such as Stay Gold, is just as impressive, demonstrating a versatility that underscores Chaser’s ability to move between fast, aggressive punk rock and slower, more contemplative moments. Lyrically, Small Victories offers both hope and reflection. The album’s themes are rooted in personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and the small wins that keep us moving forward. In true punk rock fashion, the lyrics are raw and honest, tackling everything from mental health to societal pressures. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is always a thread of hope that runs through each track.
Songs like Stay Gold and Control The Bleed touch on themes of perseverance and self-reflection. LeDonne’s vocal delivery amplifies the message, turning these personal struggles into anthems of resilience. In Settle The Scores, the band rallies the listener with a message of defiance and empowerment, offering a reminder that even in the toughest of times, we can still find strength. The title track, Small Victories, serves as a fitting centerpiece for the album. It’s a celebration of the little wins that make life worth living, the moments of triumph that may seem small but are monumental in their significance. The song encapsulates the message of finding hope in the face of adversity, a sentiment that resonates deeply with their punk rock ethos. Though the album flows from one track to the next, certain songs stand out as highlights. Brand New Enemy opens the album with a burst of energy, setting the tone for what’s about to come. The interplay between the aggressive guitars and melodic vocals immediately grabs the listeners by the collar and refuses to let go. Flying High and Fault Lines are also standout tracks, showcasing their ability to blend punk rock intensity with melodic hooks that get stuck in your head for days.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Small Victories is its consistency. There are no filler tracks, and each song brings something unique to the table while fitting into the larger narrative of the album. Even towards the end of the album, songs like A Revel Song and Better Than Yesterday maintain the same level of energy and passion as the opening tracks, ensuring that the album never loses steam. With Small Victories, Chaser crafted an album that exemplifies their durability as a band. It’s a record that captures the essence of what makes punk rock so vital, raw emotion, powerful energy, and a sense of defiance. Yet, it’s also an album full of heart, offering moments of contemplation and hope that resonates long after this material ends. It’s a masterpiece delivered by one of the finest longstanding skatepunk bands, and you should place it on your music radar as soon as possible. It’s available on vinyl via SBAM Records, so head to their website for more information about ordering.
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