Reviews: Chamberlain - 5 Year Diary
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Embrace (http://www.embracezine.tk)
I don't understand, nobody ever recommend, or send me any Chamberlain stuff before, but this is just what I want in my life. So now, after almost a decade, I only have a chance to just listening to the demo version of their old recordings? It is ridiculous. It is a crime toward somebody who could be Chamberlain's most serious fan. Alright, it's no use to complain, at least I've got this excellent double-disc that as anything more than a bunch of dusty CD in any emo's collection. Those who don't understand might choose to ridicule the mentality of somebody who has dedicated his entire sad and lonely life to Chamberlain, but that determination have been rewarded here with a few unreleased recordings session, and for some foolish like myself who have no idea of what Chamberlain were before, this with the vast amount of live materials is essential and the quality of this double CD is bloody undeniable, too. Included in this double-disc are three tracks taken from the 1997 demo recordings and you can sit head and shoulders above some truly divine sings and tunes in "The World Don't Want Us", with Adam Rubenstein's heavenly inspired riff work in "Last To Know". Incredible songwriting. I wonder about the album version of this songs. Don't miss the last few seconds of "Stars In The Streetlight". Beautiful. Both CD have some live tracks to let us know the best and the unique aspects of the songs. This double-disc is in the sparkling gems that may endure as long as all those old Chamberlain records. What could be better?
Source Lost In Site Update
This incredible 28-track DBL CD features material from the original five piece line-up and unveils the much awaited and rumoured songs from the time between the debut Chamberlain release 'Fates Got A Driver' and the last record from the band in it's original form 'The Moon My Saddle'. This collection bridges the gap between those two records and provides important evidence of the band's progression from their post-hardcore / emo roots to their latter day alternative country rock leanings.Kurt at Action Attack Helicopter (http://www.actionattackhelicopter.com)
This two-disc set is a great collector's item for fans of the Indiana-based rock band, formerly known as Split Lip. Put out by the band, there are 28 tracks of live, rare, and demo versions of songs. For those who were never able to see this legendary band, the live recordings are especially rewarding as they really hit on the band's strong performing ability. Having seen them live, I can attest to how well such songs (which make up about half of the material) represent Chamberlain's spirit and passion. The material on here is mainly from The Moon, My Saddle, although there are a few songs from the Fate's Got A Driver era. Chamberlain's ability to capture the spirit of their native Indiana landscape and put it to song has always been mesmerizing. Five Year Diary doesn't fail in that aspect, nor does it fail in many regards at all. Quite stunning in its composition, it's unfortunate that most non-Chamberlain fans would not enjoy this or find it as accessible as the die-hards would. Rather, one of the earlier full-lengths would be preferable for those unaware of Chamberlain's strong songwriting and great lyrical ability. Nevertheless, one still can't deny the quality work these Hoosiers laid down on tape for all to hear. It's just unfortunate it all came to a close right when the band seemed to be at their peak
No Front Teeth
There are few bands as diverse as CHAMBERLAIN - their sound has greatly transformed throughout their existance and this 'retrospective' release is a testament to that including demo recordings, live recordings and bonus tracks from 1996-2000. People who may only have recently gotten into CHAMBERLAIN will be amazed with these CDs - this is documented progress and unbelievable transformations. Longtime fans of the band will obviously benefit from this release because of all the demo and bonus material, so as you can see this is a pretty fucking impressive album. This is the fascinating history of CHAMBERLAIN in a great double-CD format.
Daniel at Codex 4
Chamberlain arose from the members of melodic/emo hardcore band Split Lip. Throughout the 5 years of Split Lip, musical interests changed to a more emo/indi/rock style, so the band decided to change their bandname to Chamberlain. In 1996 they released their first record to be called "Fate's Got A Driver", followed by two more releases entiteled 'the Moon My Saddle" and "Exit 263" which became to be their last. In the year 2000, Chamberlain decided to call it quits. For all the fans and all other who are interested, Chamberlain now released a double-disc album called "5 Year Diary" with live, rare, unreleased, and demo songs. The album contains songs of the 1996 Demo, the 1997 Demo, 1998 Live Recordings, some songs from Big Brown (old log cabin tucked away in the Yellowwood Forest, where songs were written) and a Bonus track. The live songs are mostly taken from 'the Moon Is My Saddle" although there also are a few songs of "Fate's Got A Driver". Chamberlain brings you an awesome fuse of intensity and warm indi-rock. Great compositional abilities combined with beautiful lyrics. All tracks (live tracks included) sound very clear and fresh giving you more then over two hours of soulful music.
Marcel at Silent Stagnation
That's it, the final statement of an outstanding band that broke the boundaries between Post Hardcore and Country Rock. And now the last documentation. 28 tracks on two CDs which contain the 1996 Demo, the 1997 Demo, 1998 Live Recordings, Songs From Big Brown and one more Bonus track. All those recordings shows the way from one of the first Post Hardcore bands to a more Country Rock influenced act and it begins with the four songs of the 1996 Demo and those songs are of course mainly emotional hardcore but there is an unmistakable rocking and smooth stuff that will be more pithy on their future releases. The next three songs are from the 1997 Demo and in the same vein as the first songs, emotional and slow downed "Hardcore" with the known singing of David Moore and some female vocals, nice interaction by the way! Those overall seven Demo Tracks are in awesome quality and not comparable to shitty Demo tracks, the songs have the same level like the albums of Chamberlain! The following 15 (!!!) songs are from 1998 and a live recording in very good quality and they feature some awesome tracks like "Mountain Of A Heart" or 'the World Don't Want Us". That's the point when we get to the second CD because six songs of that live-session are on the first CD and the other nine on the other CD and these start with an early and great version of "Wherever I Lay My Head". But for real there are only 12 real live tracks because tree tracks are only intro, outro and an interlude called "Five-Year Diary". After this awesome live performance Chamberlain offer the five songs of 'songs From Big Brown" to end this neverending review we come to the final-track of this collection "Five-Year Diary" and it's a worthier song to finish more than two hours of finest music! Nothing more to say that this is a must for every collection of alternative music because Chamberlain was one of the most innovative rock bands to date!
Ingo at Fastclick
Just when you think a band`s era is over, you get confronted with another release. I thought the excellent "Exit 263" was the last sign of life from CHAMBERLAIN, but maybe as a perfect conclusion, we get offered a 2 CD`s long album from this band that arose from SPLIT LIP.
This CD with 120 minutes of Emo/Indierock (in the beginning of their work) meets Country (see review to their album "Exit 263") features 28 tracks including songs from the 1996 and 1997 demos, live recordings from 1998, songs from Big Brown (a place where lots of songs were written and performed by CHAMBERLAIN) from 1998-2000 and some unreleased material. Not only the Demo tracks, but also the live songs are of very good quality, so the listening is very enjoyable and gives a good hint what the band sounded like on stage... just marvellous !!! Definitely a "must-have" for all CHAMBERLAIN fans...
Jim at Punk News (http://www.punknews.org)
This epic double album tells the unusual story of Indiana rockers Chamberlain. Beginning in 1996 with the band's unreleased demo recordings and the driven, angsty emo-core of 'Everything Here', the record is split between rare and treasured material and live performances. Another notable dichotomy is Chamberlain's evolution from accomplished, angular post rockers into Springsteen-esque bards, and 'Five Year Diary' documents their musical U-Turn scrupulously, a transition beginning with 96's lo-fi 'Racing Cincinnati'. 1997's tapes are bluesier still with a definite country tang. There then follows 16 live tracks with tunes plucked from either end of Chamberlain's career, and the journey concludes with some current demoing. I have an inkling that this record might appeal more to Mum and Dad than it will to the 'Sk8 Kru' cider-in-the-Multistory type, unless you're the refined, poncy type that likes to drink wine and pretend to be middle aged. Also I concede that my knowledge of Springsteen's music is limited to hearing it on the Mrs's old man's BOSE and being told that I look like a young Brian Ferry! I found both Springsteen and Chamberlain quite palatable though; the latter are as adept at building Post-Hardcore soundscapes as they are theming a Middle-England dinner party. And while this record might not be your cup of tea, the attention Chamberlain have paid to writing simple, sincere and memorable tunes (something either neglected by or beyond the abilities of many of todays musicians) sticks like aryldite.
Enough (http://www.enoughfanzine.com)
I guess most of you, who are into emotional rock, have heard of Chamberlain (formerly known as Split Lip). If so, my second guess is, you are in love with them. So am I. As this 2 CD hit my mailbox I was quite happy to hear something by this band again. Yes, this 2 CD can be seen as the perfect 'starter kit" to the universe of Chamberlain or the beautiful gift pleasing all lovers of Chamberlain. You get the 1996 demo recordings, the 1997 demo recordings, live songs from 1998 and some songs from 1998- 2000. This means: A bunch of great songs showing the progression of Chamberlain's sound from emotional indie rock to country influenced songwriter stuff. No matter which musical genre Chamberlain stuck to, the always were a class of it's own. This 2 CDs prove it!
Jason Schreurs at Flex Your Head
It's questionable whether a double CD of unreleased Chamberlain material (half of which is live songs) is entirely necessary, but fans of this increasingly melodic band from Indiana should take careful note. Five-Year Diary is a collection of Chamberlain's '96-'98 demo and live recordings, showing the constant development of the band from their days as hardcore band Split Lip, their debut release as Chamberlain, Fate's Got a Driver, and on through to the countrified alternative rock leanings that were to come. The '96 demo is among the best the late '90s emo scene could ever offer, with smoky vocals, melody-drenched guitar chords, swirling bass and brilliantly understated drumming. Singer/guitarist David Moore's lyrics are slices of life that hold up after repeated listens, sometimes with even more impact in the live setting. The inclusion of 15 live songs recorded in Europe and the often sleepy sounding and mostly acoustic '98 demo makes getting through both discs a chore, but, hey, if you've got the time, Chamberlain's got the tunes.
Simon Briggs at Suspect Device
Ooh I was looking forward to this ! I inquired about purchasing it and got told it was being sent for review, which pleased me no end, but the wait nearly killed me. Don't know what to say about it really, my expectations were high but it has far surpassed them, this is fantastic stuff ! It is basically a collection of demo's, one from "96, one from "97, live tracks from "98, and 'songs from Big Brown" which was their practice space out in the woods of Indiana somewhere, from "98 - 2000. It's a whopping 2 disc job, one 53 mins and one 68 mins and a total of 28 tracks. There's a few unheard tracks and some done very differently and it's basically absolutely essential to all Chamberlain fans out there. The production and sound quality, all the way through is excellent, and it all runs together beautifully, and as far as I am concerned it's faultless. A must have release.
Emoisdead (http://www.emoisdead.com)
Emerging from a hardcore band called Split Lip and being one of the most influencing bands of the emo genre the members of Chamberlain have totally come off their roots. "Exit 263" is an album full of straight and classic rock (the likes of Pearl Jam or Counting Crows) with a slight touch of country music that definately wins through David Moore's expressive voice. Usually I'm not much into country music, but songs like "Lovely and Alone" or 'santa Fe" (which are my favourites) really make me melt away, if you know what I mean. Twelve songs in a predominantly thoughtful and staid mood that are suitable for night-drives with your car. First of all, my special advice to the cover designers: Never again put a picture of this singer in anyone of the Chamberlain booklets. Ok? Ok. To be honest I didn't now, that Chamberlain were one of the emo icons in the mid 90's, and I think it's ok, that bands with hardcore or emo roots grow up and develop their sound into the direction they feel well in. I mean look at the Get Up Kid's new album or Fugazi. Chamberlain are now into blues and country and they're doing it very well. Good guitar work and a rhythm section that plays suitable grooves. David Moores voice is very sympathic and the lyrics aren't stupid. If you like Bruce Springsteen you'll like this to. For me it's too much American culture, but I must admit it's an honest band doing their 'real' thing.
Mark at UK Base (http://www.ukbase.org.uk)
I remember listening to 'Fates Got a Driver', Chamberlain's debut full length, over and over again when I first got it, so I was looking forward to hearing this compilation of demos, unreleased and live tracks from the period between 'Fate' and their previous album 'The Moon My Saddle' which I wasn't so keen on, if only to see the transformation between a great passionate, emotion melancholy rock band to a emo Bruce Springsteen if you will. Chamberlain have been around for what must be 10 years now, they first saw the light of day as Split Lip and released the extremely good 'For The Love Of The Wounded' on Doghouse Records (I think you might still be able to pick this up on CD), after that release they changed their name and starting experimenting with what at the time was a new genre of emo rock. With 5 Year Diary you can hear for yourself the growth of Chamberlain and within the 28 tracks you can also see the later Split Lip days being molded and carved into the most resent 'Moon My Saddle' period. Fans of this band will need this release, but I think it stands up on it's own as 28 examples of good solid rock music, you don't get speed here, but that's made up for in thoughtfulness, I'm listening to 'Stars In The Streetlight' at the moment and if I can use the word it's just soothing. Five Year Diary also explains to me what they're trying to do with 'Moon My Saddle' and I get it now, as you can see for yourself the development.
Past And present 2001 (http://www.geocities.com/pastandpresent2001)
I really thought this album would be more exciting than it is. Like all other Ignition bands reviewed in this issue, I first heard Chamberlain on a label sampler last month, and was totally blown away by their passion in that particular song. However, as this double album drags along, things tend to get a little repetitive and, well, slightly boring. It's not that Chamberlain are bad or anything, it's just that this album delivers too much of the same thing. Perhaps if this album only had twelve tracks or something it would keep my interest. But, really, I believe this is first and foremost for their fans, and they probably like things just the way they are. There are 28 tracks on "Five-Year Diary." A lot of them are live, while others are demo-recordings and other rare stuff. Style wise Chamerlain sound like Bruce Springsteen meets Woosley Band type bar-rock, or like a more mature sounding emo-rock band than most of what can be heard on modern rock radio.
Woys (http://www.woys.com)
Five-Year Diary 1996-2000 is a collection that shows the Chamberlain's progression from their post-hardcore / emo roots to their latter day alternative country rock leanings. The album fills the gap between the debut release "Fates Got A Driver" and the last 'the Moon My Saddle", it has the purpose to bridge these two records in an extraordinarely masterpiece. This fabulous record contains the most beautiful songs from the 1996 Demo plus the 1997 Demo. If you are a fan of Bruce Springsteen or Bob Dylan this is a goody for you. So let me ask you one thing: are you a loyal fan of the alternative / rock? If you are then you should have this one of a kind collection of what we can call 'the Chamberlain's History"
