Chime School
The Boy Who Ran the Paisley Hotel
Slumberland Records [2024]
Album Overview: Chime School is the solo project of Andy Pastalaniec, a San Francisco-based musician known for his work as a drummer in bands like Flowertown, Seablite, and The Reds, Pinks & Purples. Inspired by his love for 1980s and ’90s indie-pop, Pastalaniec stepped out from behind the drum kit to create Chime School, initially encouraged by a challenge from his partner. His debut self-titled album in 2021 landed in The Fire Note’s Top 50 of the year and established Chime School as a significant force in the Bay Area’s pop scene. The Boy Who Ran the Paisley Hotel is the sophomore album from Chime School, seeing Pastalaniec revisiting and refining the sounds of his musical influences, with an emphasis on pop songcraft. The record blends lyrical and musical references to create a cohesive and intricate body of work. While it pays homage to the deep cuts of UK indie pop, the album is rooted in the contemporary San Francisco scene, reflecting both the city’s history and current realities.
Musical Style: The album features a mix of jangly guitars, synthetic drum beats, and melodic pop hooks. The sound is shaped by 12-string acoustic guitars reminiscent of The Go-Betweens, alongside rhythmic elements inspired by The Field Mice. The record also draws from the sonic landscapes of larger Britpop icons like Oasis, The La’s and The Charlatans, layering these influences with a modern, more intimate flair that may be more suited for a headphone experience than a stadium anthem.
Evolution of Sound: The Boy Who Ran the Paisley Hotel marks a shift from the high-energy, densely packed sound of Chime School’s debut to a more focused and deliberate approach. Pastalaniec has slightly slowed the tempo, allowing the songs to breathe and unfold more naturally. This change brings the album closer to his original vision for the project, highlighting maturation in his songwriting and production.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of bands like Teenage Fanclub, Smokescreens, Ducks Ltd., Jeanines, Velvet Crush, The Charlatans, Oasis, The Tubs, and R.E.M. will enjoy the album’s intricate pop arrangements and jangly guitar work, which always lead back to a memorable chorus.
Pivotal Tracks: Key tracks on the album include the opener “The End,” a strong start with its acoustic guitars and melancholy mood; “Wandering Song,” an upbeat track that showcases Chime School’s range while reflecting on personal and political themes; and “Give Your Heart Away,” a song that highlights Pastalaniec’s growth as a songwriter with its catchy chorus, layered musical elements, and reflective lyrics.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics on The Boy Who Ran the Paisley Hotel weave together personal introspection with broader social and political observations. Pastalaniec explores themes of memory, distraction, and collective action, often using imagery drawn from his interest in photography. The words are carefully crafted, offering a nuanced look at both individual and collective experiences.
CHIME SCHOOL REVIEW HISTORY
Chime School (2021)
CHIME SCHOOL LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Slumberland Records
- Chime School: The Boy Who Ran the Paisley Hotel [Album Review] - September 3, 2024
- The Bug Club: On The Intricate Inner Workings Of The System [Album Review] - August 29, 2024
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