Chapell Releases New LP ‘Penultimate’ – Review

NYC singer-songwriter Alan Chapell has traveled the world playing his music and absorbing the musical pallets of many countries. Pairing that musical education with the trumpet he learned early on and the classical piano training that would come later, Chapell’s music is a melodious stew.
Chapell recently released Penultimate, a lively and layered compilation of various musical genres. The sound throughout is lush and complex without being over-produced.
The album opens with “Ride,” a nicely produced tune with sweet guitar licks and beautiful violin work. Both provide a gorgeous backdrop for Chapell’s enjoyable vocal and catchy chorus.
Not one to shy away from serious topics, “Sandinista” takes on the never-ending tragedies in Nicaragua. Complex melodies play against the words of hope and despair, creating a thought provoking, notable tune.
Chapell has spent a good deal of time working in the world of technology. Specifically, as an advisor to tech giants on privacy issues. In “I Am Zuck,” he takes on an obvious target in Mark Zuckerberg. “Tell me all of your secrets…” is just the beginning of how Chapell breaks down the information gathering done by social media, and how the platforms manipulates its users. With a Latin beat and trumpet used as exclamation points, Chapell pinpoints the problem with all of social media.

“The Radio” is an ode to, yep, radio. It doesn’t matter if you understand the language, the message is in the music. Light and happy, it also has a Latin influence.
“Catch Me” is a beautiful searching for love song. Nobody’s perfect, won’t you take a chance. Gorgeous melody and a great hook.
“Vivid” is just that. It has a visual sound, like a flashing neon sign. The lyrics are stop and go, the melody is made of layers built upon each other with each one distinct. Nicely done.
The album ends with “If You Like It.” Positive and uplifting, it has an earworm ending that will stay with you for the rest of the day. And that’s not a bad thing.
Chapell has twelve songs on the album, most are better than good. None are throwaways, each one is crafted as opposed to written. There are tiers of sound within each tune but nothing is overdone. Exquisite work by trumpeteer Bruce Harris and violin player Lorenza Ponce. The other band members: Rodney Howard on drums, Ali Culotta on piano, Ann Klein on guitar and Malcolm gold on bass are equally solid. Chapell’s vocals are easy on the ear and the songs are good for the soul. Take the time to take a listen.
Review by Kath Galasso @KatsTheory
Chapell website
Chapell facebook page
Chapell on twitter
Track Listing:
- Ride
- Sandinista
- Girl with Blue Eyes
- Yes We Can
- I am Zuck
- Time to Be Kind
- The Radio
- Catch Me
- Break the Night
- Freedonia
- Vivid
- If You Like it
Related Posts
Latest News
-
Rebel Kicks Unveil Highly Anticipated EP ‘somewhere.in.between.’– A Fusion of Dance Pop, R&B, and Indie Rock
“…one of the most exciting acts to watch in today’s...
- Posted December 8, 2023
- 0
-
Prog Acoustic Guitarist Mark Vickness, with his musical collective MVI releases instrumental LP ‘In The Rain Shadow’
Progressive Acoustic Guitar Virtuoso Mark Vickness recently announced his dynamic new instrumental...
- Posted December 6, 2023
- 0
-
Canadian Indie Rock Trio The Dark Fruits release new LP “Warm Weather Starter Pack”
Award-winning Canadian Indie Rock Trio The Dark Fruits have announced the release...
- Posted December 5, 2023
- 0
-
Night Wilds continue single releases ahead of 2024 ‘All That Should Have Been’ album drop
Night Wilds are a new band, led by Seattle native...
- Posted December 4, 2023
- 0
-
The James McGowan Ensemble release 16-track inner journey, ‘Reaching In’
The James McGowan Ensemble is a 13-piece group consisting of...
- Posted November 29, 2023
- 0
-
Brooklyn-Austria-based power indie rockers superWAV release aTypical, a heady, bluesy EP
Brooklyn-and-Austria-based power indie rock band superWAV are back with aTypical, a heady,...
- Posted November 28, 2023
- 0
-
California Independent songwriter Patrick Ames releases two new powerful singles
At age 69, Songwriter Patrick Ames Grows Ever More Determined...
- Posted November 27, 2023
- 0
Like us on Facebook
Latest Backstories
-
The Real Story behind the song, “Mr. Bojangles”
In our continuing weekly series, we examine the backstory...
- September 6, 2023
- 0
-
RIP Robbie Robertson.
Canadian, Robbie Robertson, legendary lead guitarist of “The Band”...
- August 9, 2023
- 0
-
Celebrate Good Times: The Story Behind Kool and the Gang’s Hit Song
If you have ever been to a wedding, a...
- July 12, 2023
- 0
-
Gold Dust Woman: The Story Behind Stevie Nicks’ Signature Song
The song was written earlier in her life in...
- July 6, 2023
- 0
-
Stevie Nicks Honors Tom Petty at Emotional Louisville Show
Stevie Nicks, the High Priestess of Rock and Roll...
- June 28, 2023
- 0
Latest Photo Galleries
-
The Zombies in Nashville, Indiana 10.19.23
The Zombies are one of the most enduring and...
- October 20, 2023
- 0
-
Barry Manilow in Louisville, Review and Photos
If you are a fan of pop music, you...
- August 24, 2023
- 0
-
Post Malone delivers in Indianapolis
Ruoff Music Center was electric as Post Malone brought...
- July 10, 2023
- 0
-
Peter Frampton Rocks the House at the PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati
Peter Frampton is a living legend, and he proved...
- June 29, 2023
- 0
-
The Doobie Brothers Celebrate 50 Years of Rocking Down the Highway
The Doobie Brothers have been on the road for...
- June 29, 2023
- 0
0 comments