Customer Reviews

Earth Loop

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a nice album that bridges the divide between the Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine very nicely. Punchy without being abrasive, etherial without drifting away, it's grounded by some nice female vocals and some competent musicianship. The second half of the album lags a little bit, but the first few songs, especially "Tiago" and "Catch Me" have got some serious staying power. Chimera has a strong pop sensibility and the hidden track, a stunning cover of Van Morrison's "Sweet Thing," reminiscent of the Sunday's version of "Wild Horses," is worth the price of admission on its own.

Not exactly innovative, but still worth a listen if you like the above-mentioned bands, Mazzy Star, or some of the more mellow 4AD artists. Comparisons to the Cranberries have been made, but I don't think that really gives Chimera--a far superior band--justice.

From the loud guitars to the angelic vocals, Chimera really hit a chord with me (pun intended). After listening again after so many years, I still enjoy it. I would not call it "soft rock" with its loud guitars and driving beat, but it's not exactly punk rock either. It is in my short list of favorite albums ever. I find most of the songs worth listening to (unlike so many albums where only two or three songs seem worth playing).

The songs on this CD are pretty hit-or-miss, resulting in a rather patchy release from a talented pop rock band.

Chimera's sound is soft rock--melodic and layered--and makes for pleasant background music akin to bands such as The Cranberries and The Cardigans. The singer has a beautiful voice and each song features some great harmony; however, some of the songs just aren't as good as others. I feel that the CD really starts to drag toward the end, which is populated with relatively faceless songs that melt into each other, each about as good as the last (i.e. drab). Nevertheless, there are some fantastic compositions sprinkled throughout the first 3/4 of the CD such as "Catch Me" and "Night Song."

Overall, a pleasant CD if you don't pay too much attention and just let it play.

Luckily, I heard "Catch Me" on a compilation tape from some random record label. I immediately fell in love with Chimera and got this album. Yes, a guy can appreciate this music. Very nice guitar effects throughout the album. Don't forget the hidden track at the end of the album! It starts at 13 minutes of track 13! That is my favorite song.

This cd has a couple of songs that i think are so radio friendly, and i am amazed that they have never been more known. I put "Catch Me" on a mix tape i made for my friend, and she told me that she kept rewinding and replaying it over and over, and she would belt it out in her car! That's how you'll feel when you hear this-you'll get the songs in your head, and you'll fall in love with the beautiful vocal style. The vocals are reminiscent of Doloris O'Riordan's of the Cranberries, with the quick shifts, almost cracksin Eileen Henry's voice, especially apparent in "All I Need." The sound can shift from sugar guitar pop to beat laden grooves("Catch Me, Blown Away"). Also of note: "Liquid Star", "Tiago"(so beatiful and sad you'll want to cry-very similar to "Night Song"), and my favorite, "2 Sunny", about lovers who want to forget about what everyone else says and live their own way-it's the happiest, catchiest, most upbeat song-just puts you in a great mood. So buy this now-cry, sing along, smile-it's a gem.

It is a shame Chimera is not more widely known. Ive never heard anything quite like it. Their sound is uplifting but haunting at the same time. Not every track is the best, to be honest; a couple of them sound a little too alike. However this CD is SO worth the money if only for "Catch Me" and "Blown Away." As soon as you buy it, pop it in the CD player and listen to "Catch Me." Turn it up LOUD. The intro alone will give you chills. Then that voice hits you...

Dream-pop about love and the courage to let go. Eileen Henry's sugar coated vocals make this the perfect CD to relax or fall asleep to. Especially Recommended tracks: Let Me Be Around (8), Catch Me (3), and Lately (9)