THE PILFERS
Chawalaleng (Mojo)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

---

This band has sold over 10,000 copies of their first CD without distribution help, simply by marketing it over the Internet and at their concerts. You've gotta put on one hell of a show to get the people to flock to the merch booth, and word is The Pilfers' show is all that. Chawalaleng is, too. The music defies categorization, mixing Caribbeanesque horns with hard driving, distorted guitar and a slam-bang drum/bass combo. Former Toasters vocalist Coolie Ranx seems to get lost in the melee at times, but that just adds to the sensation of chaotic motion that makes this creative music consistently fun to listen to. The band only gets better with each live gig, and the lines get longer at the booth, so I figure Chawalaleng is a shoe-in for another ten thou. If you're fond of the energy of modern ska but tired of the sameness from song to song to song, you should snag one of those 10,000 for yourself.

© 2000 - DJ Johnson