HACHA
Moorpark St. (HMC Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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They call it 'southern chant rock,' which is a curious tag for the music produced by a bunch of guys from the eastern seaboard who are now holed up in the San Fernando Valley. Funny thing is, when you listen to the music, it makes sense.

Hacha's adoption of the southern chant rock label is basically a recognition that 'jam band' just doesn't mean much anymore. There are bands from too many source veins playing in that field today, leaving the fans wondering whether they'll be hearing amped up bluegrass or the jazzy R&B of a groove band or, as in the case of Hacha, music that draws on the bluesy boogie of acts like the Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule. Hacha's music definitely falls into the latter category, but they put their own distinctive stamp on the sound, primarily through their songwriting. As on their last outing, Hacha demonstrate their understanding that in the end, all that matters is the song. A great jam can't really emerge from mediocre material. Extended solos are the bonus, but Hacha writes songs that can be stripped down to verse and chorus and thoroughly appreciated.

Having conquered the region around their old base camp in Connecticut, Hacha's moved west to conquer some new territory, and with the music on Moorpark St. it's clear that they're well armed to do so. Me, they don't need to conquer. I surrender. These guys are just great.

Track List:

Campfire * 5 Foot 3 * Belly Up * Big Sky * Brown Rabbit * Diddly * Gypsy Cab * Ugh! * Goldmine * Week Again

© 2005 - Shaun Dale