Introducing.... CHEW LIPS

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March 16, 2009, 06:28 PM

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Early 2008 saw the formation of Chew Lips, an ensemble of 3 trendy new-disco electro loving Londoners. First playing at a New Cross house party, they have developed in to a UK-touring, Howling Bells-supporting dance-fest.

There’s something of a less-screamy Crystal Castles about Chew Lips. There’s more funk, a beat that’s just too easy to groove to. Tigs, the only girl in the band, is in charge of vocals. There has been a huge rise in female lead bands and artists, a trend that has been long awaited. The aforementioned Crystal Castles, Ladyhawke, Little Boots and Le Roux to name but a few. These are girls who pack a punch and are, on occasion, reminiscent of the fearless front-ladies of music; the likes of Patti Smith, PJ Harvey and the one and only chick-with-a-dick, Peaches. Tigs, like these brave lasses, does not let anything stand in her way. Her vocals are soulful and punchy, not too harsh, not too smooth. Think Karen O and Beth Ditto but with the look of a French art student.

One can tell they are still finding their Casio-shaped feet. There’s a definite sound somewhere in their music. ‘Solo’, being the future single (out March 23rd on Kitsuné), is the perfect example. It’s got a catchy chorus with Tigs singing “we don’t wanna wait, there’s no time no time” and an LCD Soundsystem- esque synth (think Losing My Edge) tapping away in the background, controlled by Will and James making casiotone beats from a drum machine and creating “a joyful racket” from as many instruments as they can acquire. Other tracks to listen out for are ‘Twin Galaxies’- think Yeah Yeah Yeahs in their ‘Fever To Tell’ era and ‘Play Together’ which is more Glass Candy- meets- Kraftwerk. These can be found on the bands MySpace page (myspace.com/chewlips).

Steve Lamacq has named the still unsigned Chew Lips as the big thing for 2009. It’s never a bad thing to have Lamacq’s blessing, as he is one of the don’s of the indie world.

They have a busy ’09 ahead of them, with performances at Camden Crawl, The Great Escape, Secret Garden Party and Bestival. If you have the chance, go and see them. If not, Steve Lamacq suggests you give them a listen.

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