San Diego Reader

Chuck Schiele: Guitar (acoustic), Guitar (electric), Percussion, Vocals | Cathryn Beeks: Percussion, Vocals | Sven-Erik Seaholm: Guitar (acoustic), Guitar (electric), Keyboards, Trombone | Scott Wilson: Bass guitar, Vocals

Genre: Acoustic, Rock

Upcoming Local Shows

Synoposis

Background:

Acoustic folk-rock trio the Gandhi Method called it quits in 2004 after a year of performing together...so the story goes with all ephemeral side projects of accomplished local artists. What the three immortalized on their only album -- Hi -- transcended the acoustic prototype for saccharine tragedy; it evoked something meaningful.

Each of the trio's 13 funky folk melodies showcases the group's tight musicianship in a nearly flawless stream of rhythm. Lyricism wavers between playful to sincere, with lines like "another shooting star is selling out her constellation." Chuck Schiele and Sven-Erik Seaholm on acoustic guitar create a driving, lucid, and purposeful sound. Their resounding chords allude to something fresh and clear as they lead a dynamic rhythm section.

In "Crawl Back Down," Schiele's smooth vocals twist around a morose and expedient melody line. He sings, "Witness to the offer, apples changing hands/ Scarlet letters passed on by telepathy/ Trial's almost over now, it's time to take your stand/ Justify that, nothing worth remembering." His fierce, dramatic intonation is the kind that can take melodic frustration to new levels.

Most of the sound is characterized by a fusion of rock and folky pop. Airy guitar chords generate a catharsis in "This Moment" as Catherine Beeks works her words into an anthem, singing, "Are you happy in this moment? This moment is your life." The lower tones on this last half of the album, especially in duets between Schiele and Beeks, contrast with the lighter three-part harmonies heard previously, though the themes of love, life, and justice are still far removed from becoming trite.

The album pulls no punches; each song has its own underlying meaning. The fact you can rock out to it is a bonus.

-- "Hometown CD,'' 4-28-05