Rick's welcomes indie hit Chamberlin

By Mary E. McGreevy
For the Daily

After years of soul searching, Chamberlin has finally found their voice. After two years of work, Chamberlin's latest album, "The Moon My Saddle," has just hit the street. And with a three-year gap between this records, Chamberlin has gone through dramatic changes.

Chamberlin grew up in the underground punk scene, which greatly influenced their early music. As they matured, the band developed their music. Their punk sound has been replaced with more authentic "American" rock - the noise has been filtered out giving way to more serious and instrumental music.

The band's music has blossomed with the release of their new album.

Started in Bloomington, Indiana, the core of Chamberlin has been playing together since 1993, though there have been other incarnations since the days of early adolescence.

Through the years, the band has gone through many transitions and changes, though they've remained on the Doghouse label since middle school.

Chamberlin has perfected the formula for producing their material. Adam Rubenstein, guitar/background vocals, writes the music while lead singer David Moore writes the majority of the lyrics. Each band member, however, contributes their own style and preferences for all the songs.

Growing up listening to early Motown, Bob Dylan, Elvis Prestley and Tom Waits, the band is definitely a conglomerate of old fashioned rock'n'roll. Chamberlin often consider themselves to be following in the footsteps of these music greats, carrying on the tradition of "American Rock'n'Roll." Recently Chamberlin has gained recognition putting them among the ranks of bands like Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam and Counting Crows.

"The Moon my Saddle" has sold over 70,000 copies since its release last October, an impressive feat for an independent record label. These rockers have produced beautifully orchestrated music in this album. The majority of their new songs are very mellow with the harsh realities of desperation, denial, and redemption through their thoughtful lyrics.

05-17-99