Chamber Strings is the creation of
Kevin Junior -- a songwriter with plenty of indie and Euro rock credentials, and the distinction of having been the last collaborator with ex-Swell Map,
Epic Soundtracks, before Soundtrack's death in 1997. By hybridizing Memphis soul and glam rock, you could call
Chamber Strings one gigantic homage to the
Faces and the Stones, but Junior's fey vocals separate his band from becoming the next best thing since the early
Black Crowes. "Dead Man's Poise" is all boogie swagger; there's a spirited drinking song, "Telegram," and the gothic '60s/Doors/
Love sound of "The Race is On." "Cold Cold Meltdown" relies on the Stax sound
Big Star once appropriated. The derivative
Chamber Strings are full of unique contradictions: the band is whiskey-fueled yet fragile and Junior's wispy approach packs a serious rock and roll punch. ~ Denise Sullivan