The Candace Brooks Band returns with the follow-up to 2007’s Life After Me. Their latest self-produced effort, The Chase is a clever mix of indie-rock combined with alt-pop character. The album opens with the up tempo number “I’m Gonna Break Your Heart.” If you’ve never heard this band’s music before, this track provides the perfect first exposure. It’s a well-written tune that really conveys the energy this band produces in their live shows. The next song, “Reign of My Heart,” shows the heavier side of the band’s music. The tracks opening chords echo the spirit of 70’s hard rock bands (strangely reminds me of Black Sabbath’s “Snowblind”). This grittier side of the band suits them well, especially Brooks’ raspy vocals, and it serves to really balance out the tone of this album. Lyrically, the band uses matters of the heart as a common thread that runs though The Chase. One of the simplest and catchiest is the the lustful “Feel It.” I can already imagine a crowd singing along to the verses and chorus. “Gone Missing”, another very strong track, closes out the album. At the very least, The Chase demonstrates just how much potential The Candace Brooks Band has to do great things. Their song-writing sense is sound, their skills are developed, and Brooks’ herself provides strong character with her unique vocal style… all these elements that together make this album one of the better independent releases I’ve heard in a while, and I can’t wait to hear what they have planned down the road.
The Candace Brooks Band: PRESS
"The Candace Brooks Band displays incredible pop sensibilty on their latest CD, 'The Chase .' Candace's emotional vocal performance can wrap itself around a song, and thus around a listener's heart. She is, by far, the best of the best of the female vocalists in the 2009 burgeoring RI pop/rock music scene. Her real, edgy, and completely melodic vocal style recalls early Debbie Harry and Berlin's Terri Nunn, echoing their timeless and vulnerable phrasing, and connection to a great pop song. 'The Chase' is a strong song cycle with the ready-made hits 'Reign of My Heart,' 'I'm Gonna Break Your Heart,' and the future classic anthem, 'Feel It.' One of the most promising bands and vocalists to come out of New England in years. "
“The Candace Brooks Band is destined for great things. They are one of the hardest working local bands in New England and a personal favorite of mine. Some bands come and go, but this one continues to evolve musically while expanding their fan base. If you haven’t seen them live, then you’re completely missing out. They rock!!!”