Over the past few weeks I've been spinning the fuck out of Chavez' recently-released Matador retrospective, Better Days Will Haunt You, to which I've had a pretty odd reaction: even after listening to the whole damn thing several times through, I still have no idea what to make of this band. Are they good? Do they suck? What about them is so friggin' "influential?" Why can't I figure this out?
And, having just returned home from a Chavez live performance (their "reunion" show at Warsaw), I still feel pretty much the exact same way about 'em. Definitely not a bad band, but I can't say that I get why they're placed in such high regard. Obviously, I missed out on these guys the first time around in the mid-nineties, so I'm lacking perspective as to where they fit into the grander scheme of indie rock. For example, do Comets on Fire consider Chavez an influence? How about Boris? I mean, obviously Chavez' sound is heavily rooted in grunge, but it's not like they were forerunners in that genre -- not by a longshot. And, yes, there's a shitload of screechy noise, courtesy of the unorthodox stylings of indie-hunk Clay ["Riff" Gui-]Tarver. But compared to the really groundbreaking stuff being created by some of today's premier "Noise"-merchants, Chavez sounds kinda quaint. Again, not the least bit unpleasant, but still just kinda.... meh.
Endless Boogie, by the way, was very entertaining. This was the second time I've seen them live, the first being in an opening slot at Bowery Ballroom some time within the last couple of years. (Something makes me think it was at the Comets on Fire/Sightings show I saw, but I could be wrong there.) These guys can stretch a single southern rock/bluesy theme for over 15 minutes without boring the shit out of me, which really is quite a feat. Great in-the-pocket rhythm section, devoted rhythm guitarist, with the lead guitar showing off impressive chops without getting all widdly-widdly on us. Good shit.
