Joh Chase - “Gone”

Photo by Shervin Lainez

Seattle-raised, Los Angeles-based Joh Chase has us completely enamored with their new single, “Gone.”

Fans of Big Thief, Uncle Tupelo, and Fiona Apple will very likely fall in love with this track for different reasons, but they will fall in love with it just the same. “Gone” begins with the vitality of a single electric guitar, churning out the gritty, reverberating chords that will ultimately become the song’s backbone. The random and sparse notes from a lead mark the turn of the bar, building anticipation with a slight sense of urgency.

Chase’s vocal performance begins, raw and emotive, immediately winning us over with its palpable level of authenticity. If you, like us, prefer the distinct sounds of analogue over digital, you are going to feel right at home inside of this tune’s warmly overdriven blanket of vintage-tinged sound. As “Gone” enters its gradual crescendo, a vibrant vocal harmony joins the lead, guaranteed to bring you back for multiple listens.

A modest rhythm is pounded out on the toms, providing an ample amount of forward momentum and ensuring that the listener remains engaged. And like magic, the production lifts upon the arrival of the snare, opening the door for the soft, round notes of the bass. In the background, a handclap-type percussive element has been deployed, washing the arrangement in a slight sheen of pop allure, but still unwavering from its gritty, lo-fi, rocking delectability.

“Gone” is the opening track of Joh Chase’s forthcoming LP, SOLO, which is due for release on April 26 via Kill Rock Stars. If the sounds here are indicative of what the rest of the album will behold, everyone really needs to jump on this pre-save.

-HD