Readily influenced by the likes of The Small Faces, The Kinks, Stereophonics and The White Stripes, Portsmouth four piece The Chase deliver a debut album that does what all great rock n roll should do.  “Ever, Never Or Now?” is life affirming stuff.

Opener “One More Time” recalls the urgency of the Arctic Monkeys and gives the listener the spring in the step that remains throughout the album.   “Losing Control” is turns things up a notch and documents the kind of night out that we’ve all had at some point whilst being backed up by colossal riffage.  “Walking With You” on the other hand taps into the band’s poppier side, indeed this is probably the poppiest moment on offer here.  Recalling the feel of “I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio” by Stereophonics, to realise that this was written by singer Mike Turvey when he was at the tender age of 16 is impressive stuff. 

“One Day” is a hugely uplifting arms-in-the-air anthem and “The Decline Of Mr. Top” is a clever character piece lyrically while grabbing you unceremoniously by the balls musically.

The highlight here though is “Staged Reality.”  Introducing itself with a meaty blues influenced acoustic riff, it strides purposefully forward and builds menacingly.  The backing vocals give the song a lift before the electric guitar kicks in and the song realises its full potential.  It swaggers like Baloo The Bear.  “Staged Reality” arguably recalls an edgier version of The Seahorses without the needless noodling.  This is rock n roll as it was meant to be played.

The Chase have a lot going for them.  Their image is definite, they will appeal to people who like the bands they are influenced by and when playing live, they are bound to be a terrific proposition.  “Ever, Never Or Now?” is a hugely exciting listen and will restore a lot of people’s faith in rock n roll.  Do your ears a favour and check them out.  Now. 

(Listen to tracks from and my review on “Ever, Never Or Now?” on Nick Tann’s “Is This Thing On?” podcast here)

Paul Lane