Although probably more recognizable now as the host of his VBS show Soft Focus, conducting interviews that often teeter between the profound and the painfully awkward, Ian Svenonius would probably rather be remembered for his self-described “Gospel Yeh-Yeh” genre of soul and garage rock realized by his former band The Make Up [Editor's Note: ...and Nation of Ulysses and Weird War]. The newest incarnation of this notion, faux prison-gospel outfit Chain and the Gang, is his least polarizing persona thus far.

The gang’s debut album Down with Liberty…Up With Chains is built from campy takes on Fun House rhythms, neurotic folk ballads, and archetypal melodies contorted with an off-beat sense of humor. Largely sung in a conversational manner, Svenonius tackles subjects from the value of a dollar to conspiracy theories: “I faked the moon landing, I saved Hitler’s brain. Yeah, it’s in Argentina, but it controls the USA.”

Alright, so Svenonius Monk he is not, but one things for sure, dude knows what it takes to resuscitate rock n roll, and with K Records behind him, including fellow perpetual teenager Calvin Johnson, the de facto good times spill out in full. Like a non-obnoxious version of The Moldy Peaches, the Gang tap into the irreverent energy of anti-folk to try and make their point. What is their point? Couldn’t tell you, but it’s a lot more fun than listening to NPR.

Down with Liberty…Up with Chains is available on K Records now.

MP3 :::
Chain and the Gang – Deathbed Confession
Chain and the Gang – Interview with the Chain Gang