Recorded as a live, in-studio performance at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC, the 4 song EP includes the titles, “Your Shirt” “Santa Knows” “Stay Fresh” and “It’s Not Me, It’s You” which all feature Champagne (Adam Chase) on drums and Paris (Danny Darress) on keys and vocals. The group tapped Vulpeck frontman, Cory Wong, as the mixing engineer and features guest musicians, Isaiah Sharkey (John Mayer, D’Angelo) and Felix Pastorius (Cindy Blackman, Jeff Coffin).

Kicking off with “Your Shirt” the band masterfully tells the relatable story of the uncomfortable experience we have all had of being caught trying to read someone’s shirt. The notable musicianship of Paris shines in his masterful Wultizer solo supported by the funky driving groove of Champagne with Felix Pastorius diggin in on bass guitar.

Their wit continues as they pivot to the instant holiday classic “Santa Knows” telling the story of young love sneaking behind their parents backs to visit each other during Christmas. The innuendo laden song nods to “Santa Baby” and “Jingle Bells” while allowing Isaiah Sharkey to channel is pop sensible guitar work that reminds the listener of his work with John Mayer.

When the “Demo” kicks into “Stay Fresh” the Vulpeck influence becomes more apparent as does the tonal direction of mixing engineer, Cory Wong. While Joe Dart is not on this recording, the bass break is virtuosically filled by bass guitar royalty, Felix Pastorius. The jazzy, chill funk groove lays the foundation for the lyrics that speak to the experience of letting a love interest know that they need a breathmint. Both relatable and funny, “Stay Fresh” has a signature sound that might best represent the overall vibe of Chess Club.

Rounding out the EP, “It’s Not Me, It’s You” shows a hint of diversity stylistically for the album. Driven by a John Mayer style pop guitar riff played by Isaiah Sharkey, the rock pop tunes fits into the world of break up songs that have made Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo so popular. In humorous defiance, Chess Club exclaims “It’s Not Me, It’s You” after contemplating the ways to let (a not special enough) someone down and end a relationship.

Chess Club exclaimed, “They Wanted A Demo” and delivered a 4 song EP that has the world excited for future of what can only be described as the best band of all time.

Presave the album at here.

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