EP: Erik Chandler – Writing The Wrongs

Erik Chandler, one of the founding members and bass guitarist of American punk-rock band Bowling for Soup, steps into his own spotlight with the release of his first solo EP, ‘Writing The Wrongs’, released on Brando Records. Solo projects from successful big-name band members are renowned for being either very hit, or extremely miss. Thankfully for Erik Chandler, this sways on the side of hit.

Introducing us to the type of music the bass guitarist can conjure up by himself is opening track ‘Tonight’s the Night. This is instantly catchy, thanks to the softer and straight-up more accessible beats and guitar riffs which open the track and continue throughout. Erik has produced a pretty tight vocal and is distinctive enough to carry the track and remainder of the EP. It’s quite familiar territory, all rather influenced by classic rock and roll sounds, but so easy to listen to that there shouldn’t be any complaints.

Moving on, and ‘Push the Pedal’ is again very likeable right off the get go. It sounds quite similar in structure to the previous track, but relies more on the strong guitar chords and that distinct vocal. With the previous track sounding so good though, this being similar isn’t a bad quality.

‘Hold It Together’ is the next offering on this 4-track EP, and changes the style from the first two tracks. Things are slowed down here, not just in beats per minute but also how quickly the pace is picked up to something likeable. It starts off sounding a bit “filler” but once the first chorus hits, the track picks up and finds its way.

To round the record off, the final track ‘Malibu Classic’ again sounds a little different from the other styles explored, and feels a quite influenced by more British rock samples with the chanting backing vocals. Once you get into it, the track becomes as likeable as the opening number, and finishes this experience off on another high.

Overall, ‘Writing The Wrongs’ sounds like a short album sampler from an artist who has already established their sound, influences, and direction. This short offering from Erik Chandler showcases his own individual ability to piece together his own record, and it does a good job of leaving us wanting to hear a bit more. The influences are clearly evident and create a slight feeling of nostalgia when listening to this EP. Saying that, mainly we just want to get in a car, turn this on and turn it up loud to enjoy these easy to listen to, easy to enjoy, hard to turn off hits.