Chores radiate the spirit of alternative music. With inimitable energy and earnestness, the band pull from indie rock's diverse history instead of focusing on a specific nostalgia aesthetic.
Bassist and lead vocalist Ian Egling's affinity for the off-kilter post-punk of XTC resounds through the band's angular pop hooks and offbeat humor.
Guitarist Jenn Wameling's love of alt rock guitardom, from Smashing Pumpkins to Dinosaur Jr., thickens the band's sound with fuzzed out riffs, precise soloing and the jangly arpeggios of Johnny Marr.
Drummer Scar Markham plays with the power of nu-metal and riding rhythms of Grant Hart, propelling the band with infectious intensity.
The trio's eccentric style, proto-punk fury and undeniable catchiness give Chores as much character as Pixies, without feeling like deference. Though the group's lyrics discuss topics like anxiety, loss and class, Chores delivers them with sincerity and smiles, allowing for simultaneous catharsis and joy. The proud, come-as-you-are, heartbeat of Rochester is the tangible energy behind Chores' magic.
Tender As A Wound, the band's debut LP, is a manifesto of good songwriting. The variety of styles on the album are expressed as earworm riffs, dynamic swells and irresistible choruses. It is impossible to only listen to the album once. The unique memorability of the songs clip-on to the listener, forever to be heard again.
Heavier, catchier and more energetic than their slacker indie contemporaries, there is no posturing with Chores. You get real rock 'n' roll. Left of the dial, you can hear their voice on the radio...
- Meadow Wyand (Fourth Dominion Press)