Cheyenne - Secrets Of The Cheyenne

01. Intro
02. Fireboobs
03. Boy Problems
04. High Five
05. Third Floor
06. Any Other Way
07. Indecision
08. Call It In The Air
09. Golden Palms
10. Outro

Much like Philadelphia, Richmond VA seems to be an amazing breeding ground for a lot of up and coming emo bands, with Cheyenne being one of the more recent. They include among their ranks members of other bands like Midair, Way Shape Or Form and the awesome Springtime (they released an excellent EP back in March, get it on bandcamp for free) and play a style of emo that brings to mind some 90's acts such as Braid and Texas Is The Reason. I'll be honest and say that this didn't grab me on first listen but after a few repeats it's grown on me. I think what put me off initially was an online comparison to Algernon Cadwallader, which I can't hear at all. These guys play more straight-ahead indie emo with elements of the twinkly sound on tracks like 'High Five' and 'Any Other Way'. If I could step briefly away from the music for a second, I love the artwork on this record, it reminds me of an old Fireside album, who are also similar musically. This can be streamed on the bands bandcamp page or the 12" is available over at Worthless Junk Records.

Reviewed by Gary.

For fans of the likes of fast-paced, twinkly emo sounds such as American Football and Snowing, 'Secrets Of The Cheyenne' is the first full-album length release from Cheyenne. Noodly guitars reign supreme throughout accessible, bouncy indiemo with a slight math-rock feel, seen most effectively in the instrumental 'Intro' and 'Outro'. Whilst the dancing guitar parts alone are full of variety, they occasionally seem to lack momentum, despite being the centrepiece of the songs. The best tracks, such as 'High Five' and 'Third Floor', tend experiment away from the guitar focus, with lo-fi sections, differing and harsher vocalists, and shifting between prominent bass or drum sections, in each instance giving the album colour and variety. The lyrics, simple and sincere in style, act as foil to the floating guitar lines, giving each biting song a bittersweet, whimsical edge, if not overwhelmingly powerful. Overall, despite occasional stumbles, this new indiemo outlet from Virginia's effort is a rather enjoyable listen, promising of stronger work.

Reviewed by Beth.

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