This is the 21st in the Mayhem Virgins series where we showcase artists that have never featured in these pages before. This time it is the turn of the Chinaskis, a wonderful Scottish-American band, with the best bits of the music and culture of each nation included in their sound and songs. Their name comes from a character created by writer Charles Bukowski, effectively his alter-ego Henry Charles “Hank” Chinaski. The beat-up, alcoholic loser reflected Bukowski’s life like an exaggerated carnival hall of mirrors. The band initially formed in Glasgow in 2009 and until 2016 they played a succession of sweaty sticky-floored, pub backrooms on the Scottish toilet circuit. They split for an undefined, indefinite period when singer and frontman Robbie Edmonstone emigrated to Dallas in the USA in 2017.
Musically they are a classic guitar band in the mould of the Byrds, Teenage Fanclub, R.E.M, Tom Petty, the Replacements, and the Proclaimers to name just a few. The rhythm section is as close to perfect as a drum and bass pair can be. With Bill Spellman banging out the beat like a human metronome and Andy Lester making his bass talk. The guitar work of Nick Phelps draws some gorgeous riffs and hooks over the songs. The harmonies that enhance Edmonstone’s angelic demon of a voice are ethereal and frankly, simply wonderful. Meanwhile, Edmonstone’s lyrics are up there with the best writers. They are acidic, sarcastic, acerbic, caustic, sharp, and sometimes even soft and mellow. I particularly love “For once upon a time was a time where you made me feel so very small. But now I’m big and strong and to me you mean sweet fuck all” They launched their debut album ‘Songs For The Scunnered‘ in August last year and it is a classy collection of tunes. It was given a 9 out of 10 score in a review by Vive Le Rock magazine, and they know their rock onions! Check this band out, that is an order!
Footnote! Based on the picture of the band at the top of this post, my wife thinks that Robbie Edmonstone looks like me. That is possible given that my Dad was born “out of wedlock” in Glasgow in 1931. Could we be distant cousins? 🙂
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