Music / rock

Life in the pond


Reviews (2)


Get ready to rock!

d. 11. June 2021

By

By

Pete Feenstra

d. 11. June 2021

"'Life In The Pond' isn't quite the defining Roger Chapman solo album, but it's a real return to form and a lyrical triumph ... He's long dabbled in rock, blues, funk, country and most significantly Americana, a genre which he returns to on this album. 'Life In The Pond' is his most lyrically driven album since the early Family days. It's shot through with colourful imagery, dualistic word plays and is always delivered with a sense of humour. The big difference is he's traded his raw aggression and bluster for a more refined, contemplative approach. This is in turn facilitated by Poli Palmer's unobtrusive production that sometimes uses electronic sounds to provide contrast for Chapman's gutsy vocals".


American songwriter

2021

By

By

Lee Zimmerman

2021

"Those who are familiar with him likely know him best as the frontman for the band Family, a prog-leaning, semi-psychedelic outfit that lured Dave Mason to produce their debut album and later spawned Rick Grech, the bassist who went on to play with Blind Faith. Chapman's guttural goat-like wail ensured the fact he stood out from the fray ... Despite dozens of albums to his credit, his first effort in 12 years, Life in the Pond, makes for an auspicious entry, not only because it finds "Chappo" returning to his roots in early R&B, but also because it reunites him with Poli Palmer, a key collaborator in Family. Songs such as "The Playtime Is Over," "After the Rain," and "Nightmare #5" take a harsh view of recent worldwide circumstances, but happily, Chapman's presence remains as potent as ever".