Apollo Up! - Chariots of Fire

Apollo Up!'s second album, Chariots of Fire, is my first exposure to the Tennessee trio and they've colored me impressed. The album features guitar-heavy songwriting more reminiscent of bands like Jawbox and John Reis projects than the Gang of Four-influenced bands that steadily storm the gates from New York. Frontman Jay Leo Phillips is currently involved in Apollo Up! and fellow Nashville band, Forget Cassettes, but in no way does he seem to be spreading his talents thin. "Walking the Plank" opens the album and seems to be the standout track from its infectious bridge riff to the gang vocals looping over its chorus on the final reprise, resulting in anthemic qualities throughout. There are a number of moments that seem designed to showcase Phillips' guitar playing with fantastic results. The chorus of "No Song" features the frontman half-screaming the chorus "No song was ever that long / You've got the lyrics all wrong" in what seems to be his calling card, a throaty rasp that feels like pure rock and roll. Apollo Up! will be most certainly be a band to watch out for in the following year. This record left me wishing I could see the band perform live with the polish stripped and frenzy fueling the songs. If you're looking for some great guitar-oriented rock and roll, pick up Chariots of Fire; the majority of the songs are strong enough to use on a mixtape but the album as a unit is even better. [www.apolloup.com]