The Chimeras

by John Vettese

A rain-on-tin tone and nicotine bounce propel Party of God, the first full-length from West Philly quartet the Chimeras. There's also layers of subtext; the disc surveys approximately 12 disparate points of view on the War on Terror culled from Times stories and cable news, attempting to depoliticize the whole mess. For the most part, it succeeds. The fourth track, a meditative ballad called "My Dear Mohammed," takes the perspective of a journeyman studying Islam, seeking a sense of order and centralized strength amid troubling surroundings. References abound to deserts and warriors, but no clear distinction is made whether those things are to be found in the Middle East or the American West, whether our narrator's conflict is with an occupying force or intolerant neighbors. Indeed, the song's lightly picked, rootsy arpeggios and twangy harmonies add to the ambiguity. Stylistically, while the rest of the album is more Between the Buttons, this song is a downbeat "Dead Flowers." Topically, it backs away from the critiques and instead begs questions about what is just, what is heroic and who, exactly, is the "madman with a vision."

Snag a free download of "My Dear Mohammed" at thechimeras.com, stream it right here or catch it in person when the band kicks off the afternoon at Best Fest, June 7 at Clark Park from 1 to 7 p.m.