SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ONE IN THE CHAMBER – THE CABIN SESSIONS

ONE IN THE CHAMBER
THE CABIN SESSIONS
INDEPENDENT

One In The Chamber returns with a brand-new EP (their first since 2022’s Reload) with the aptly titled The Cabin Sessions. This is the EP no one could have predicted that would have come from this band. Known for their take no prisoners rock ‘n’ roll, the band decided to do something very different and record an EP of acoustic songs. Almost like songs recorded in a cabin. Myke Penney (of The Jailbirds) produced the EP in a fairly rustic studio, allowing the band to experiment and stretch their playing and vocal talents. Penney also provides backing vocals, where needed.

One In The Chamber consists of Mike Biase (vocals, guitar), Cecil Eugene (lead guitar, vocals), Christian Dotto (bass, vocals), Gerrod Harris (drums, percussion, vocals) and on this EP one hears their ability to not only write but perform remarkably melodic and dramatic songs. Quite frankly, with their first two EPs, they have proven their ability to rock and make a glorious noise. But here, they turn it down a notch and really show they have many different sides. The opening track, “Tell Me When” has a late 1960s vibe to it, and some very nice guitar work from Eugene. The song is a strong acoustic rocker. There is still energy here, it is just a bit more controlled.

“Wander On” brings in some jazz vibes which really work with the song. Harris’s drumming is front and centre and it really drives the song. Biase’s vocals are strong and the song swings along. Along with the jazz injections, the song has a very dreamy quality that works. The lyrics are fantastic and play along with that dream-like quality. “Slip and slide, chase the dream/Feed the dream and colour in the lines along my feet.” It dips into a “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” arena and works perfectly with the song.

“All Ye Faithful” has nothing to do with the famous Christmas carol. Of all the songs on the EP, this one is bursting to launch into their more traditional rock sound, but the band remains restrained and the song benefits from the push and pull. The great harmonies allow the strong lead vocals to burst out throughout the entire song. The EP closes with the strongest track on the album, “Ten Long Years” is another one that wants to burst out, but not like “All Ye Faithful”. Here, the outbursts are so well timed and fit the lyrics perfectly. If Alice Cooper (circa 1971) had recorded “My Sweet Lord” (which is referenced in the song), it might sound something like this. But the bottom line is, it works.

This is a great EP and one that no one could have predicted, but that is the trademark of a great band. The Beatles, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, and The Clash could work outside their comfort zone and it always worked for them, and it works for One In The Chamber. The Cabin Sessions. The band taps into different genres and they make it fit their sound. Lyrically, they tackle dealing with the past (“Tell Me When”) and dealing with the present, in all its messy glory. This is a band that continues to grow and prove that they are not a one-trick pony. However, after three strong EPs, it is time for an album.

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