Chori's Bundle

AMG Review of Chori's Bundle

Stephen Cramer
All Music Guide

On the solo debut by ex-Eska frontman Chris Mack, a tone of subdued musical exorcism quickly sets in. On "Ambassador," Mack plucks his acoustic guitar softly while gently crooning. Guitarist/vocalist Mack is joined by multi-instrumentalist Kenny Macleod, drummer R. Dempsey and vocalist Anna W.W. Mack on Chori's Bundle. The disc remains engaging and enchanting as the James Orr Complex sets out to impress with a steady dose of slide guitar and understated vocals.

Comparisons to Beck's acoustic work, Nick Drake, and Bonnie "Prince" Billy are easy, but misguided. Here Mack's vision of relaxed intensity stands on its own as a disc of intensely personal confessions and musings. "Free Harmony" stands out as a startling and awe-inspiring bittersweet love song, the song changing pace throughout. The restrained "Same City" follows, and the disc is closed out by "The Fox, The Falcon & I," which enchants listeners with a dose of swirling and captivating guitar lines and Mack's hushed vocals. The album scores a victory for singer/songwriters who refuse to hide behind distortion and chaotic instrumentation. Mack succeeds in attracting listeners with his alluring and captivating sound. The band toured with fellow Glaswegians Arab Strap soon after the album's release. Originally released in Europe on Mogwai's Rock Action Records label, New Jersey's Ba Da Bing Records released the disc stateside.