Through Today is the sophomore album for rising Australian band Chimers. A husband /wife duo comprising life partners Padraic Skehan (vocals/guitar) and Binx (drums/vocals). Recorded by Jono Boulet (Party Dozen) over two days at Stranded Studios, Wollongong and mixed at Boulet's Sydney home studio, produced by the band and veteran manager/promoter/producer Tim Pittman (Feel Presents), Through Today features ten tracks of tightly-coiled intensity that barely lets up for all of its 34 mins. In enlisting Boulet, the band were confident that due to his own experience of being one half of Party Dozen, they had someone who understood the confines of working within the structure of a two-piece but also the possibilities that creates. Boulet, in turn, rewarding that trust by capturing a powerful bedrock of sound that allowed the band's taught rhythms to circle and permeate and yet give full breathing space for the melody within. For Pittman's part, having a third ear on hand to devote serious listening time and critical commentary was an added bonus. It's a major step forward from the band's 2021 self-titled debut. Lyrically, Chimers maintain the intensity as they tackle the themes of love, life, death and relationships, distance from home (Padraic is Irish, moving to Australia in 2001) and the current political climate providing enough drama to fuel a forest fire. Guest musicians on the album include saxophonist Kirsty Tickle -- also of Party Dozen -- and violinist Jordan Ireland of The Middle East, both of whom were invited in on short notice, adding their respective parts in just one to two takes each without any prior knowledge of the material. Binx too showing added versatility contributing lead vocals to 'An Echo' and sharing lead across '3AM,' 'Generator,' and others. Through Today is a great album. Solid and confident from the get go. No waste. No unnecessary fat. Should it be Chimers last it would remain a defining statement of originality and intent. But it's not the last, it's just the beginning. And there's plenty more where that came from.
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