Damn, you’ve gotta hand it to Run Chico Run. The duo of Matt Skillings and Thomas Shields has been crafting quirky and addictive pop music for over a decade now, and Rocket Surgery is yet another solid addition to the admirable catalogue they’ve amassed. Those familiar with the Chicos’ sound will likely find few surprises on this 6-song EP; Skillings and Shields have developed a patented sound over the years and stick to it fairly closely on this latest release. By layering skittering drum beats with droney organ and synth, they manage to retain a melodic pop sensibility that succeeds in balancing out the eerie noisiness lurking just below the surface of their music. “Horror Pills,” the EP’s closing track, is perhaps the strongest of the batch; its dystopian lyrics strike interesting contrast with the bubbly organ and serve to end the album on a vaguely ominous note: “There’s no telling when the good times are over and the future begins.” At the very least it seems that Shields and Skillings are content to keep making music and enjoy the good times while they last, which is great news for those who enjoy their pop tunes a little left of centre. While these songs may not reach the cacophonic highs of past Run Chico Run recordings, they certainly prove that the band has established a distinct sound and have managed to hone it steadily over time without becoming tired or bland. Here’s hoping they keep fighting the good fight for many years to come.

By Joni Sadler
Sep 11, 2008