Ok. Chimpan A (Ha, see what they’ve done? It’s like chimpanzee, but they’ve gone for Chimpan A) seem to be slightly cheesy classical-prog-pop. I reckon It’s Only Sin could be shoehorned into The O.C. somewhere. I’m not used to hearing music like this. I can’t decide if it’s good or not. Seriously, I can’t work this out!

I’ll start with the basics. From a perusal of their website, I have determined that Chimpan A consists of members of other bands; Steve Balsamo (The Storys, David Gilmour), Rob Thompson (The Storys), Rob Reed (Magenta) and various guests, including Sam Brown (Pink Floyd, Jools Holland). It’s certainly an experience for the ears.

It’s Dad Rock, that’s what it is! Ah, now I have understood that much, it all makes sense. It’s not just any old Dad-Rock though. It’s got a bit of dance and a bit of classical in there for good measure. It’s like Massive Attack had a bastard love child with Savage Garden, and Pink Floyd are the godparents. You Move In Me is a weird kind of ethereal dance-prog thing which I am really hoping none of my housemates can hear me listening to.

Bloody hell, on to The Secret Wish… it starts with a sample of Tubular Bells, moving onto a weird hip hop/electronica remix. The Last Night On Earth almost has potential to be good but then someone starts talking over it, I assume they’re talking about how terrible the world is or something, but it’s scary.

See, I’m making it sound like it’s bad. I guess on some weird level, they’re quite good at what they’re doing here. I think in some odd way I kind of like it, but I don’t think it will take pride of place in my CD collection. It’s a bit different, a bit adventurous, but it’s just a little too comedy for me to handle!

Start saving up your pennies for Father’s Day (17th June this year kids!) and buy this for your dad. He’ll think you hold him in regard as some kind of music guru, when you know that it’s just embarrassing, slightly MOR dad music. Go on, I dare you.

Label: F2 Music
Website: www.chimpana.com
Release date: 19th October 2006

Tracklist:

1. Theme from Chimpan A Part 1
2. It’s Only Sin
3. You Move In Me
4. Future 1
5. The Secret Wish
6. Sam’s Song
7. Future Love Games
8. The Last Night On Earth
9. The Thief
10. Are You With Me?
11. I Came To Stay
12. Theme from Chimpan A Part 2