To The Chase are a self-styled indie/soul band from London. Sounds like an odd combination but if you think 'Screamadelica' era Primal Scream or 'Drawn From Memory' era Embrace then you won't be far away from envisaging what indie/soul might sound like.

In the weeks and months leading up to the release of the band's debut album in June they're releasing a single a month - 5 in total - with 'When You Believed' being the first. This A-side is heavy on the indie and light on the soul. The music has an aggressive edge which is toned down and somewhat contrasted by the relatively sweet vocals. It would seem that singer/guitarist Aaron Kravitz has some kind of duality going on. Down below his guitar playing is as choppy and wild as Wilco Johnson's while above the neck he's as calm as Kofi Annan.

I much prefer the B-side 'The Return' where the soul element really does kick in with an excellent horn hook. Even more so the band reminds me of Dr Feelgood with Josh Clayton-Felt singing for them. It's hot and exciting.

I'm not completely sold on the mix of vocals and music. The music is high energy and really rips it up and I'm craving for the vocals to follow suit to some degree - to get some grit in there every now and again.

To The Chase promise more eclecticism on their full-length album "Listen Close". It remains to be seen but that may turn out to be good advice.

http://www.myspace.com/tothechase