The Satin Chaps are a self defined soul band, created in 2010 by the ‘core’ members of Luke Strahota, Eric Hedford, and Peter Dean. With music reminiscent of 60’s dance music, the Chaps certainly succeed in creating and maintaining a vintage look, looking decidedly retro in matching suits and neckerchiefs. The Chaps carry the retro aspect over to their recording, using as much vintage equipment as possible to get closer to that old school sound.

Musically, ‘Might I Suggest’ is well rooted in its soul/go-go genre, heavy on the horns and bass guitar, with drums and organ mixed in, although a little tonally low.

The most disagreeable part of this album is its near complete lack of lyrics. For a lot of genres that can be a good choice, allowing the instrumentals to create emotions and feelings in the listener, but it just doesn’t seems a good choice for the Satin Chaps. While nothing is flawed in their playing or composition, nothing resonates from the purely instrumental tracks.

In fact, the most memorable song from the album “Pigtail Park” has nonsense vocals throughout the duration, but is much more memorable because of the range a female singer adds. She compensates well for the emphasis on the deeper notes, and brings a solid balance to the song.

The other massive issue with this album: it sounds safe. The songs aren’t interesting, they create no pull and no desire for a repeat listen. Nothing catches in my mind. While the old school look and feel is definitely authentic, that doesn’t mean anything when I don’t want to listen to it. This sounds harsh, but the thing to remember is that the early 20’s crowd isn’t exactly the audience this album is made for.

TRY INSTEAD: INGFRIED HOFFMAN, GERT WILDEN, LEFTIES SOUL CONNECTION