Bowl of Surreal by Chewy Marble

Kassan, Chewy Marble's mastermind songwriter and founding member, is no stranger to pop fans around the world. As a founding member of the critically acclaimed Wondermints (1992-1995), he played bass, guitar and wrote songs ("In a Haze" and "Time") that can be heard on their full length CD debut (originally issued in Japan and now available in the U.S. on Varese Sarabande and the U.K. on When! Records) He left to form Chewy Marble in 1995 and in 1997 came their self-titled debut which garnered rave reviews, was later released in Japan in 1998 on Nippon Columbia and established them as a force in the pop world. "I'm not one of those solo type guys," says Brian. "Most of my favorite records come from a band...it's the chemistry of the players that elevates the music to a higher level." A classically trained pianist whose style reflects Elton John and John Lennon and accomplished guitarist who counts Johnny Marr and George Harrison as major influences, Kassan found the key component-a clear, self-assured, melodic vocalist-to form the nucleus of the band.

Enter Stu Forman, Kassan's long-time friend. The two originally met in college where they were both enrolled in the same "history of popular music course." (No kidding) They found an instant rapport with their mutual fondness for 60s and 70s pop. "Brian turned me on to all these other great 80s pop bands," recalls Forman. "I still have a tape of the dB's and Squeeze he made for me." Although, the two played together in pick-up bands in college, they had been out of contact for several years until they ran into each other at a Wondermints show. "Stu told me he was performing as George in a Beatles Tribute type band," Kassan says. "I was naturally skeptical, but I went to a show and was completely knocked out by his guitar work and especially his vocals." Upon listening to Forman's clear, ringing vocals, one is reminded of great pop singers such as Neil Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House), and Glen Tilbrook (Squeeze). Original, yet warm and familiar, his commanding vocal sound and confident guitar stylings became a perfect marriage for Kassan's pop gems.

Originally hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Bassist Derrick Anderson is well-known to the L.A. pop scene as one of few bassists on the scene who truly masters the McCartneyesque melodic bass style. Although Anderson was in other bands at the time, Chewy Marble lured him in with its challenging harmonic structures. "Derrick really works for us on a lot of levels," says Kassan. "His approach is very musical, almost orchestral." In fact, his playing is so respected, Anderson was asked to add bass tracks to the late Pete Ham's (Badfinger) demo tracks released a couple years ago. Anderson also lends his angelic backing vocals on "Bowl of Surreal"

Kassan sums it up: "It may sound lofty, but every time we release an album, I want it to be like Beatle Lps-collections that are so strong that all the songs were potential singles and every song is very different. All killer no filler." Will "Bowl of Surreal" assure their place in pop history? Time will tell.

What the critics are saying:

"On their second album, the aptly titled 'Bowl Of Surreal', Chewy Marble main man Brian Kassan continues to prove why he's one of the best pop songwriters Los Angeles has yet produced. Kassan and company dive into several different pop tapestries; each cut with the melodic chops of the all time greats...an album that is sure to end up on many a pop fan's "Top Album" list for 2001. Definitely pick this one up!"

-David Bash, Amplifier Magazine,

International Pop Overthrow organizer

"A playground of sound and songcraft, the new Chewy Marble CD continues the band's rapid rise to the top of pop's ranks. The band has done more than live up to the high standard set by their 1997 debut. Superior pop songwriting and musicianship dominate the proceedings.. A "fab four" celebration of sound makes this one absolutely essential!"

-Claudio Sossi, www.powerpop.org/shakeitup/

After winning accolades for their debut disc, Chewy Marble is back with a vengeance on "Bowl of Surreal," a marvelous collection of swirling goodies that'll charm the pants off of any self-respecting pop fan."

-John Borack, Goldmine

"With a cupboard full of catchy new tunes, Bowl Of Surreal seems to take Brian Kassan's Chewy Marble several steps higher to pop nirvana. Think Squeeze meets The Zombies after shaking hands with The Turtles. I consider Brian an enormous talent and a true believer in the power of melody."

-Rick Gallego, Cloud Eleven

Average Customer Review: