A band from Mansfield with a hybrid of indie and folk rock, The Lexington Chapter has an eclectic sound created with a mixture of traditional rock instruments (guitar, bass, vocals, and drums) and innovative instruments that aren't generally used in most rock bands today. Levi Christopher, along with singing, plays the resonator and saxophone. The guitarist and backup vocalist Drew Saccenti, plays the banjo, harmonica, and concertina. Mara Carrico plays the organ, keytar, flute, recorder, and whistle. The bassist is Andrew Kleiman and Rheese Detrow plays the drums. Christopher says, "It was all a part of the original idea of the band: play music that is different from the majority of music in the industry. Today's music has become too monotonous and boring. Worst of all, everything sounds exactly the same. We were frustrated. Ultimetly we use whatever we can get our hands on to make noise." The band has lots of influences, including Belle and Sebastian, Sufjan Stevens, Modest Mouse, Billy Joel, Ricky Nelson, R.E.M., and Jeff Buckley. They have been together for one year.
On December 28, the band will be releasing an EP called "The Head," and they have already released a full-length album, "Colors," in which each song is named after a color. Every song is extremely poetic and well-written. "I write lyrics about ideas and events I'm familiar with, such as: pride and arrogance, losing friends over their growing desire for popularity, not measuring up to standards set for you by your superiors, etc. Usually these songs tie together, in some fashion, to the solution of these problems. In our case the answer lies in a relationship with God," Christopher said about his lyrics.
Stage presence is definitely a noted necessity for all bands. The Lexington Chapter says, "Basically, you need to have the time of your life at each performance. Love your music, love playing your music, but most importantly get your audience to enjoy themselves whether they like your music or not." The band's songs all have different styles and feels, and while they love to play all of their songs, their favorites are "'Red' and 'Navy'. 'Red' because everyone loves to dance when we play it and 'Navy' because, well, it's just fun to play."
Every band has its fair share of difficulties, no matter the level of fame and popularity it has. The Lexington Chapter has had theirs. Some advice they have is: "First you need to know that certain members will be replaced and replaced again before you find a perfect fit. Yes, it's frustrating, but once you find them everything happens like clockwork. As far as music, don't try to sound like your influences. Start something fresh. Start something new. Take what you have heard and go a step farther. Copying another sound is as easy as spelling your name."
Anyone interested in sampling The Lexington Chapter's music can do so in a few different ways. They have an album, "Colors," that is on sale for $10 and they have five shows coming up. All of this information, plus four songs, are available on their MySpace, www.myspace.com/thelexingtonchapter. They also love to meet people and consider it "probably the most enjoyable part of playing shows."
Amanda Sherman
Asst. Copy Editor
