Hailing from the vibrant underground music scene of Chicago, Illinois, Sin. emerges as a supersonic psychedelic garage rock project that encapsulates the essence of do-it-yourself ethos. Led by the multifaceted Ethan Oliver on vocals and guitar, the quartet includes Brian Chindblom on lead guitar, Joe McTague on bass, and Caleb Nelson on drums. Together, they weave a mesmerizing tapestry of sound, blending glamorous chords, spacey guitar tones, rock beats, and chilling vocals into a unique psychedelic rock fusion.
Intriguingly, Sin. is more than just a musical endeavor. Delving into the conceptual realm, frontman Ethan Oliver draws inspiration from his upbringing in the Evangelical Christian church. Raised amid missionaries and devout followers of Christ, Ethan’s project, aptly named Sin., seeks to reclaim the term in a positive light. Sin. challenges societal norms by embracing the human experience, rejecting spiritual transcendence, and encouraging pride in our animalistic instincts and darker psyche.
While the band collectively brings Sin.’s music to life in live performances, Ethan serves as the project’s driving force. Homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, he embodies a “Do it yourself” mentality, shaping his musical journey through self-learning, experimentation, and a diverse range of influences. From piano and guitar lessons to YouTube tutorials and Guitar Hero, Ethan’s musical foundation became the cornerstone for his artistic expression.
The early days of the pandemic provided Ethan with ample time to delve into the intricacies of music production. Armed with Ableton, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, mastering, and composition. The culmination of his efforts materialized in the form of a 12-song LP titled “Baited.” By the summer of 2022, with a makeshift home studio in Uptown, Chicago, and a live band comprising Caleb, Brian, and Joe, Sin. began its journey into the live music realm, delivering the sonic experience of the second record, “Fever.”
Ethan’s recordings lay the groundwork for Sin.’s sonic landscape, but the live band dynamic adds a captivating layer to their performances. Brian’s dissonant chords and electrifying solos, Caleb’s tempo manipulation and powerful drumming, Joe’s grooving bass lines — all under Ethan’s leadership — create a massive, immersive sound that defines the Sin. live experience. This synergy propels the band through the diverse and sometimes challenging landscape of the underground DIY music scene in Chicago and the Midwest.
Sin.’s musical influences are as diverse as their sound, spanning from 60s garage rock bands like the Sonics to contemporary groups like Osees. Notable mentions include Ty Segall, Iggy Pop and the Stooges (with Sin.’s frequent cover of “I Wanna Be Your Dog”), Black Sabbath, LCD Sound System, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, and a plethora of others. This eclectic mix reflects the band’s commitment to pushing sonic boundaries and paying homage to a rich musical tapestry.
In essence, Sin. stands as a testament to the power of musical autonomy, artistic exploration, and the celebration of the human experience. As they navigate the vibrant underground music scene, Sin. invites listeners to embrace the sonic journey, revel in desire, and acknowledge the uncharted territories of their own psyche. The Sin. experience is not just a musical performance; it’s an invitation to break free from convention and immerse oneself in the raw, unapologetic beauty of sound.
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