Ignored             Obscured              Restored

Back in the early oughts, a Montreal-based band called The Chains released a terrific album – On Top of Things! (2002) – a tight, energetic blend of power pop and garage rock.  At the time, the genre was enjoying a resurgence led by acts like The White Stripes (recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), The Strokes out of New York, Sweden’s The Hives, and The Vines from Australia.  That whole scene was right up my alley!

Unfortunately, The Chains never achieved the recognition and status of those better known bands.  Following On Top of Things! they only managed one further release – the 2004 single Till You Come Back Home / The Boy Who Took My Place – before fading into obscurity.

Still, On Top of Things! holds up remarkably well. The opening track is “Her Name Is Love”.

It kicks off with a galloping rhythm that recalls the Count Five’s “Psychotic Reaction,” layered with touches of Rockpile-style neo-rockabilly. It’s a confident, hook-laden gem that sets the tone for the rest of the album.

It’s a shame this group didn’t receive more attention “back in the day” but their music hasn’t disappeared entirely. You can still catch a track or two on Little Steven’s Underground Garage — a fitting home for a band that deserved more love.

Enjoy… until next week.