When a label puts out as many albums as Geffen was putting out in the early '90s, some are bound to slide by without making a dent. Such was the case with
Northside's little-known Chicken Rhythms. Presumably, the name Chicken Rhythms comes from
Northside's use of mildly funky, chicken-scratch guitars, which the group weaves into its abstract, aloof, slightly quirky brand of alternative pop/rock.
Northside takes some chances here and there, and one can admire its desire to strive for originality. But unfortunately, most of the songs are forgettable. Even after you have played Chicken Rhythms several times, "Yeah Man" or "Funky Munky" aren't songs that will stick with you. This CD's lack of commercial success might have been due to insufficient promotion, or it might have been due to the fact that it simply isn't very good. Whatever the reason, Chicken Rhythms is an album that the public was right to pass on. ~ Alex Henderson