Chris Arduser’s dedication to the art of songcraft has propelled an impressive career that’s captured the imagination of listeners near and far from his Cincinnati, Ohio base. The multi-talented musician, known as a singer-songwriter, drummer, guitarist, and mandolinist, has contributed to some of the most interesting and intriguing rock acts to emerge since the ‘80s.
A significant chunk of Arduser’s career has been spent as the drummer and a singer-songwriter for The Bears and Psychodots, two highly influential Cincinnati bands. The groups have shared line-ups featuring combinations of Arduser, guitarists/vocalists Rob Fetters and Adrian Belew, and bassist Bob Nyswonger. Both acts are local legends, as well as renowned nationally for their eclectic, intelligent pop songs full of gorgeous harmonies, inventive lyrics, and superb musicianship. The Bears were active in the late ‘80s, with two albums to their credit before breaking up in 1989. They later reemerged in early 2001 with two more studio albums, and a live CD and DVD before going on hiatus in 2007. Psychodots, with four CDs to its name, continues as a part-time entity with a new release due later this year.
From 1998 to 2000, Arduser also co-led The Graveblankets, an engaging folk-rock act featuring guitarist George Cunningham and violinist/vocalist Bridgett Otto. The group released five albums before Arduser chose to focus on a solo career that kicked off with 2002’s Hostage and 2005’s The Celebrity Motorcade. Both are solo efforts in the truest sense with Arduser playing every instrument. The Celebrity Motorcade could be considered a concept album in that it serves as a salute to the lives and lifestyles of 1920’s Hollywood silent film stars and directors. Hostage is a fun collection of effusive pop tracks that explore Arduser’s twisted takes on the dilemmas and obsessions of modern life, as well as dysfunctional relationships and the pandemonium they often cause.
The latter topic has proven to be particularly fertile soil for Arduser. It resonates even more strongly on his new solo CD Hapless, which is entirely dedicated to those engaged in contemporary courtship mayhem. The album features high-octane production and arrangements that serve as the backdrop for Arduser’s sarcasm-laden, dark humor-laced songs. And unlike the solo approach of the first two albums under his name, Hapless features several guest contributions from Fetters, Nyswonger, Otto, and Cunningham, as well as vocalist Laura Chenault and bassist Don Aren. In addition, the CD includes Arduser’s best vocal takes to date, with several soaring performances that find him pushing his boundaries to terrific effect. All told, Hapless is a truly addictive collection that has to be a contender for best pop album of the year.
copyright 2008 anil prasad - innerviews.org
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