Chief Broom Find Solace On Their Powerful Album “hidden in plain sight”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Within the nuances of everyday life, we are all fighting our own demons. Searching for togetherness, I believe we all yearn to be seen & heard. With their heavy sound that explores the highs & lows of life, Idaho-based band, Chief Broom, deliver their heartfelt album “hidden in plain sight”.
The album is a compelling collection of songs that explores grief, denial, and acceptance. However, what makes this album so special is that it shows how the members rallied after the death of the band’s co-founder TJ Tucker. TJ was a key piece in the band, and he played a major role in the Boise, Idaho music scene. Although we mourn his passing, his artistic vision and exceptional drumming can still be felt within each song. Carrying on his brother’s legacy, Shadrach Tuck continues to take the band to new heights along with the talented Will Cheeseman & Frankie Tillo. Together, the band have taken a hard time and cultivated an album that is otherworldly. The project is raw, thematic, and it has revolutionized a genre that deserves more ears.
When beginning my listening process, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I left with a newfound appreciation for their sound. With a refreshing mix of grunge, alt-rock, & indie-rock, they have crafted a brooding & uplifting project. The album is a labor of love that will stand the test of time, and it displays the growth & perseverance of the band.
Chief Broom's "hidden in plain sight" was tracked and engineered by their father Terre Tuck at their childhood home in Star, Idaho back in 2019. Since that time, the release has been given a new life through the mixing and production contributions of Sonny DiPerri and his longtime collaborator Adam Gonalves elevating masters.
My favorite records were “hidden in plain sight (walk away)”, “saved”, & “DFAH”. “hidden in plain sight (walk away)” is laced with captivating vocals, exceptional song arrangement, and engaging percussion. The subject matter is heavy, and it evokes a whirlwind of emotions. For me, the song is about self-acceptance. Exploring the idea of change, “DFAH” has a more upbeat tone and a heady soundscape. The record shuts out the noise of the world, and it brings a nostalgic ‘90s grunge feel to the album. “saved” is my favorite song from the album. It is a stylistic song that shows the band’s expansive sound. With elements of psych-grunge-rock, the record was reminiscent of my favorite band Nirvana. The main vocals were engaging, and the guitars were sublime. This song is the best thing I have heard in years.
Overall, this is one of the most powerful albums I have heard in recent years. Dealing with death is hard, but they embrace it head on. Chief Broom deserve your time. They are the sound of today, tomorrow, and forever!
