Hailing from the vibrant underground music scene in Chicago, Sin. emerges as a sonic force to be reckoned with. Led by Ethan Oliver on vocals and guitar, the quartet, including Brian Chindblom on lead guitar, Joe McTague on bass, and Caleb Nelson on drums, crafts a unique blend of psychedelic garage rock that transcends the conventional boundaries of the genre.
At its core, Sin. is a raw embodiment of rock and roll, channeling the spirit of 60s garage rock bands like the Sonics while embracing contemporary influences such as Osees. The band’s sound is characterized by glamorous sparkly chords, fuzzy and spacey guitar tones, simple yet effective rock beats, exhilarating bass lines, and haunting vocals. Sin. invites listeners to experience a musical journey that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.
Delving deeper into the conceptual realm, Sin. carries a narrative that adds layers to their music. Frontman Ethan Oliver’s upbringing in the Evangelical Christian church shapes the thematic undercurrents of the project. Having grappled with the stigma surrounding human desires and emotions branded as “Sin,” Ethan named the project as a positive reclamation of the term. Sin. challenges conventional norms, urging individuals to embrace their primal instincts and explore the darker corners of the psyche.
Ethan Oliver, the driving force behind Sin., embodies a true “Do it yourself” mentality. Homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, Ethan cultivated his musical skills through a mix of formal lessons, self-teaching, and experimentation. From piano to guitar, and even rudimentary drum chops, Ethan’s diverse musical foundation laid the groundwork for his multifaceted role in Sin. He not only writes and performs but also takes charge of recording, composing, arranging, mixing, mastering, and promoting all of Sin.’s music.
The band’s journey took a significant turn during the early days of the pandemic when Ethan immersed himself in learning the ropes of music production. Setting up a makeshift home studio in Uptown, Chicago, Ethan began recording his experimental compositions, resulting in the 12-song LP titled “Baited.” As 2022 unfolded, Sin. transformed into a live experience with Caleb on drums, Brian on guitar, and Joe on bass, giving life to the second record, “Fever.”
In the live setting, the synergy among Sin.’s members becomes palpable. Brian’s alternate chords and face-melting guitar solos complement Ethan’s parts, while Caleb’s dynamic drumming adapts to the energy of each song. Joe, the independent force on bass, seamlessly intertwines the instrumentation with bouncing, thumping bass lines. Ethan’s leadership, rhythm guitar, solos, and vocals complete the powerful Sin. live experience.
The band’s influences, ranging from Ty Segall and the Stooges to LCD Sound System and beyond, showcase the eclectic mix that fuels Sin.’s creativity. Covering tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by Iggy Pop and the Stooges in almost every performance, Sin. pays homage to its roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
As Sin. continues to navigate the underground DIY music scene of Chicago and the Midwest, the chemistry within the band propels them forward. Ethan envisions future records with full collaboration from the entire ensemble, promising an evolution of their already distinctive sound. Sin. invites listeners to embrace the unconventional, challenging them to explore the depths of desire, lust, gluttony, and wrath through their immersive sonic experience.
