by Another mod revival title from 1980, The Chords’ So Far Away is probably as good an example of the genre as you’re likely to listen to. Punchy, angsty anthems that encapsulates the spirit of mod revival, the 1980s and working class values.
The Chords began early, as great bands tend to, with Billy Hassett and Martin Mason, cousins, rehearsing Beatles and Who songs at school. Chris Pope joined in 1978 after answering an ad in the NME.
In 1979, Brett Ascott joined replacing then drummer Paul Halpin and the band found its sound. In a story that mimics Keith Moon’s, Halpin completed the band as a powerful drummer who tried to emulate his Who hero. It was this ensemble that, in March 1979, caught the eye of Paul Weller, NME and Polydor when they played in the Wellington in Waterloo. They would go on to support The Jam and play with other mod revival greats such as Secret Affair and The Purple Hearts.
So Far Away, their debut album, was released in April 1980 at the end of a very successful 12 months. Charting as high as 30 in the UK charts, and enjoying incredible exposure with the almost constant touring, things looked good for The Chords. Singles followed (British Way Of Life and In My Street) which both did well, radio sessions, interviews, TV coverage and even more touring.
However, it is always a risk being associated with and tied to a movement. How does a band survive when the interest wanes or the youth move on to ska, two-tone, new romantics? Music never stands still. Regardless of whether The Chords saw themselves as true mods or not, they enjoyed success largely because of the mod revival scene, and now as the movement fizzled out, they found themselves in a void. Paul Weller knew this, and exited early, leaving The Jam at their peak and forming The Style Council as a vehicle for new and future projects, but not all bands had the foresight of Weller.
The pressure told on The Chords and infighting ensued, band members left (or were pushed) and failed singles were released that made little to no impact. In September 1981 came the eventual and inevitable split up.
They left behind them, though, one of the best LPs of the scene and one that still stands up today.
From the opening chords of Maybe Tomorrow, The Chords announce themselves with their signature aggression and melody with raw, jangly guitars, backed by tight, high-energy drumming. There is an urgency and defiance of British youth in the vocals, a common element of the mod revival bands of the time.
Track after track of catchy, soaring choruses and lyrics dripping with working-class tenacity. Not out and out political, but definitely capturing the frustrations of kids feeling adrift in Thatcher’s rapidly changing Britain.Happy Families and Tumbling Down, both excellent, are full on commentaries of the time.
Other stand out tracks include Breaks My Heart and Something’s Missing, both managing to capture the essence and anger of the decade, and reminiscent of 60s power pop. It’s No Use would be perfectly at home on an early Jam album if it weren’t for the chorus, a chorus which brings you right back to the sound of The Chords – it could be by nobody else.
There are two outstanding covers here too. Hold On, I’m Coming and She Said, She Said are more than worthy of inclusion, really fine examples of how mod bands of the time covered classic tracks.
The title track, So Far Away does what any last track on side two should do – leaves you wanting more. It makes you turn the record over and start again, and you can’t ask for much more than that from an album.
Overall, So Far Away is a fantastic debut. An adrenaline-packed and socially important record that perfectly captures the spirit of mod revival. This is an essential listen for anyone interested in the expression of youth in revolt.