Is Chas Leman a sleeping songwriting giant ?

You'd better believe it.

 

His sudden emergence in the summer of 2024 caught the ears and eyes of the indie media and playlist curators across streaming platforms, with his Noel Gallagher meets Kinks meets Fleet Foxes debut single I Found Love.

 

The ‘less is more’ acoustic arrangement set the tone for what is Chas’ trademark nostalgic vibe.

Each song is a nod to his varied influences, and this was again apparent with second single ‘The Last Boys To Be Picked At Football'.

 

The song tells the story of two not so confident school friends fighting for survival in their 90s working class London school days.

It's a poignant, charming reminder of the strength in companionship and unity, with a classic indie rock musical backdrop, with a chunky early Arctic Monkeys esque guitar riff and raspy, Carl Barat style vocals.

 

 Chas then explored his love of psychedelia with third singe ‘Oh So Lonely’, a heartbreak song that continued his nostalgic sound and aesthetic, with the accompanying video merging in and out of BBC CEEFAX graphics and the old TV test card setting.

It also continued a long Chas’ love for 90s indie, with strong apparent influences by Jarvis Cocker and Damon Albar,n in his vocal delivery.

 It received regular airplay on Noods radio, Amazing radio UK AND USA, and was placed on several popular Spotify playlists resulting in over 18k streams.

 

2024 was wrapped up for Chas with his biggest production yet. ‘Smoking Again’ carried on the theme of isolation and heartbreak from Oh So Lonely, but employed the services of a live string quartet, and showed the depth and maturity in Chas’ melodies and chord progressions.

A late-career Elvis Costello meets Divine Comedy approach to the arrangement was quite a move from his previous three singles, but his already signature storytelling kept the strong identity that Chas has really built for himself .

 

His live shows come in the form of a trio, who deliver a live set that journeys from short sharp, politically motivated punky numbers , through to searing ballads and expansive psychedelic pieces. 

Their live highlights from 2024 included headline shows at Londons Spice of Life and Jamboree Kings Cross.

 

2025 will begin in the same way that 2024 ended, with a relentless schedule on the horizon of writing, recording, performing and releasing.

 

His fifth single ‘Working Away From Home’ is due for release in late January which will then be followed by his debut EP ‘Wish The Clock Would Go Back’. This will coincide with a run of shows around the South East of England in the Spring including a headline appearance at Londons 229.

 

'Imagine the heartfelt lyricism of Brian Wilson, the sweeping melodies of Jimmy Webb, and the irresistible hooks of Lennon-McCartney—all filtered through a uniquely Londonese lens.' - DESERTISLANDCLOUD.COM

 

‘A star! Gorgeous…Sounds superb.’ -

YOUTH (Producer The Verve/Embrace/Pink Floyd/The Fireman/Killing Joke)

 

'Honest and charming vocals, with echoes of Jarvis Cocker’s artful delivery.' -CLICKROLLBOOM.CO.UK

 

 'A songwriter who is proving consistently interesting. Both heart-breaking and uplifting in its gentle glow..'

-STEREOSTICKMAN.COM