The Chevin

The Chevin

The Chevin are an indie rock band from Otley, United Kingdom, active from 2010 and centred on singer and songwriter Coyle Girelli. The group takes its name from the hill overlooking Otley, a feature that also shapes much of their imagery and writing. Girelli, who grows up in Otley, says the local landscape and the wide views across Yorkshire influence the band’s sense of scale and atmosphere.

Formation and members

Girelli and guitarist schoolmate Mat Steel begin writing and playing together from the age of 12, initially in a series of different musical setups. They later move on to Leeds’ live circuit. At the start of 2010, Girelli, Steel and regular bassist Jon Langford come across drummer Mal Taylor, also from Otley, and form the line-up that begins recording the band’s songs. The verified line-up information centres on Coyle Girelli.

Sound and early recordings

The Chevin’s songs combine large-scale rock arrangements with an emotional tone that moves between uplift and sadness. Their material includes “Champion” and “Blue Eyes”, both described as expansive rock songs, “Beautiful World”, which is piano-led and nature-focused, “Drive”, a darker rock track, “Colours”, which uses a synth-led disco feel, and “Dirty Little Secret” and “Love Is Just A Game”, which deal with tangled relationships. “So Long Summer” closes the album and reflects themes of loss alongside a more upbeat melody.

The band demos its debut album at Girelli’s home studio, keeping many of the original keyboard parts for the finished recordings. It then self-finances the album and works with Los Angeles producer Noah Shain, who finds a studio in El Paso, South Texas. The recording takes place at an old ranch building turned studio on the Mexican border, a setting with a history of arms and drug running that has since become a pecan farm. The band records there for almost a month, using vintage equipment and adding string parts from members of the El Paso Philharmonic Orchestra to “Champion”.

Release and reception

The song “Champion” appears on the band’s debut EP in October 2011. The Chevin later signs to SO Recordings through Fierce Panda, following interest from several US contacts after showcase performances. Their music also draws support from The Airborne Toxic Event, who take them on a UK tour, The Pigeon Detectives, who invite them on a European tour, and White Lies, who ask them to support on an arena tour that includes Wembley Arena.

Borderland

The band’s debut album is titled Borderland. Its title track is a shimmering, organ-led piece with an expansive feel, recorded in Los Angeles in early 2012 after the El Paso sessions. Girelli links the song to the border setting and to ideas of conflict and renewal.

Live profile

The Chevin also play SXSW in 2012, where their live performances help establish their profile beyond the UK.