A parting gift from Charles Griffin Gibson, Frankenstein Songs for the Grocery Store is his final release as CHUCK, and a charming farewell it is.

Opting not to flip the table or reinvent the wheel on this record, all 15 tracks possess a touch of lo-fi and twee as Gibson's candid lyrics narrate DIY soundscapes. Like extended and produced vocal recordings, the tracks give snapshots into the life and / or imagination of the writer as they're spoken softly in your ear. The minimal and almost discordant nature of the music won't be to everyone's tastes, but the sincerity is endearing even is the guitar playing isn't virtuoso. 

'Bodies (Studio)' is an acoustic ballad, 'Hudson' is a wavering instrumental, 'Bulldog [Interlude]' is just that, and 'Meow' is a jangling indie rock number. Then 'Oceans (Electric)' drones and 'Caroline' yearns, each track possesses a unique identity and the record jumps from gear to gear as you traverses each of these in turn. Described as a "bedroom musician" this mish-mash of tracks makes sense, although there's no doubting CHUCK could be something clean and coherent if that's the intention. 

Fun to listen to in full or in parts, Frankenstein Songs for the Grocery Store is a fitting closing fanfare for CHUCK as it showcases a variety of influences and styles, wrapping up the story in a comprehensive way. Whilst this is the last of this moniker, hopefully the mind of Gibson will dabble in music again soon. 

Frankenstein Songs for the Grocery Store is available now from iTunes and Amazon. 

Brooklyn (via Massachusetts) based bedroom musician CHUCK (aka Charles Griffin Gibson) issues his final album, Frankenstein Songs for the Grocery Store, on August 18 through Audio Antihero Records. Combining a lush classic pop sound with elements of ‘80s New Wave, ‘90s Alternative and ‘00s Emo, the album offers hints of Jonathan Richman, Death of a Ladies Man, The Get Up Kids and Daniel Johnston.

Though polarizing, CHUCK is a truly unique songwriter and I hope you enjoy this ambitious and conflicted LP. Previous support from DIY, TLOBF, London in Stereo, Bedford & Bowery, BBC, Gold Flake Paint and IMPOSE.

About the album, Charles Griffin Gibson had this to say: “My new album, Frankenstein Songs for the Grocery Store, will be my last as CHUCK. But it's been a great run! I've been making DIY music since I was in High School. If you haven't done it, I can't explain how fun it is to build songs by yourself. It's a magical thing. But I know my path is leading elsewhere, and I'm not made for the music biz. I'm 30. I'm married. I have a full-time job. I just don't have it in me anymore. So without further adieu, please enjoy the final CHUCK record. It's got songs about diet, exercise, work, love, T.V. and animals.”