I first heard Chase's music a little over two years ago when we met up in college. I was dumbfounded that his back catalogue already contained over two hundred songs, and was even more impressed by his production abilities, filling out a song with little more than an acoustic guitar and intertwining melodies.

When The Bitter and the Unbelievable was released last year, I had a feeling that Chase was on his was to joining a host of well praised newcomers to the indie-folk business. Although the album contained great potential, and received its fair share of support from the online music community, it became apparent that moving albums is nearly impossible without the support of a label.

Undaunted, Jedick returned to the drawing board, morphing his folk style into a weird (yet poppy) conglomeration of indie-folk and rock. The change of pace couldn't have worked better, as Break of Day features a mashing of sounds, restlessly experimenting with different styles. The opener, "Do You See Love?", starts off as a power-pop tune (think Flaming Lips) before growing into a jovial chorus of "Have a Goddam, good damn, day". The EP quickly switches gears with the medieval sound of "McKenzington", where Jedick proves he's as much of a lyricist as a guitarist and producer. The second to last track off the EP, "Society", pairs an acoustic riff with an indictment of modern humanity. Lines like "The faster life goes/The sooner you get told/That the slower life goes/The faster you get old" could give Isaac Brock a run for his money. The disc closes with four tracks from previous Chase Jedick albums, which (in the least) highlight the songwriting prowess that he's possessed for years.

Although I consider this one of the top five releases of 2005, I doubt you'll see Break of Day on the billboard charts. However, if the right person discovers Chase Jedick, remember where you first heard the name.

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

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The Bitter and the Unbelievable

The Bitter and the Unbelievable – An Exclusive Preview

 In an era when lyricism, musicianship, and innovation are cast aside for mainstream pop-rock and pop-punk, many music aficionados have turned to artists of the past for their musical solace. The current music scene is reminiscent of the late 1970s, when Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers helped carry rock n’ roll through a period of over-produced arena bands and disco clubs. In a similar manner, Chase Jedick has a vision beyond the current scene containing such bands as Trapt and Three Days Grace. On this album, however, instead of displaying his Rolling Stones and Nirvana influences, Chase has stripped his most sensitive songs down, baring his poems accompanied only by an acoustic guitar, tambourine, and harmonica. The Bitter and the Unbelievable is the long-awaited conclusion and successor to Winter Air, Chase’s previous musical summit. The new album begins with “On My Own”. If you are familiar with the version heard on the live album, the new version will most certainly surprise and please. Aside from the heartfelt lyrics, the song is highlighted by the groundbreaking guitar solo by guest musician Alex Phan. If you are familiar with the conventional guitar scales combed heavily by many guitarists, the track played by Phan will most likely leave you in a state of confusion and bewilderment. The album is worth the money just to hear these 43 seconds of instrumentation. The third track, “Fantasy”, is probably Chase’s finest display of songwriting to date. Lead by the powerful line, “Sometimes I feel like my Jesus loves you more than me”, “Fantasy” is sure to evoke emotions in even the most carefree listener. The beauty of “Fantasy” is soon dashed by the Dylanesque rocker “Rob Casey”. This tune was intentionally recorded in a less professional manner, focusing instead on the intensity and emotion behind the words. “Who’s the La La” makes a return on this album. Although the lyrics may leave the audience perplexed, the catchy chorus melody will cause the listener to wonder just who the La La is. “James Jesse” is an epic story-song, an angelic mixture of elements from “November Rain” by Guns n’ Roses and “Rocky Raccoon” by the Beatles. Three minutes into the song, the listener could easily be led to believe that Chase’s harmonies were actually sung by George, Paul, and John. Overall, the album does not contain a bad song or a slow moment. If you are in the market for an album that you can play in its entirety without having to search for a listenable song, this is a must purchase. Although I only have some of the songs in demo version, this album has cracked my top ten of all time, joining the ranks of such artists as the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Velvet Underground, Smashing Pumpkins, and Cat Stevens. This album is a must have for any music visionary or connoisseur of the best that rock has to offer. My only hope is that Chase’s music will catch on and expand past the boundaries of Lafayette, Indiana and Cleveland, Ohio. Rock on,

Jacob McDaniel

Hangdog's Review of The Bitter and the Unbelievable

The Bitter and the Unbelievable brings you back to a musical time when vocals and melody ruled the world. Chase delivers 1st class vocal performances throughout sometimes reminiscent of simon and garfunkel, sometimes beach boys with a modern guitar sound backing him up. The opening track On my own is filled with a contagious hook that steals your attention then stays in your head for the rest of the day. As strong as Waves is the next track and chase builds from a a single note pick, to vocals softly growing into a beautiful melody. Good for you is another modern day hit! Chase has the ability to write simple yet powerful memorable melodies. The bitter and the unbelievable easily has 5 singles including On My Own, As strong as Waves, Fantasy, Your something, and my fav Good for you. Be aware chase's music is like a lay's chip you can't have just one. --Hangdog

Review of Chase Jedick (April 24, 2005)

Chase Jedick is a young man with an old talent. This singer-songwriter from Cleveland takes his musical creations to a new level. With influences like the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Oasis you can be sure to find a piece of your soul hidden within the numerous songs written by Chase. Sweet songs about professing feelings to a love like "Good For You" or the acoustic, "North Star" which is very reminescent of the Beatles, Chase has a song for anyone who will listen. What's my song? "McKenzington" Floored me, this very smartly written song you Must listen to. Chase's latest Album "The Bitter and the Unbelievable" is an album that you can literally buy for anyone. I suggest you do. --Merrick from IRL

Chase Jedick - The Bitter and the Unbelievable

Ohio was the original host for Chase but then he went to college in Indiana. There he began to write music and specifically some of the songs that make up “The Bitter and the Unbelievable”. What you have here is a simple listen of acoustic rock that has some intriguing and often times off-kilter lyrics sung with a surprisingly talented voice. It’s a good album with rare miscues and is perfect for a late night cram session. -- J-Sin at Smother.Net