They may not be typical of Domino Records, one of the UK’s indie top dogs, best known for the jagged sounds of the Arctic Monkeys, the bounceable post punk of Franz Ferdinand, or two of America’s leading left field indie names, Animal Collective and Dirty Projectors. But make no mistake about it, LA’s Chief, a quartet that owes more to the classic harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash than to any current indie rock heavy hitters, are clearly a priority for Domino.
The Angelenos signed to the label late last year, nearly four years after deciding, as students attending college a continent away, at NYU, to pool their talents behind a four song demo by guitarist and vocalist Evan Koga. A self released EP and a string of shows later, and word had began to spread around New York.  Eventually though, Chief returned to their native west coast, which really makes sense, since much of their Emery Dobyns-produced debut full-length Modern Rituals transports you straight to Ladies of the Canyon-era Los Angeles.
Think a smoothed out Band of Horses, a more rocking Fleet Foxes and you’re beginning to get the picture. Matter of fact, some are saying Chief may be to 2010 what those Foxes were to 2008.  That of course remains to be seen, but their story officially begins this week. Check out standout tracks “Night and Day”, “Breaking Walls” and “Nothing’s Wrong” – songs that have already won the band pre-album attention. Then listen to all of Modern Rituals – rate and review the debut from Chief!