The Chairman Dances

The Chairman Dances is a bookish indie rock band from Philadelphia. Their EP, Samantha Says (Grizzly Records) was released the summer of 2015 and earned the group a devoted following, prompting favorable comparisons to the Decemberists, Belle and Sebastian, and the Smiths. Alternative radio station WXPN championed the record, calling The Chairman Dances “luminaries,” and bestowing on them the title “indie rock literati.”

Following on the heels of that EP is the full length Time Without Measure, out August 26 via Black Rd Records. Time Without Measure was produced by Daniel Smith (Danielson), the producer and songwriter who helped launch Sufjan Stevens’ career. It’s fitting that Smith should be involved: like Stevens, The Chairman Dances explore history and biography, faith and doubt, in unexpected and meaningful ways. What sets Time Without Measure apart — and what makes the album so relevant in 2016 — is its political nature. The album depicts the lives of 10 (mostly) activists who demanded progress and, in return, were demonized by the powers that be.

The result is an impressive collage — a musically rich record that speaks of and to a turbulent era. An era that is fascinating and brilliant and downright terrifying. The Chairman Dances has its finger on the pulse of the nation. Time Without Measure is our soundtrack.