The Grin Lines is the brand new solo project from singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist producer, Chloe Navarre. An eclectic and prolific artist, Chloe has helmed a number of recordings over the years. He is launching his new one-man band with a 16-track concept album.
A native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Chloe Navarre cites a broad range of artists as inspiration for his sound. Everyone from The Beatles to Prince and PeeWee Herman have influenced The Grin Lines’ aesthetic. It is a sound built on sonic experimentation, introspective poetry, and an adventurous DIY punk philosophy.
Voila is the debut album from The Grin Lines, released worldwide via all major streaming services on June 22, 2023. The record was inspired by a marathon roundtrip train ride from New Mexico to Vermont, Boston and back. The trip left Chloe with a lot of time alone with his thoughts.
From the Flaming Lips-style synth-infused alternative rock of tracks like “In You Go” the title track, to the Wilco-esque experimental avant-garde Americana of songs like “Art is from France” and “How You Please”, Navarre spins a rich and complex yarn. Musically, The Grin Lines finds its footing in lo-fi indie-rock. However, within that framework Chloe paints from a rich palette of psychedelia, electronica, and punk.
“Belonging” pairs mountain music with a hint of chamber-pop, while “Second Place” matches Ween-like quirk with some Tom Waits-inspired vaudeville. “Wait In Gold” adds a minute of cinematic noir to the mix. Throughout the record, the soundscape is dotted with short psychedelic freakouts and introspective dream scenes like “Feedback”, “Slow Emotion”, and the goofy funk groove “Fool Me Twice”.
Check out Voila on Bandcamp, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the song “Lord Half Mercy” on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist. And watch Chloe Navarre’s recent live performance at Santa Fe’s Lensic Performing Arts Center, below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with The Grin Lines.