Hailing from the vibrant underground music scene of Chicago, Sin. emerges as a sonic force, delivering a unique blend of supersonic psychedelic garage rock. Comprising four talented musicians—Ethan Oliver, Brian Chindblom, Joe McTague, and Caleb Nelson—Sin. weaves together glamorous sparkly chords, fuzzy guitar tones, rock beats, exhilarating bass lines, and chilling vocals to create a mesmerizing fusion of psychedelic rock.
Conceptually, Sin. dives deep into the realms of human experience and desire, rejecting spiritual transcendence. Front man Ethan Oliver, shaped by an Evangelical Christian upbringing, embraces the term “Sin.” as a positive reclamation. The project encourages listeners to take pride in their animalistic instincts and explore the darker corners of the human psyche, challenging societal norms and perceptions.
Ethan Oliver, the driving force behind Sin., embodies a “Do it yourself” mentality, rooted in his homeschooling background and diverse musical influences. From piano and guitar lessons to self-learning through YouTube and experimentation, Ethan has honed his musical skills independently. He not only writes, performs, and records but also takes charge of composition, arrangement, mixing, mastering, distribution, and promotion.
The pandemic-induced downtime allowed Ethan to delve into the intricacies of music production, mastering Ableton, recording techniques, and composition. Setting up a makeshift home studio in Uptown, Ethan crafted his debut 12-song LP, “Baited,” by April 2021. The subsequent move to assemble a live band marked the birth of the Sin. live experience, featuring Caleb on drums, Brian on lead guitar, and Joe on bass.
While Ethan spearheads the recordings, the live performances are electrified by the collective synergy of the band. Brian’s alternate chords and face-melting solos, Caleb’s dynamic drumming, Joe’s grooving bass lines, and Ethan’s leadership and vocals contribute to the massive sound that defines the Sin. live experience. The chemistry among the members propels them through the diverse landscape of the underground DIY music scene in Chicago and the Midwest.
Influenced by a spectrum of artists spanning from 60s garage rock bands like the Sonics to contemporary groups like Osees, Sin. draws inspiration from the likes of Ty Segall, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Black Sabbath, LCD Soundsystem, and many more. Their repertoire, a testament to this rich tapestry of influences, includes covers of classics like “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by Iggy Pop and the Stooges, showcased in almost every performance.
As Sin. continues to traverse the music landscape, Ethan envisions future records crafted collaboratively with the entire band. Their journey echoes the spirit of the DIY ethos, pushing boundaries and challenging norms while staying true to the roots of rock and roll.
Discover the immersive world of Sin. through their Instagram and delve into their sonic universe on Spotify. Sin. beckons you to embrace the unconventional, explore the depths of desire, and revel in the beauty of the human experience through their psychedelic soundscape.
