| Notwithstanding | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Chalk FarM |
| Border: | yes |
| Released: | 1996 |
| Genre: | Alternative rock |
| Label: | Columbia |
| Producer: | Matt Hyde |
| Next Title: | Three 2s |
| Next Year: | 2000 |
Notwithstanding is the debut album by the American band Chalk FarM, released in 1996.[1] [2]
The singles "Lie on Lie" and "Live Tomorrow" charted on Billboards Mainstream Rock chart, at No. 13 and No. 35, respectively.[3] The band supported the album by touring with Better Than Ezra and Tonic, among others.[4]
The album was produced by Matt Hyde, who recorded the band after hearing their 4-song demo.[5] [6] All four band members contributed to the songwriting, which often aspired to U2-esque songs about social problems and universal themes.[7] [8] The title of the album is a reference to the legal argot that kept appearing in Chalk FarM's recording contract.[9] The album contains a hidden track, which begins three minutes after "Sunflower".[10]
The Washington Post called "Lie on Lie" "a power ballad that uses Orlando Sims's stabbing bass line to build the tension released by the anthemic chorus."[11] The St. Petersburg Times wrote that "Chalk FarM boldly goes where so many bands have gone before ... in this shiny happy realm of three-chord bliss, the time is always 4/4 and backup harmonies are sweet enough to rot your teeth." The Sun Herald considered the songs to be "essential progressive pop rock—usually medium- to up-tempo, always crystal clear."[12]
The Los Angeles Daily News deemed the album "a solid effort that brings to mind the '60s-influenced songwriting and playing of Counting Crows and the Wallflowers."[13] USA Today determined that the band "recalls the Gin Blossoms in their hook-writing skill and dreamy explorations of adult responsibility... The songs have pace and structure—beginnings, middles and endings."[14] Tulsa World noted that "the homogenized trance of this music is ironic ... considering that most of Chalk Farm's lyrics focus on various Everypersons trying to resist apathy and acquiescence."[15]
AllMusic called Notwithstanding "a cohesive, endearing album" with choruses that "are littered with instantly recognizable hooks." MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide labeled it "mediocre, middle-of-the-road rock."