Hailing from the vibrant underground music scene in Chicago, Sin. emerges as a supersonic psychedelic garage rock project that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Comprising four dynamic musicians – Ethan Oliver on vocals and guitar, Brian Chindblom on lead guitar, Joe McTague on bass, and Caleb Nelson on drums – Sin. is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of do-it-yourself, psychedelic rock fusion.
At its essence, Sin. embodies the spirit of rock and roll, yet its conceptual roots delve much deeper into the personal experiences of frontman Ethan Oliver. Raised in the Evangelical Christian church, Ethan’s journey was colored by a backdrop of missionaries, pastors, and fervent followers of Christ. This upbringing instilled a sense of shame surrounding human desires and emotions, labeled as sins without a complete understanding. Sin., as a project, serves as a positive reclamation of the term, encouraging listeners to embrace the human experience and reject spiritual transcendence. It invites individuals to take pride in their animalistic instincts and explore the darker facets of their psyche.
Ethan Oliver, the driving force behind Sin., is a musical polymath conducting various aspects of the project. Homeschooled from kindergarten through high school, Ethan cultivated a “Do it yourself” mentality, evident in his ability to write, perform, record, compose, arrange, mix, master, distribute, and promote all the music himself. His diverse musical foundation, shaped by piano and guitar lessons, drum chops from his father, and the influence of Guitar Hero, laid the groundwork for his unique sound.
The early days of the pandemic provided Ethan with the opportunity to delve into music production, mastering the use of Ableton, recording techniques, and mixing methods. By April 2021, he had crafted a 12-song LP titled “Baited.” With a makeshift home studio in Uptown, Chicago, Ethan recruited Caleb, Brian, and Joe to form the Sin. live experience. The synergy among the band members breathed life into Ethan’s second record, “Fever.”
While Ethan takes the lead in recording, the live band dynamic electrifies the Sin. experience. Brian’s alternate chords and face-melting solos complement Ethan’s parts, while Caleb’s rhythmic prowess and off-kilter drum patterns add a layer of complexity. Joe, the independent talent on bass, seamlessly weaves together the instrumentation with his groovy bass lines. Together, under Ethan’s leadership, they create a massive, immersive sound that defines the Sin. live experience, navigating the underground DIY music scene of Chicago and the Midwest.
Sin.’s influences span decades, from 60s garage rock bands like The Sonics to contemporary groups like Osees. The eclectic list includes Ty Segall, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Black Sabbath, LCD Sound System, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Sonic Youth, and many more. This diverse musical palette contributes to the rich tapestry of sounds that characterize Sin.’s sonic landscape.
In a world where the term “sin” is often laden with negative connotations, Sin. embraces it as a celebration of the human experience. Their music encourages listeners to explore the depths of desire, lust, gluttony, and wrath, forging a connection between the audience and their own primal instincts. Sin. invites you to embark on a sonic journey, where the boundaries of traditional rock are blurred, and the raw, unfiltered essence of the human experience is laid bare.
Connect with Sin. on Instagram and listen to their music on Spotify.
