Letters from Chutney
Letters from Chutney is the debut studio album by the Canadian rock band Rainbow Butt Monkeys, released on April 19, 1995, by Mercury Records.[1] The album blends elements of funk and hard rock, showcasing a raw, alternative metal sound distinct from the band's later post-grunge style as Finger Eleven.[2] Recorded at Mainway Studio in Burlington, Ontario, and The Metalworks in Toronto, it features 12 tracks, including "As Far As I Can Spit" and "Danananana," and runs for approximately 49 minutes.[1] Rainbow Butt Monkeys formed in 1989 in Burlington, Ontario, with core members Scott Anderson on vocals, James Black and Rick Jackett on guitars, Sean Anderson on bass, and original drummer Rob Gommerman.[2] The band, initially a high school project, gained local attention through live performances before signing with Mercury Records for this release, which achieved moderate domestic success in Canada.[2] Letters from Chutney represents the group's early experimental phase, incorporating grunge influences and humorous song titles reflective of their quirky moniker, inspired by a misremembered animal name.[2] Following the album's release, Rainbow Butt Monkeys shortened their name to Finger Eleven in 1997, shifting toward a heavier rock sound on subsequent albums like Tip (1997) and achieving international recognition with hits such as "One Thing" from their 2003 self-titled record.[2] Though less commercially prominent than their later work, Letters from Chutney remains a notable artifact of Canadian alternative rock in the mid-1990s, highlighting the band's evolution from underground funk-rock to mainstream success.[2]Background
Formation of Rainbow Butt Monkeys
Rainbow Butt Monkeys was formed in 1990 in Burlington, Ontario, by high school students Scott Anderson on vocals, his brother Sean Anderson on bass, James Black on guitar and vocals, Rick Jackett on guitar, and Rob Gommerman on drums.[3] The band initially formed as Stone Soul Picnic before changing their name to Rainbow Butt Monkeys.[3] The group emerged from the local alternative rock scene at Lester B. Pearson High School, where the members bonded over shared musical interests in the burgeoning grunge and funk-rock influences of the era.[4][5] The band adopted the name Rainbow Butt Monkeys early in their inception, a choice that encapsulated their youthful humor and unconventional spirit, setting them apart in the local music community.[2] In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Rainbow Butt Monkeys immersed themselves in the regional music scene, performing at local venues and events throughout Burlington and the surrounding areas of southern Ontario.[6] These early gigs helped cultivate a dedicated local following, as the band honed their sound and established an identity rooted in fun, irreverence, and raw performance intensity. Following these formative years and initial demos, the group transitioned toward more structured recording efforts.[6]Development of the album
Rainbow Butt Monkeys, originally formed in 1990 in Burlington, Ontario, evolved creatively through their high school years, laying the groundwork for their debut album by experimenting with alternative rock infused with funk elements.[2] The band's early development included the production of several demos, with a notable 1992 cassette EP featuring seven tracks such as "Circles," "Out the Other," and "Milkbag Genius," which circulated locally and contributed to attracting interest from record labels.[7] In 1994, they won a local radio station talent search contest, using the prize money to fund further studio recordings.[6] Building a dedicated local following in Ontario through consistent performances at regional venues and high school events, the group honed their songwriting approach, emphasizing playful, experimental sounds that blended energetic riffs with improvisational funk grooves before committing to formal recording.[2][8] This groundwork culminated in their signing with Mercury Records circa 1994, enabling the full realization of the album project.[8]Recording and production
Studio and recording process
The recording sessions for Letters from Chutney took place from 1994 to 1995 at Mainway Studios in Burlington, Ontario, and The Metalworks in Toronto, the hometown of the Rainbow Butt Monkeys.[9] The album was mixed at Mainway Studios.[9] Production occurred under the banner of "We Hate Music," a playful entity established for the project.[9]Producers and engineers
John Punter served as the primary engineer and mixer for Letters from Chutney, leveraging his extensive experience from earlier rock productions with bands such as Roxy Music and Procol Harum to shape the album's refined sonic texture.[9][10][11] Atilla Turi co-produced the album alongside Punter, providing engineering support and overall production oversight that contributed to its cohesive sound.[9][12] Additional engineering was handled by a team of technicians at Mainway Studios in Burlington, Ontario, including Andre Plante, L. Stu Young, and Sean McKim, who assisted with tracking elements such as drums and guitars during sessions there.[9][12] Assistant engineers David Tedesco and Kurtys Kidd also supported the recording process.[12] The overall production is credited to the band's "We Hate Music" collective, which maintained creative control throughout the project.[9][12]Musical content
Style and influences
Letters from Chutney blends alternative metal, grunge, rock, pop, and funk elements, creating a youthful, eclectic vibe distinct from the band's later work as Finger Eleven.[13][14] The album's sound draws heavily from the 1990s alternative scene, incorporating Nirvana's raw energy in its emotional intensity and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' funk-rock grooves through its rhythmic, upbeat foundations.[15] This fusion results in an energetic mix that captures the band's experimental high school origins in Burlington, Ontario.[16] The record features heavy guitar riffs layered over melodic vocals delivered by frontman Scott Anderson, complemented by driving rhythmic bass lines that propel the tracks.[13] Songs vary from aggressive, grunge-infused outbursts to more playful, funk-tinged interludes, showcasing the group's versatility and irreverent approach to rock conventions.[15] Overall, the tone is fun and lighthearted, reflecting the playful spirit of Rainbow Butt Monkeys' formation among teenage friends.[17]Track listing
The standard edition of Letters from Chutney consists of 12 tracks with a total runtime of 49:57.[18]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "As Far as I Can Spit" | 3:56 |
| 2. | "Danananana" | 4:54 |
| 3. | "Brat" | 3:57 |
| 4. | "Circles" | 4:31 |
| 5. | "Spiderprints" | 4:01 |
| 6. | "Nibber" | 3:34 |
| 7. | "Dropping" | 3:41 |
| 8. | "St. Louis" | 3:15 |
| 9. | "Scumpy" | 3:22 |
| 10. | "Cake" | 4:22 |
| 11. | "Cookin' in the Kitchen" | 5:22 |
| 12. | "Let's Pretend" | 4:47 |