Notwithstanding (album)

The album was produced by Matt Hyde, who recorded the band after hearing their 4-song demo.[6][7] All four band members contributed to the songwriting, which often aspired to U2-esque songs about social problems and universal themes.[8][9]

The title of the album is a reference to the legal argot that kept appearing in Chalk FarM's recording contract.[10]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[11]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide	[12]
St. Petersburg Times	C−[13]

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."[4] 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."[13] The Sun Herald considered the songs to be "essential progressive pop rock—usually medium- to up-tempo, always crystal clear."[14]

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."[15] 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."[16] 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."[17]

AllMusic called Notwithstanding "a cohesive, endearing album" with choruses that "are littered with instantly recognizable hooks."[11] MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide labeled it "mediocre, middle-of-the-road rock."[12]