2005-01-23 - 18:48

The Chevelle Review.

Upon receiving this cd, I popped it into the cd player, plunked myself down on the couch and went to work on editing some photos with Chevelle as delightful background noise. Halfway through the first song, I stopped my editing and got out the liner notes. Since then, I’ve listened to it in the car. I’ve listened to it during those precious moments known as lunch at work where I’m allowed to sit and not do anything work related. I’ve listened to it while walking through the mall, grinning at the contrast between the Gap's front window and track five, Breach Birth as it sings, “Be brave, reshape/ Can’t force all into molds.” I’ve made my roommate listen to it while we cooked dinner. I listened to it while I was waiting for the pharmacist to refill a prescription. I woke up this morning humming track eleven. This, my friends, is quality rock.

The music is driven inexorably forward by the interplay of the drum/bass/guitar combination. The three brothers Loeffler have all matured as musicians, and they seem to be enjoying their maturity. The songs on this CD are all tight and well crafted. When it does slow its unrelenting march to the sea we are treated to melodic tracks like Panic Prone in which singer Pete’s fantastic voice rises and demands your full attention. I found the percussion in the last track, Bend the Bracket particularly enjoyable. I found myself tapping along on the table.

At first, I didn't know what to say about this CD. I didn't want to be one of those gushing fans that waxes poetic and overuses the words "cool" and "awesome". And, then it occurred to me that I am a fan. This CD rocks. It rocks a lot. I think you should call up your local radio station and request The Clincher, Chevelle's new single. And, I think you should go see Chevelle live as they're headlining this Year's SnoCore tour. But, mostly I think this CD should be part of your collection. I know I'm pretty stoked its part of mine.

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Artificial Sound for the Artificial World:

Still more noir than you are.