Rating: 8/10

A CHEVELLE ALBUM WITH RIFFS AND PICKING AND EFFECTS OTHER THAN DISTORTION AND NOT JUST STRUMMING….WHAT?!?!

Call me an elitist, but I’ve been with Chevelle from the beginning (see: [url]en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_No._1[/url]). Just sayin’. I’ve always enjoyed Pete Loeffler‘s (guitar/vocals) post-grunge singing/songwriting, but after Wonder What’s Next the albums seemed, well, recycled. The only thing to really change was lyrics that could be interpreted as anti-ex-girlfriend to anti-ex-band mate. That being established, Pete has really gotten over his inability to play technical guitar parts and sing at the same time, and soon to be released Hats Off to the Bull’s opener and lead single “Face To The Floor” is a great way to show off his newfound style. It’s a mix of classic Chevelle catchiness with riff driven verses.

I was surprised with most of the songs, actually, in a very, very good way. Everything from the non-Chevelle-esque use of effects on the guitar (“Same Old Trip“, “The Meddler”, “Revenge“) to the instances where I was reminded of and could hear the influence of other bands I enjoy (see below). Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like you won’t recognize the music as being that of Chevelle. It’s a Chevelle that has progressed into something better without leaving old fans scratching their heads and wondering “Double You Tea Eff?”. We’ve still got the acoustically fused “Prima Donna”, and the general verse/chorus/verse pop sensibilities we’ve grown to appreciate in Chevelle over the years.

One thing I wasn’t surprised with was the bass and/or drums. They were just as consistent as ever. Sam Loeffler (drums) and Dean Bernardini (bass) have earned their place in the band, and I hope Dean sticks around longer than Joe (the “Other Loeffler” and former bassist) did.

Overall a solid album and a new chapter and adventure in the book that is Chevelle.

Recommended if you enjoy (and I mention these bands because I was surprised to hear their sound in this album…..pleasantly surprised): System of a Down, Foo Fighters, Incubus, Deftones

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Hey defeat, keep up the good work with the reviews!

IMHO, Chevelle is one of the most underrated modern rock bands there are. I only listen to them in passing, but I like most of what I hear. I'll be sure to check this out.

PS. Saw them live. Great show.

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Awesome Squall sprite courtesy of Goten! Check here if you'd like a runescape or game-themed sprite!

I saw them and Bush play in Chicago this summer. It was a free show, actually. Some new cellphone came out, and it was a promotional thing. Both Chevelle and Bush were great, but I enjoyed Chevelle more.

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And by the way, thanks.
It's good to know the reviews are appreciated. I'll try and keep up.

I'm into Chevelle, so this one was fun.

5 listens into tommorrow's The Black Keys release was......OK, but I know a lot of Villagers enjoy The White Stripes, so I thought I'd give them a heads up.

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