The back-to-front CD case signals immediately that here is another release from the record label that brought us Sixpence None the Richer and Burlap to Cashmere's latest releases. But there is none of the acoustic intricacy of either of those bands here. Instead, Chevelle take their cue from the harder end of alternative rock, calling on influences from bands like Bush and Tool and making them their own.
The chugging single-chord introductory track may put some off with its repetitiveness, but it acts as a build-up to the most accessible track on the disc, which is also the title number. With Jeremy Enigk-style half-whispered vocals kicking things off, there is even the hint of a hook in the chorus as the guitars begin to churn. Steve Albini is nothing if not an experienced producer and he has helped the band to a much fuller sound than is often to be found on Christian-market releases. All the musical elements are distinct without being separate, and the band sound rock-solid.
It would seem very uncharacteristic if Steve Taylor were to sign a band whose lyrics were not up to par, and this album doesn't do anything to change our view of Mr. Taylor. The lines are generally short and sharp, but Pete Loeffler (lyrics, vocals, guitar) keeps the emotion and the imagery to the fore. Try this from the fourth track, "Mia":
Watch me heap up what I've sown
I'm made of peanuts not of shells
God spares a quality of himself
Uniquely designed but we can't help ourselves
After use of guitar delay for the introduction, the majority of "Mia" is another frenetic workout for the band, with a compelling riff from Pete Loeffler, while his brother Joe's fingers show they know their way all around the neck of his bass. The band is made up entirely of one family, with a third brother, Sam, taking care of drum duties.
MTV began playing the video for the first single from this album immediately, and the exposure is well-deserved given the tightness of the band and the high quality of Albini's production. Chevelle are not treading any new paths, but they are up there with the best of those they come after.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #78Reviewed by Chad OlsonToo often certain people or bands receive attention because of who they know, who "discovered" them, what record label they're on, or who produced their album(s). Whenever you read about actress Rose McGowan, fiancé Marilyn Manson is certain to be mentioned. Pick up an article on David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar, and Van Halen is probably thrown in somewhere. Courtney Love often equals an inevitable…Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by Ben SmithIt isn't often that I come across a truly remarkable Christian band. After reading several rave reviews of Point #1, I decided I should find out for myself how good this band is. I bought the disc, and after a few listens to Chevelle's Point #1, I was thoroughly convinced that Chevelle is a truly remarkable band, and has put out a very solid album. After a slightly repetitive instrumental opening…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Joe RockstrohChevelle has been hailed as Christian music's Tool, but are they really? The surface comparisons are there: the high whispered vocals, the taut atmospheric guitars, the sudden rhythm changes. But the Tool comparisons end there. Producer Steve Albini has infused a definite grunge sound into the band's songs, as evidenced by the dirty-sounding drums and the thick fuzz surrounding the guitars when…Similar sounding releases
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