Chevelle 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 they start getting loud. Publicly, HM Magazine has reported the band as stating that they "wanted more of a produced sound." The conflict between these contrasting styles is evident throughout the album, the delicate rocker "Point #1" being followed by the massive grunge groove of "Prove To You." This dynamic exists throughout the album, songs such as "Dos," with its slowly crescendoing guitars and vocals being followed by more grunge influenced songs like "Long."
Vocally, lead singer Pete Loeffler is incredible. Dynamic and versatile, he can go from a hushed whisper to a warbled scream in a second. The guitars are also handled by Pete, and they are as well-done as the vocals, sharing the same qualities as his voice. Drum and bass responsibilities are well-handled by Pete's brothers, Joe and Sam.
The lyrics of Chevelle's songs read more as complex free-verse poetry than conventional song lyrics. The simple, bitterly delivered words of "Dos" are the most heartfelt:
*Begging * Do you mean groveling*
*Settling * It's not the same*
*Begging * Do we take what's left?*
*Settling * Don't take requests*
(Chorus)
You two, you're what's left, I don't take requests
But for you two, come this far
I might have something,
To say.
The tight musicianship of the band is surprisingly good, as evidenced by the band having impressed CMJ enough to land a spot on their monthly disc. And while this album is not quite as good as it probably could have been, the Christian market has desperately needed something like this for awhile. A new, talented band with a fresh musical combination is always welcome, nagging flaws aside. Listeners should plan on listening to this album through headphones in order to fully appreciate some of the album's quieter moments.
4 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 James StewartThe 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…Similar sounding releases
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