It's a safe assumption to think that the vast majority of FPC readers view MTV the same: as a colossal, malevolent, big-business fueled entity that has consistently sucked away at musical integrity and multi-genre diversity since the day of its inception. For all of the channel's faults - and they are many - every once in a blue moon, a really good band manages to poke its head above the mediocre detritus of Limp Bizkit interviews and Britney Spears videos designed for 12-year-old girls and zit-faced guys who are just discovering the joys of masturbation. One day, while chain-smoking and reading National Geographic, I just happened to have MTV on as it was premiering its newest show, "Under the Radar."

After starting off with Fear Factory's utterly embarrassing version of "Cars" (this is the band that once took the stage of Newark's Studio One like a demon with "Scapegoat?"), I was shocked to see a video for Chevelle's "Mia." I first came across this three-piece of brothers (Pete, Joe and Sam Loeffler) at the radio station in Rowan University, where I do my metal show, and was instantly intrigued by the band's sound. Just my dumb luck, though - I forgot to dub the album before I left for the summer, and subsequently forgot about them. But not for long. The video reminded me of how good Chevelle is, and I went out the next day and bought the album. (Egads...does this mean that the MTV market-machine has finally gotten to me?)

The disquieting video for "Mia" bears an almost plagiaristic resemblance to Adam Jones' brilliant work with Tool's videos, and in listening to "Point #1," it becomes apparent that the Tool similarity also applies to Chevelle's music as well. In my book, however, having anything in common with one of the most talented and unique bands in music today is a good thing. Don't get me wrong; while Pete Loeffler's vocals are a great deal like Maynard James Keenan's, and while Chevelle is fond of the same sense of dynamic control mastered by Tool, the band retains its own style and unique sound.

Point #1 was recorded by the legendary Steve Albini, who has definitely hit his stride after recording Neurosis' Times of Grace (the highpoint of his career in my opinion). Like any Albini record, the drums are crystal clear and perfect, the guitars thick and roaring and the bass skillfully embedded in each mix. Chevelle is tighter than a nun librarian - so much so, in fact, that a strong Helmet influence can be heard in many of the tracks, especially the instrumental intro "Open," the album's title track, "Prove To You" and "Skeptic." Joe and Sam lock in like robots; thankfully, due mostly in part to Joe Loeffler's skill and keen air for tension and release, the songs have more an urgent, organic feel than the stiff, metronomical vibe of Prong.

The highlight of Chevelle, however, is in Pete Loeffler's fragile, hyper-expressive guitar playing and his remarkably emotive voice. The former can be compared to the stylings of Hum; beautiful clean-sound guitar sections that drop off to crunchy chords and aggressive distortion. But Pete's guitar playing is more unpredictable, in a sense, and much more personal. The poignant strumming in the beginning of "Dos" illustrates his approach; he captures the listener's ear with the simple, almost sad progression. As it develops (with Joe and Sam slowly coming in), the song powers to a fully distorted climax that is stunning in its execution.

Ah, but I’m saving the best for last, and that is, without a doubt, Pete’s vocals. As mentioned before, his range and command is a lot like Maynard’s, but, strangely enough, I also hear a bit of Daniel Johns (Silverchair). It is Pete’s voice that plays the central role in all of Chevelle’s songs, and for good reason - his melodic voice has an angelic range, going from an almost-whisper to anger-fueled singing. Yes, Pete SINGS, not raps or screams, and fuck is it refreshing. The stand-out track on the album, "Long," features Pete singing softly in an almost confessional tone, "And we blame him/ And we blame him/ Reasons I ask you’ll know why/ As sure as I’m here you’ll know why/ Because he won’t leave me out in the cold/ See how the sparrows get fed by our Lord." While these semi-christian lyrics would normally make me vomit, Pete’s lyrics and voice reveal such a level of complex emotion that I’m instantly drawn into each song. When "Long" powers to a close with Pete holding the last word of "hold me close" for a staggering 14 seconds, shivers will be going down your spine. Listeners will find that, with repeated listens - and yes, since Point #1 has no filler racks and is impressive from beginning to end, it demands repeat listens - Chevelle’s music has a level of depth and intelligence that is simply not found in most bands that are ever played on MTV.

Could this give us hope for the future; that next year we might wake up to see a Pain Jerk video on Total Request Live? I wouldn’t go that far, but in the meantime, it’s good to know there are new bands like Chevelle coming out that have so much talent and promise. 

~James Quirk of  fpc.hypermart.net