Chevelle
La Gargola
April 1st, 2014
Rarely do you come across a band whose consecutive releases consistently improve, evolving upon the previous and set the bar higher for the next. Chevelle is one such band.
My first introduction to Chevelle was at 10am on an already hot summer morning as they opened Ozzfest 2002’s second stage in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Since then, they’re gone through a singular line-up change, released 6 full length major label albums, and stepped in front of my camera 12 times. Am I fan? Of course. Does this make me too biased to write an album review? Fuck no.
La Gargola’s intensity and stylistic brilliance picks up where the band’s 2011 release, Hats Off to the Bull, left off. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the band’s formation and La Gargola proves that Chevelle is showing no signs of slowing down. Vocalist Pete Loeffler continues to push his voice to the limits, but never strains on any of the albums 10 tracks. With La Gargola, Chevelle delves into some musical experimentation whole still maintaining a sound that fans will find familiar.
Loeffler’s vocals are soothing on One Ocean, the album’s calmest track and immediately pick back up for the next track Choking Game. Loeffler’s brother and drummer, Sam, keeps the tempo high and energetic throughout the album. Bassist Dean Bernardini masterfully balances a fine line, keeping the undertone of the album ominous. The aggression and rock style that we’ve come to admire Chevelle for is still there, it’s just more focused and precise.
With the release of the band’s seventh studio album, Loeffler and crew have managed to bypass the typical perils that come with being an experienced band, ie. touring for 20 years, and continue to prove themselves just a heavy hitting as the current generation’s new bands. While I’ve never actually compared Chevelle to any other bands, I find myself thinking more and more that other band’s sound like they’ve definitely been influenced by the Chicago trio.
La Gargola is Chevelle at their musical peak. Each release from the band continues to improve on the previous. I have no doubt that their next release will be just as influential.
