Artist: Chevelle Album: Sci-Fi Crimes

Year: 2009
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Chevelle's Sci-Fi Crimes Album

Chevelle is an American rock band formed in the late '90s, consisting of brothers Pete, Sam, and Joe Loeffler. With a career spanning over two decades, the band has accumulated legions of fans worldwide and has cemented its place in the alternative rock scene. In 2009, Chevelle released their sixth studio album, Sci-Fi Crimes, under Epic Records. This album marked a change in the band's sound, with a heavier emphasis on the sci-fi and technology theme. In this blog post, I will provide a critical review of the album, including its major highlights, and also provide a brief history of the band, their style, and innovation.

Chevelle's Sci-Fi Crimes album is a progressive rock masterpiece. The album is a departure from the band's early post-grunge sound, and it's evident from the very first track Sleep Apnea. The track kicks off with a somber, processed guitar sound, before breaking into the chorus, backed by heavy drums and distorted guitar riffs. The song is a perfect example of the band's move towards the progressive metal genre and sets up the album's theme beautifully.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Roswell’s Spell. The song is an anthemic ballad that combines heavy drums and guitar riffs with a slower, melodic chorus. The lyrics tell a tale of alien abduction, and the song marks a definitive step forward for the band in terms of experimentation with themes and sounds. The Letter From a Thief is another critical highlight on this album. The song is a prime example of the band's songwriting skills, with a catchy hook and layered instrumentation that builds to an epic finale.

The album's most innovative parts occur in the second half of the album. Highland's Apparition is an instrumental track that is one of the most adventurous pieces of music the band has produced. The track is a bass-driven piece that features the band's instrumental skills. A New Momentum is another example of the band's progressive experimentation. The track is a slow-burning epic that builds to an intricate climax, featuring soaring vocals and intricate guitar work.

While Sci-Fi Crimes is a fantastic album, it isn't without criticism. The album's sci-fi theme is at times overbearing and can be off-putting for some listeners. The band's more traditional fans may also be unsettled by the shift towards heavy metal and progressive rock. However, the album showcases Chevelle's growth as musicians and their willingness to experiment with new sounds and themes.

In conclusion, Chevelle's Sci-Fi Crimes is a fantastic example of a band that isn't afraid to try new things and stretch their boundaries. The album is a masterclass in progressive rock and showcases the band's songwriting and instrumental skills. Although the sci-fi theme may be divisive, the album is a must-listen to fans of progressive and alternative rock and a great introduction to the band for new listeners.