Reviewed by Tony Cummings

IN THE MAINSTREAM

In his article this issue, Justin Style wrote about Chevelle’s ability to “blend ambience and chaos together as if they were coffee and cream.” That’s exactly what they do, these Chicago brothers displaying a breathtaking grasp of dynamics as they fuse passages of intricate delicacy with sections where Pete Loeffler threatens to permanently shred his vocal chords and the guitars roar from the speakers like hungry Dobermans. If their rather banal determination not to be labelled a “Christian band” might irritate our more zealous readers, there are in fact plenty of signs of faith on this fine album, which has now gone platinum Stateside, with “Grab Thy Hand” nothing less than a song addressed to the Lord. Production by the legendary GG Garth Richardson is stunning with Pro Tools giving everything pristine clarity bringing out all the sweep and dynamics of the Loeffler brothers’ songs. An outstanding album deserving of its US success.