Sci-Fi Crimes Review

Released: Aug 31, 2009
Genre: Hard Rock, Alternative Metal
Label: Epic
Number Of Tracks: 11
Sci Fi Crimes is defiantly going to be a classic Chevelle album, and a fine look at Hard Rock in this era.

Sound:	8.7
Lyrics:	9.3
Impression:	9.3
Overall rating:	9.1
Users rating:	9.4
Comments:	25

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: talia., on november 23, 2009

Sound: I have always loved the heavy-ness of Chevelle, and with bands today changing their styles, I was afraid Chevelle would be a victim. But Sci-Fi Crimes surely stays true to the gritty hard rock that is produced by them. Sci-Fi Crimes starts off with a band with Sleep Apnea and by no means slows down anytime soon. The sound is incredible. Few songs throw this record off (Highland's Apparition and Interlewd) because it shows that they tried to try new sounds, but it does work to some extend. Overall, solid on sound. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: As I was listening to this album, I remembered that Sam (drummer) said that Pete (singer) never rhymes in any of his lyrics; and he's been very consistent. None of the lyrics on Sci-Fi Crimes rhyme, which adds to his ability to constantly innovate amazing lyrics that fit so well with the music. Shameful Metaphors is a great example of his deep lyrics mixed with their heavy sound. Fell into Your Shoes is also another great track that shows off Pete's skills. There isn't much screaming on this record, but when there is, it is perfection. // 10

Impression: Overall Impression of this record is awesome. This is definitely one of their great albums and it might be one of the great albums of this year for me. I love that Chevelle can be innovative and creative without sounding redundant and dull. Mexican Sun and Roswell's Spell are probably the greatest songs off this album, along with Shameful Metaphors, Letter from a Thief, This Circus, and Jars. This album does not disappoint Chevelle fans for sure. // 9

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: inflamedpersona, on september 03, 2009

Sound: Chevelle's fifth studio effort takes something of a Point #1-type approach to the Vena Sera sound of Chevelle. The sound continues to become more polished, all while maintaining the signature Chevelle power, but this album seems to have allowed Chevelle to return to their roots and sound a bit more mortal. Perhaps a testament to Pete Loeffler's improving abilities, editing and touch-ups on this album seem less apparent and frequent than on previous albums. This becomes immediately apparent once the first chorus of "Sleep Apnea" hits. Cookie-cutter mainstream listeners probably will find the end result as unrefined or sloppy, which may hurt the album's overall appeal; loyal fans and more abstract listeners, on the other hand, will love it as much as any other album. The harmonies continue to be Pete's shining points in his writing; conversely, some of his vocal progressions and changes sometimes are a little too unexpected, particularly when paired with the accompanying guitar. Pete is not characteristic, though, for following the rules of songwriting; this is bona fide Chevelle sound and deserves the undivided attention of anyone, fan and skeptic alike. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: To say Chevelle is abstract is like saying China has just a few people living there. It's almost a little comical to listen to some fans complain about not being able to understand the more intellectually-driven lyrics. For Chevelle's bigger fans, this is just another palatable aspect of their songs; they really can't be fully enjoyed unless you consider the meaning. For example, depending on who you talk to, "Get Some" (off their third album) is either about the absurd "American Idol" hype or whiskey. Brainiac, according to the band, is an ironic shot at an old family friend, whose slow wit garnered the nickname "One [brain] Cell." This CD has some recurring themes (animals, particularly cats, as well as some unknown "man" who receives nods in several songs), but it really takes a close look and a lot of listens to ascertain any sort of meaning behind the songs. Pete writes almost entirely in metaphor, which means you aren't going to pick up one of their albums and say "Oh, that song must've been about a bad relationship" as you can with bands like Nickelback or Lifehouse. This, in a way, forces the listener to pay attention to the lyrics more, which adds a deeper dimension past the aesthetics of the music. The lyrics take some time to marinate and show their worth (not unlike the album itself, which will be explained shortly), but they run akin to the works of Deftones and Tool in the way they further contribute to the quality of the music. // 9

Impression: Even though Chevelle is unquestionably my favorite band, it took a few run-throughs to get the full effect of the album. Suffice to say, it grows on you. It isn't their best album, granted, but this effort is comparable to Tiger Woods winning by four or five strokes; it's fairly expected, unexciting at times, but winning is still winning. In this case, good music is still good music, and Sci-Fi Crimes can still stand far above a lot of the best albums of countless other bands with ten times the credit Chevelle receives. It shows maturity and an unwillingness to compromise in exchange for superficial fanbases, a quality rarely seen in modern rock bands; and at the expense of otherwise good music, no less. Expect at least three singles from this CD, including "Sleep Apnea" and "Shameful Metaphors" -- the latter of which being arguably one of their best songs yet. "Highland's Apparition" is an underrated acoustic song of similar caliber, while "Letter From a Thief" (originally the working title of the album) and "Roswell's Spell" are in-your-face also-rans with catchy choruses. "Fell Into Your Shoes" and "A New Momentum" are the only weak songs in the lineup, although they still garner the occasional listen. Not to be forgotten, "Jars" is a respectable opening single as well. A solid effort from the band and, if nothing else, a sign of even better things to come. // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: MetallicStrat8, on september 01, 2009

Sound: Chevelle is back with its follow up to there hugely successful Vena Sera. Let me say now this album is a little different from what would be expected by Chevelle in some ways. First they defiantly got back to some of there roots on this one. As from the singles the whole album just has a completely different feel to it. But this is still high powered chevelle. On this one Dean Bernideni is defiantly more noticeable on the bass. Also on this one we see more variety in Pete Lofflers guitar playing, as he actually has these brilliant intricate solos. This record also features some flaws, in a good way, because if you notice it shows a more natural side to the band when they don't use Pro Tools the whole time to adjust little things. Its nice to see that Chevelle is maturing in there out look on everything around them. In a recent interview that I watched Pete talks about the album being a lot deeper than the surface that its has a more personal meaning to it. But all in all the album was good,there was even an acoustic song on the album that we haven't heard since 'This Type of Thinking (Could do us In)' ,and despite a little interlude track that was not necisarily needed, as well as a recuring guitar riff in some songs, but all in all this album was sonic. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: As usual with the lyrics of Peter Loffler, he speaks mostly in metaphors and other forms of non traditional lyrical styles. On this record pete tries to make every aspect of himself more than it ever was. Pete is really the heart and soul of this band in my opinion. His sing overall is but the same, but that's not a bad thing he has a wonderful voice that can reach so many octaves and has a wide range. Taking another look at the lyrics, Pete really put some time into it and his emotions. But also we something in Chevelle that is not as prominent as it usually is, that being harmony's. Pete is mostly solo singing, but as I said before that is a good thing he has an amazing powerful voice. And as usual Pete tries to match up his voice with the guitars, and he executes it very well. But for some new comers to the band Petes lyrics might be a little tough to get at first. // 9

Impression: All in all Sci Fi Crimes is defiantly going to be a classic Chevelle album, and a fine look at Hard Rock in this era. This album featured some of Chevelle best works my top 3 would have to be 'Letter from a Thief' 'Roswell' and 'A New Momentum'. This album had so much expectation from my self and it was filled. This was a great record from start to finish, it was fun to listen to the album especially the new acoustic song 'Highland Apparition' which I hope people will like. The songs on this album show a human side to the band despite the name of it, Chevelle is evolving as a band in the formation of making solos and heavy interesting riffs and this record showcases all of those aspects. From the Start Chevelle was a very good band and they have only just begun what is to be a very long career. // 10

Comments

[Murf247]

Can't wait to go and pick this one up.

[Rockinguitar]

Agreed, when I heard "Jars" I had the entire Kroger parking lot looking at me I was acting so crazy XD

[Chevelle454]

This is a great Album. I like it even more than Vena Sera. Chevelle is by far my favorite band. keep it going guys

[AlmostLikeLife]

I can't wait to pick this up.

[RivercrestColts]

This is their best album yet, which is hard to say because of all the other ones that were just great too!

[wastedthelight]

Are you freaking kidding me?! The sucks and is by far their worst! I'd ALMOST want to listen to Point #1 before this (if it was remixed and mastered). Sleep Apnea I think is easily the best song on the album and Jars is pretty decent but other then that I thought this album was trash.

I love all of Chevelle's other CD's and just saw them for the second time last Friday (which they have sucked both times, horrible live band) but I don't think this album was worth putting out.

[FooFighter1927]

chevelle never dissappoint. i'm hoping this release will be the same way.

[Paroxysm]

Bought it today and been listening to it since. It's solid.

[rocklee1431]

you should seriously check for spelling errors

[Washburn91]

rocklee1431 wrote:

you should seriously check for spelling errors

I agree..when you have a nicely written review, it adds to the impression the readers get from it.

[cpopken]

I agree about the spelling errors, otherwise a good review. Looking forward to this one.

[Maydin88]

Solid review, solid album, solid band. I saw them live right when vena Sera came out. I can tell you ive been to many large and small concerts in my day and Chevelle blew the roof off the tiny house of blues in New Orleans. They were so amazing live considering pete has to sing and play at the same time. I cant see how anyone could say they are bad live. They blew my expectations out the water. It was one of my favorite concerts up there with rage against the machine, tool, and STP. These guys are so cool and down to earth and deserve every bit of the success theyve recieved. I really like this album so far, and Im only about halfway through it. each song grows on me more and more as I give a closer listen.

[Jigsawwill]

bought it today.. great album from start to finish. You can kick back and listen to this thing all day long. Very diverse.

[Metalingus96]

Pretty good CD. I got it early since they played here in STL and were selling EP's to download the cd with.

Sleep Apnea, Jars, Roswell's Spell, A New Momentum and This Circus are my personal favorites.

[Covin]

Really didn't like Vena Sera, so when people say it's better than that one...well, I don't think that took much. lol

[K!!LsWiTcH]

is he reading defiantly as in, it never happens so its defiant that they are doing certain things? or is that just how he ****ed up the word definitely

[HGF]

not that bad, pretty nice album

[MethLabForCutie]

definitely the BEST hard rock band out there, everyone else seems so generic... but still need to buy the CD. love these guys and everything they do. can't wait to listen

[jp_cheif]

Been waiting for this for months. Personally think its a solid album. Def better then vena sera. Seeing them oct 3 at bayfest! And shall write a review bout it. Chevelle rocks \m/

[chocolateTeddy]

abstract metaphores are always welcomed

[GoToSleep]

Is this really up there with WWN and TTOT? I wasn't big on Vena Sera, it felt too commercial, but at the same time had bad production.

[Bconvis]

First off, I'll say that Chevelle is not my favorite band, but one of my favorites, up there with Godsamck and Disturbed.
second, i'll say that Wonder What's Next is there best album. It features some of their more mediocre songs, liek Send the pain Below and The Red (Maybe I'm just sick of all the old radio play), but it also contains their best music, including: Family System, Comfortable Liar, Don;t Fake This and Forfeit.
That being said, this is a very good album. Not only does it begin perfectly, with Sleep Apnea, it finished strong with This Circus, something a lot of bands don't do. Inbetween is a mixed bag, with some excellent songs, but also some misses. This is not to say that the misses are bad songs; they are good songs that are just missing that extra intangible soemthing that would have made them great songs. Overall, a great album, though it will take several listen-throughs to appreciate it. Highly recommended. see my entire review at www.notjustaboringdentist.com

[Bconvis]

God, my spelling above sucks. Gotta proof-read better

[Corner9]

Excellent album. Big step forward after a little misstep with Vena Sera. Definately worth the money!

[CaptainPants]

This album is now firmly wedged in my mind. Didn't do much for me on the first listen but it really grows on you. Especially love "This Circus".