Review Summary: Yes sir!!!
When a well loved and well respected band decides to tweak their sound and try something a little different from the norm, they can definitely catch a lot of heat, or be idolized. Either way, the band evolves for better or worse. Luckily here, Chevelle has done something amazing and created an album that cements their status in the rock/metal world.
Experimental. This is the first word that came to mind when I listened to The North Corridor for the first time.
Chevelle has always been one of the most consistent rock acts to grace the scene in the last 15+ years, and while they haven't done much to stray from their signature sound, this isn't your typical Chevelle album.
It's heavy, there is no doubt about that, but there's an element of experimentation that works incredibly well. When the opening track, "Door to Door Cannibals" crashes in with that typical grundgy crunching guitar, you know this is going to be another great Chevelle album. Pete's vocals have never been better, but what really stands out in The North Corridor are the infectious and groovy basslines, which permeate throughout the album and create a sound you can really immerse yourself into. This is especially true on the wickedly unique slow burn "Punchline" which shows the band at its best with its atmospheric soundscape of echoing drums and a tribal vibe.
"Warhol's Showbiz" is another very experimental track that has many Chevelle-esque tendencies but also adds a certain level of thought provoking tonal shifts and soaring guitar work. Pete also uses a lot of heavy/soft transitions with his voice. Think of this album as a two sided coin where the elements of heavy and soft bleed together in one continuous musical experience. "Rivers" is the most notable track to display this, which begins with a smooth, flowing melody, but traverses into a booming chorus with all the members displaying their talents.
Despite the two sided coin metaphor, there are some straight up heavy moments like in "Young Wicked" which is a fantastic song with some very catchy riffs and hooks. Hearing Pete scream, "Yes sir!" with a chanting crowd repeating him, immediately gave me goosebumps because of the sheer confidence and exertion of the lyric.
It's not often that I hear an album that I have found no flaws in, but The North Corridor is absolutely flawless from start to finish. Believe, I've tried to find faults, but there are none. It's without a doubt, an instant classic. If you are a fan of Chevelle, you won't be disappointed with the changes they've made to their sound. This could definitely be a springboard for a pure shift of sound that I believe could catapult the band to legendary status. It just proves that they are capable of pulling off anything they try. I say, keep experimenting.
