Review Summary: The first offering by Chevelle is probably their most innovative and unique compared to all of Chevelle's albums that came after it and is as close to groundbreaking that Chevelle quite possibly will ever get
2 of 2 thought this review was well writtenTo get this out of the way first, Chevelle has never released anything ground breaking and probably won't. If you can accept this, thenit's easier to enjoy Chevelle's music
Chevelle are the most original on this release compared to any of their releases that came after. Why, might you ask? That can be debatable and difficult to answer (as is the case for most why questions). It can be said that Steve Albini's unorthodox and noise oriented approach to his producing has payed dividends for the group. Some say that the label Squint records (now defunct) hs to do with their more indie approach. But what can be said is that Point #1 sure is a breath of fresh air and is certainly much less polished compared to that of the albums to come and it makes for some good music.
From the slow to fast action of Open to the mid tempo and acoustic Peer, top to bottom Chevelle show a side of themselves that might never be seen by their fans and a side that most of their fans have never seen. The shame is that most people on this board will pass off this album based only on the band and not the music.
The strength of the album is based off one basic formula. Which is the combination of delicate interludes with blasts of noise. Most of the highlights Point #1, Skeptic, Dos, Blank Earth and the absolutely fantastic and epic Long are based off this simple but effective formula. All of these highlights seem so basic in nature when it comes to song structure but the boys know how to make it work but at the same time maintain interest. Because of this, some of the songs feel epic in nature especially in the epic Long.
Pete Loeffler's vocal delivery is so melodic and at the same time intense in most parts as evidenced in the un-human sounding shrieks of Point #1 and Long. But there's something so haunting about his vocal delivery because of his amazing set of dynamic melodies that trudge along through the inaudible parts of the songs that make it even more menacing because of its sonic quality or lack thereof.
But what makes the album so great is that Chevelle knows how to maintain the line between melodicness and aggression without taking a step either way which gives off a more fresh feeling to the album. It's a refereshing take on the typical style and format of their peers who rely more on arena rock guitars and whiny vocals. It gives it more diversity than the newer Chevelle albums .Also, the album doesn't get repetitive as quickly as much as the newer material.
But as with most albums Point #1 is not without flaws. Some of the more heavier tracks lack the melodic intent of Blank earth and dos and in the end, though sonically appealing, come off as unfocused and without a purpose as evidenced in tracks such as Skeptic and Prove to you. The latter still being a grooving and a decent but very basic in nature.
Another thing that keeps things going and interesting is the use of incredible and epic feeling solos. Some songs such as Anticipation, Point #1 and Long have some fantastic moments that wow anyone and are well needed. Long being the most fantastic song on the album and arguable one of Chevelle's best throughout their discography because of the chaotic 2 minutes that follow the melodic first half.
If your looking for something new and fresh from Chevelle, then listen to Point #1.
Recommended tracks
Long
Blank earth
Dos
Skeptic
Point #1
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