Chevelle
The North Corridor

Release Date: 2016 | Tracklist

Chevelle has always been consistent as a band. Their sound is very similar to a heavier Tool with groovy guitar riffs. Formed in 1995, Chevelle was a family band led by the trio of Loeffler brothers. Joe Loefller (bassist) left the band in 2005 and was replaced by Geno Lenardo until they hired their brother-in-law Dean Benardini who brought new ideas and sounds to the table. Getting airplays in 2002 for the album Wonder What’s Next (The Red, Closure, Send The Pain Below) Chevelle has never stopped maturing their sound while keeping their trademark sound. The North Corridor is their eighth release and is probably their heaviest release to date.

One noticeable change in this release is the production. It feels rawer than ever, especially during the groovy riffs of Joyride (omen). Chuggy guitars, groovy rhythms make this album a headbanger. Pete Loeffler screams a lot and is louder than ever. Gone are the slower songs we were used to, Chevelle now blends both sounds (soft and aggressive) into each song which works perfectly. Bass lines are more present than ever, adding another dimension to their compositions. While the singles by themselves weren’t outstanding, they do fit perfectly in this 44 minute experience. New sounds such as Warhol’s Showbiz, Joyride (omen) and Punchline are breath a fresh air from Chevelle. The impressive closer A Shot From A Cannon shows the band building an eight minute song with repetitive riffs yet adding lots of dynamic with the intensity of Pete’s vocals and guitar work and the awesome grooves of Lenardo’s bass.

While improving their sound, Chevelle falls into the trap of repetition. This lack of variation in the songs is saved a little by the length of the album. Forty four minutes is enough to get you just a little bored after a few listens, but it’s not enough bring this album down. The production while feeling rawer than their previous release might be a turn off for some listeners but is definitely a huge addition to the soundscape of North Corridor. Highlights from this album are a little hard to find although the opener and closer do show some of Chevelle’s best qualities.

The trio has done it again, making North Corridor another great release. This is probably one of the most consistent Hard Rock trio today, with always a new direction in every release while keeping their trademark sound. Loeffler and co. are not done yet, and this is promising future for the band. One thing that is sure is that this album fits perfectly what Chevelle fans adore and won’t disappoint them.

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