Band:	Chevelle
Album:	La Gárgola
Style:	Alternative metal, Hard rock
Release date:	March 28, 2014
Guest review by:	flightoficarus

01. Ouija Board
02. An Island
03. Take Out The Gunman
04. Jawbreaker
05. Hunter Eats Hunter
06. One Ocean
07. Choking Game
08. The Damned
09. Under The Knife
10. Twinge

Sometimes I am not sure what it is about Chevelle that keeps me coming back. Their sound is the epitome of simplistic radio alternative, with just enough distortion to be loosely classified as metal. Yet something in Pete's fragile, emotive vocals draws me in. I have often referred to them as "Maynard lite," but that does not take away the fact that melodies are catchy and well-constructed. I spent many a teenage year spinning Wonder What's Next, and in 2009 Sci Fi Crimes was a welcome surprise. With La Gárgola, Chevelle further evolve their sound into alternative territory, for better or for worse.

Like many others, my introduction to this album was the single, "Take Out the Gunman." Hearing it on the radio, there was no introduction regarding the name of the song or the group. This catchy, southern rock-infused riff caught my ear, and then in come those unmistakable high-register vocals. Chevelle? Is that you? The change is not earth-shattering, but it was different enough to pique my interest. Hats Off to the Bull had left me fairly cold, and until this moment I had all but written them off. A few days later, I found myself bobbing my head to the opening moments of "Ouija Board." If nothing else, these mellow alt-metallers have managed to maintain the energy lost in so many of their peers.

Starting with the guitar, riffs are as solid as ever. Admittedly one-dimensional affairs that anyone and their little brother could play, the grooves and melodies manage to permeate the skin and stick in the ear. The aforementioned single and other toe-tapping swingers like "An Island" are both enjoyable and well-constructed. The guitar tone is warm and crunchy, just like the comfort foods it reminds me of. These tunes are the soothing potato chips to my more extreme and complex tastes.

Don't expect the other instruments to slouch either. The driving bass on "Jawbreaker" and thrilling drum patterns on "Choking Game" lead to some epic moments. Compositional strengths of the band are apparent. Everything ebbs and flows as a well-oiled machine from the cascading post-rock guitars to the urgency in the vocals. La Gárgola is proficient in creating blissful catharses. Even the hardened death metal fan in me was hard pressed not to have feels during the softer "Twinge" or "One Ocean."

Unfortunately, this release lacks the consistency I found on Sci Fi Crimes. Tracks like "Hunter Eats Hunter" and "Under the Knife" feel awkward and rushed. Lyrics can be painfully droll and reduced elegance in songwriting make the lack of technical prowess all the more glaring. Furthermore these moments bring a distracting and grinding halt to an otherwise immersive experience. I don't come to a Chevelle album to be impressed, I come to reach a certain Zen. Thus, breaking my "chi" might be more forgivable under any other circumstances.

In the end, this 2014 effort may not be mind-blowing, but I would call it a success. I give it a 5 for innovation, an 8 for enjoyability, and a 7 for musicianship. In this case, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, so I am feeling confident with a 7.5 overall. I would even rank it in my top 3 for the band. For those who enjoy this, I would recommend my personal favorite, Sci Fi Crimes.