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Michican’s post-hardcore sextet doesn’t do things in small measures.
Chiodos’ Bone Palace Ballet is a grand as the title suggests.
It was released in the States in September 2007, debuting at #5 on the Billboard 200, and it’s finally arrived in the UK, but as a re-issue with added tag Grand Coda.
Amongst the often dramatic high-energy decibels, the band is renowned for lead singer Craigery Owens’ high pitched vocal gymnastics which juxtapose neatly alongside some epic guitar work.
Trying to be as objective as I possibly can, post-hardcore ain’t my bag, but this band has definitely got something. In their genre, I’m certain they have little if any competition.
The song titles alone are a mouthful, but their sources are fascinating:
Lexington comes from a combination of the name of Pat McManaman’s first dog and Lexington, Kentucky, where the song was recorded.
Bulls Make Money..is a phrase commonly used by Mad Money host Jim Cramer. Bassist Matt Goddard apparently spoke the words “ If I Cut My Hair..” when drunk, while Intensity In Ten Cities is lifted from Mike Myers’ film Wayne’s World.
And so to the music. Amongst the gratuitous riffing, solos, wailing, gruffing and roars, Chiodos are simply overwhelming in power alone.
It would be cruel to dub them just another brainless bunch of blast-merchants, because they cleverly use dynamics with great effect, especially the piano. This alone displays a lot of musical sensitivity, class, and refinement found on tracks like Life Is Perception….which makes them more accessible.
Two Birds Stoned At Once opens with classical-styled strings, but soon develops into a monster, which mid-way, drops into a gentle loop, followed later by rasping solos.
Lexington is classic rock, of the Prog Rock nature: stylish piano, searing vocals, strings and pulsating drums – brilliant.
A letter to Janelle is a touching moment indeed. Formed from a break-up letter sent to Craigery by an ex-girlfriend, which is something he’s comfortable in sharing parts of its content with us.
Then again on Smitten For The Mitten, we get strings and lush vocals, and the divine piano intro of Intensity In Ten Cities is quite remarkable, bringing back memories of Evanescence’s Amy Lee delicate ivory tinkling, here by Bradley Bell. The melancholic violin is a perfect backdrop to an exquisite song. This is their jewel in the crown.
Life Is A Perception… could have been Queen in the 21st century had Freddie still been with us. It’s probably their Bohemian Rhapsody.
I Didn’t Say… is very Queenie too. Lashings of classy piano, with Craigery on fine vocal form.
The ‘acoustic’ Letter From Janelle is far superior to the original, because the lyrics which are beautifully sing, resonate better with piano and violin accompaniment.
This is only their second album – the future bodes well.
1. Two Birds Stoned At Once
2. Is It Progression If A Cannibal Uses A Fork?
3. Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot with A Monkey Face)
4. Bulls Make Money, Bears Make Money, Pigs Get Slaughtered
5. A Letter From Janelle
6. I Didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was A Wizard
7. …And The C Liver Screamed “HELP!”
8. We Swam From Albatross, The Day We Lost Kailey Cost
9. Life Is A Perception Of Your Own Reality
10. If I Cut My Hair, Hawaii Will Sink
11. Smitten For The Mitten
12. Intensity In Ten Cities
13. The Undertaker’s Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable (The Final Battle)
14. I Didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was A Wizard (Bonus Track)
15. A Letter From Janelle (Acoustic) (Bonus track)
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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
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