December 6th, 2011 
Jordan Munson 
Artist: Chevelle
Album: Hats Off To The Bull
Label: Epic
Genre: Post-grunge / alternative metal
Remember the early 2000s when the hard rock/post-grunge/alternative metal scene was exploding? Bands such as 10 Years, Chevelle, Taproot, Trapt, Cold, Earshot, etc. were a dime a dozen–and most of them weren’t that great. A few of these bands are still kicking around, Chevelle being one that never really stopped doing their thing. Don’t believe me? Their last album, Sci-Fi Crimes hit number one the hard rock and alternative charts, as well as number six on the Billboard 200. Not too shabby for a band that pretty much disappeared with their dying scene around 2005 with the departure of their bassist.
With the new album, Hats Off To The Bull, Chevelle sound like a recharged band. While they’re still playing music that is very distinctly Chevelle, but much more fresh than the band has been in recent years. They’ve clearly moved beyond the restraints of the boxes they’ve been placed in, toying with vocal melodies and harmonies that are irregular for Chevelle and their previous cohorts. From the very first guitar riff and vocal line, you know that this isn’t the Chevelle you thought you knew. Seemingly channeling his inner Maynard James Keenan, Pete Loeffler opens the record with a groovy, attitude-packed verse–an energy that holds up for the entire record.
What Chevelle seems to have finally mastered on Hats Off To The Bull that seemed to elude them on previous releases is was straddling the line between a warm familiarity and pushing the boundaries a bit. It isn’t until the sixth track on the album (“Envy”) that it becomes a bit obvious that you’re hitting some unfamiliar territory. It just so happens that “Envy” is the hands-down best track on the album. A track which sees Chevelle at their most dramatic, dynamic, and vulnerable–a superbly written track that features the album’s best verse, best vocal line, and the most melodic diversity.
One of the biggest perks of higher-profile modern rock records is that the production is usually phenomenal. There isn’t a single complaint that can be made to the sound of the album. Mixing, mastering, production–it’s all spot on. The only real downside is that the amount of assistance the riffs receive from the production becomes quite apparent. On top of that, Chevelle is all too quick to revert to their comfort zone. Just when it feels like they’re on a roll with doing something new, they deliver a song that sounds as though it could have been plucked straight from Vena Sera. It’s not a huge flaw, but it really just feels lacking a bit.
If you like Chevelle, you’ll like Hats Off To The Bull. If you don’t like Chevelle, this probably won’t make you a convert. A pleasant listen that sees the band almost return to tip-top shape (This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In) still reigning supreme). It’s nice to see Chevelle still putting out solid releases.
Score: 7/10
Written by: Jordan Munson (check him out on Twitter)
[soundcloud url=”http://soundcloud.com/chevelle-1/face-to-the-floor/s-b8fNq”]
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I love Chevelle and all, but Taproot never stopped “doing their thing” either. And they’re NOT a dime a dozen. They have a sound that’s all their own. I just think you should show them a little respect. (Not angry, just very supportive of my boys)
I would disagree about Chevelle disappearing about 2005 as Vena Sera’s singles did well on the charts. Agree about their hesitation to push boundaries though.
I like Taproot and all, but seeing the amount of people totally floored that they were still a band after the news of them signing to Victory records–it’s hard to argue against the fact that they almost completely disappeared (even if they were still making music). Back when Taproot broke with their fantastic single “Poem” bands of that style really were everywhere. Don’t mean any disrespect here, just giving some historical context.
Great review Jordan. I like everything Chevelle has put out so far and though they have a formula that works, it’s great to see them break the mold a little. I can honestly say I haven’t been this drawn to a new album since This Type of Thinking which definitely was hands down the most polished until perhaps now. I have been listening to Hats Off since I got my hands on it and can’t seem to put it down.
Totally agree that Envy may be the best track on the album. It makes me want to put the armor on while preparing for an epic battle like I’m in 300 or Braveheart. However, the preceeding track Pinata is definitely battling for a top spot in my book. I’m not one for catchy choruses, persay, but the Serj-like chorus really grabs me. Plus, I like the fact that though minimal, there is actually a…wait for it – a mini guitar solo. It’s definitely a great album all around and I can’t wait to see this material live.
On a sidenote… as a huge Taproot fan myself, I was selfishly happy to see them play in a small strip mall bar in front of a hundred people earlier this year bu at the same time, it was kind of upsetting. I was used to seeing them play in front of thousands of people in the early 2000s so it’s a shame they’re back to playing the small bar scene again. Regardless once the lights came, you would have thought they were playing a sold out Madison Square Garden with the energy they exude on stage.
Thanks for reading, yo! To clarify, I was more specifically talking about buzz regarding the band, not really charting success. They sold remarkably well considering how little buzz they got.
Yeah, Piñata probably was my second favorite track on the album.
Thanks for reading!
Good review. I don’t think its their best effort but Face and Meddler are easily two of my favorite Chevy tracks. The chorus of Meddler is one of Chevelle’s finest. You hit it spot on that you can really tell the production with the guitar – I’ve never known why Pete won’t add a rhythm guitarist to the tour to really help their sound (a ton of tracks live don’t sound nearly as similar as they do on the record). Still a good piece. Envy is definitely solid, it sounded great live last week at Clemson.
I enjoyed your review! I’m half-way through my first listen at the moment.
Chevelle has always been the only band of that cohort I’ve ever liked, and I’m quite impressed with this album. Their first two have albums always been my favorite, but I have a feeling this will slide into third place.
Well, you did talk about Sci-Fi Crimes’ chart performance. ;-)
Yeah, I’m pretty sure This Type Of Thinking will always be my favorite Chevelle record. It’s so fantastic on just about every level.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading dude!
I enjoyed the post. I have to say that I haven’t listened to anything but this album since it’s release. I travel 1000+ miles a week for work (all in my vehicle). I love the hole album and would agree that Envy and Pinata are great songs but I find my self listening to Ruse, Meddler and Clones just as much. With all the great material on this album I can’t put one song at the top. Great album! Thanks for the review.
It really dont matter to me what ppl think about chevelle i like chevelle since there frist ablum as soon as i listed to there first ablum i knew that they were different from everybody else a lot of ppl should stop comparing them to other bands really and see them for there unique sound that no one else has and just to say my part i think alot of bands out there other an chevelle sound alot a like to my ears just because there dont play the hard tempo and all that like alot of bands do you should see how unique and different they are to my see and i like all of chevelle ablums i guess what im tryin to say is just look at them for what and who they are and not how they should play there music and please stop doing the comparing and i dont think they will play like ppl want them to thats what makes them unique in music