It seems easy to get stuck in a musical rut, especially when that music has been paying the bills for years and then some. But for alternative-metal outfit Chevelle, a sixth full-length studio album presented the perfect opportunity to play with its signature melodic hard-rock sound, and “Hats Off to the Bull” is the triumphant result of that experimentation.
Album opener and first single “Face to the Floor” is a tight track with a relentlessly gritty riff and angry undertones that are echoed in the closing track, “Clones.”
“Same Old Trip” sheds the anger to instead feature a lyrical commentary on censorship that launches the listener even deeper into the next nine tracks. The enthralling hook it delivers is thanks in part to the addition of female harmonies by Natalie Loeffler (wife of bassist Dean Bernardini and sister of vocalist/guitarist Pete Loeffler and drummer Sam Loeffler).
The chaotic “Pinata” is an album standout that momentarily leans to the alternative end of the genre spectrum and seamlessly moves back to metal in the next beat. The title track is a forceful venture that starts off with a pop flair and finishes with Chevelle’s gritty signature riffs.
Tracks like the ethereal “Prima Donna” and the dramatic “Envy,” with its slow build and snaring climax, are a direct nod to the band’s attempt at reinvigorating its trademark sound. And “Arise” and “Revenge” are two deliberately poignant cuts that further drive the distinction home.
“Hats Off to the Bull” is a solid effort that represents Chevelle’s standing as an underdog and proves it still has some fight left. Here’s hoping this is just the tip of what’s to come.
Rating: W W W W
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