Chiodos has a very different sound than most of what I listen too. They have a hectic clashing of guitar and drums that is often accompanied by piano, and their singer uses a mix of screaming and a very high, sharp voice. I really like them though, All’s Well That Ends Well especially, their second I’m not as crazy about, though I’m still a little crazy about it, but this one’s great.
We begin with “Prelude” a short but great piano piece that will become a theme of the album. You’ll hear it again and when I think of the album it’s the first thing I hear. Next comes the track that got me into Chiodos, “All Nereids Beware.” I was introduced to this song when a friend told me I oughtta learn the guitar riff in the chorus, which I did, then started really listening to album, which grew on me. The song has great guitar and piano as well as very techinical drums. It’s a good example of singer Craig Owens vocal style. The next track “One Day All Women Will Become Monsters” is also prety good. It’s a bit more consistent than most of their songs, I mean that while it showcases their sound there’s no element of theirs that really jumps at you. The next track “Expired in Goreville” is probably the worst on the album, it’s followed however by a much better song. “Baby, You Wouldn’t Last A Minute In The Creek” has a great guitar riff to start it off, and the breakdown around two thirds of the way through is probably it’s high point. It also has a really cool version of “Prelude” in the outro.
“The Words ‘Best Friend’ Become Redefined” is the best song on the album hands down. It has a romping guitar intro that dies down into great work on the piano continues as Owens come in with what are probably his best vocals on the album. The drums once he starts singing are really cool too. After the guitar and everthing come back in we experience on of the instrumental high points of the album. We end with a different rhythm with vocals that really feel like a different song. We now get to hear “Interlude Pt. 1″ another great piano instrumental. I’d really love to see Owens do some solo work with only piano. “There’s No Penguins In Alaska” is another one of the best on the album. It’s got some of the best guitar of the album. I love when the guitar starts strumming during the “Never resting time” part, which I guess could be considered the chorus. Next is “Interlude Pt. 2″ a very piratey interlude that’s seemingly a little less serious than the others.
“We’re Gonna Have Us A Champagne Jam” and “No Hardcore Dancing In The Living Room” are both pertty good tracks, the latter of which has a great buildup. The last two songs “Who’s Sandie Jenkins” and “To Trixie And Reptile, Thanks For Everything” are both pretty lackluster. This hurts the album, a great ending is very important in the overall impression an album leaves on you. Luckily for Chiodos, the high points in the beginning and middle of the album are enough to win me over.
You may not like Chiodos, a lot of people don’t, they have an abrasive style that’s a hit or miss for most. So you don’t have to like them, but if you’re a fan of punk rock, or what people now call “emo” they’re probably worth your time.
