(3.5 Out of 5)

 

After listening to Sci-Fi Crimes, I have come to the conclusion that Vena Sera is still the best record in Chevelle's expanding catalog.  Sci-Fi Crimes is good, it's just not as good as the band's previous effort.  By the sixth track of the record, "Letter from a Thief," the listener begins to feel like the record is running together.  Luckily, tracks toward the end like "A New Momentum" and "This Circus" redeem Sci-Fi Crimes.

 

"Fell into Your Shoes" is a good experimental song with interesting guitar quirks and Pete Loeffler showcasing his vocal range.  "Mexican Sun" offers more of the same.  Chevelle cross a little more into the pop realm with the first single, "Jars" and "Shameful Metaphors" becomes the pop song that probably wasn't intended to be one.

 

Overall, I'd say I was a little disappointed with this new endeavor.  I was hoping for something a little heavier.  "Highland's Apparition" is an acoustic driven crooner, but somehow ended up being one of my favorite tracks on the record.  Chevelle fans will appreciate this for what it is, but will probably be hoping for something more on the next go around.    

Suggested Listening: "Highlands Apparition," "Mexican Sun" and "A New Momentum"

By: Adam Zak III - Senior Editor / Founder