Song Of The Week: 9/25/11

Song: "Family System"

Artist: Chevelle

Album: "Live From The Road"

Year: 2003



"Family System" appears to be a song about a family that is crumbling apart. There does not appear that there is any possible way to fix the situation as well. It definitely feels like divorce is going to be inevitable, especially when you read the lyrics and the vocalist says things like the things he used to love (family, spouse perhaps) he's learned to hate. There's no resurrecting this family structure. Chevelle formed as a band back in 1995, hailing from a suburb just outside of Chicago. The band was made up of three brothers, Pete Loeffler on guitar and vocals, Sam Loeffler on drums and Joe Loeffler on bass. After playing live shows for a few years, Chevelle finally recorded their debut album "Point #1" in 1999. The album began generating some buzz in music circles and when their small record label folded, they would be picked up by Epic Records and in 2002, would release their most successful album, "Wonder What's Next". The original recording of "Family System" would open up this album, the version I chose as my song of the week was from the band's live album, 2003's "Live From The Road". "Wonder What's Next" achieved platinum status thanks in part to the hit singles "The Red" and "Send The Pain Below". After recording their next album, 2004's "This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In)", the band parted ways with brother Joe. As his replacement, Chevelle kept it in the family by bringing in their brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini to perform bass duties. Chevelle remained a very active band as they would release new material basically every two years including 2007's "Vena Sera" and 2009's "Sci-Fi Crimes". Their style can basically be boiled down to alternative hard rock with hints of metal. They are often compared to Tool, mostly because of Pete Loeffler's singing voice which is similar to that of Maynard James Keenan. While both bands feature dark elements in their music and their lyrics, Chevelle's music is definitely more radio friendly than Tool. I would probably say Chevelle is more similar to bands like Staind, Helmet and Handsome. Currently, Chevelle is in the process of wrapping up what will be their sixth studio album which is set for release in December of 2011.