| | |  | Rock | Home » » » Sci-Fi Crimes | | | | | | | Product Promotions: | | | | | Description: | | 2009 release from the Alt-Rockers, the follow up to their smash album Vena Sera (2007). Formed in 1995, the Chicago-based band has remained a staple in the Rock scene with six Top 5 Modern Rock hits under their belt, including the #1 songs "Send the Pain Below" and "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" as well as fan favourites, "The Red" and "The Clincher". The band is made up of Pete Loeffler (vocals, guitars), brother Sam Loeffler (drums), and brother-in-law Dean Bernardini (bass). Chevelle's 2009 album is the work of a band taking stock of itself after a strenuous decade of recording and touring. | | | Product Details: | | | Audio CD Release Date:
| August 31, 2009 | | Studio:
| Sony | | Number Of Discs:
| 1 | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 114 reviews |
| | | Track Listing: | | | 1. | Sleep Apnea | | 2. | Mexican Sun | | 3. | Shameful Metaphors | | 4. | Jars | | 5. | Fell Into Your Shoes | | 6. | Letter From A Thief | | 7. | Highland's Apparition | | 8. | Roswell's Spell | | 9. | Interlewd | | 10. | A New Momentum | | 11. | This Circus | |
| | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 114 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 52 found the following review helpful:
 Static...or Dynamic?Sep 01, 2009
By Clancy
Chevelle have done it again.
A very solid, interesting album from a band who is CONSISTENT!
Each album of theirs is very good, you know what to expect.
You can't please everyone, though. For a band that stays true to sound, "all of their songs sound the same."
For a band that drastically changes their sound (Linikin Park, Thrice, etc.), "I want another -insert 1st or 2nd album from said band." Not to say the evolved band doesn't still make good music. You buy their album expecting something similar to what made you buy their previous.
Bands just can't win. Chevelle is about as close as you can get to winning,though.
You get some of the rocking stuff, with a taste of the lighter stuff, and even some unexpected things.
So it comes down to this....do you want your bands staying the same?
Or, do you want your band ever-changing, leaving their core sound behind? I'll stick with Chevelle right in the middle.
Sci-Fi Crimes is lyrically their best, no doubt. Pete has a unique writing style that fits perfectly with the music. The album overall is their lightest to date, with still a good amount of punch.
This Type of Thinking remains their best, with Wonder What's Next behind. Not sure whether I like Vena Sera or SFC better yet. Track-by-track...
1. Sleep Apnea- Best hard track since The Clincher. Heavy guitar, strong melody, interesting lyrics. 10/10
2. Mexican Sun- This one took a while to grow on me. A heavier track, the chorus is a little awkward IMO, but the bridge is the best part for me. 8/10
3. Shameful Metaphors- Saferwaters-lite. Strong track all-around,the chorus is one of their best. Rumored to be a single, and it should be. 9/10
4. Jars- This album's "Well Enough Alone." Catchy track, but maybe I ruined it listening to it too much at first. A little repetitive, and just not that strong compared to the rest of the album. 6/10
5. Fell Into Your Shoes- This song reminds me of the end of Fight Club for some reason. This is also a grower, as is this album in general. I did not like it much at first, now it's a favorite of mine. The "experimental" track,for sure. 8.5/10
6. Letter From a Thief- I was expecting a lot from this track, and I wanted it to be a favorite song of mine. However, it's just pretty good. Solid, catchy, I wish it sounded a little heavier. I wanted it to be an angrier track. 6.5/10
7. Highland's Apparition- The best acoustic song of Chevelle. Good lyrics, solid overall. My least favorite, because I like my Chevelle to be heavy. 6/10
8. Roswell's Spell- This was originally just "Roswell." It should have stayed that way. Hits hard, has an awesome chorus, but the song tapers off towards the end. 7/10
9. Interlewd- Waste of song space. This made the 11-track album a 10-track, it's place towards the end of the CD...why, guys? No one likes intros,and no one likes interludes. If you put it on, fine, make sure I've got like 13-14 real songs to coincide.
10. A New Momentum- This was my 2nd or 3rd favorite on the first listens through, it has since dropped. Moderately heavy with some cool guitar and cachy chorus. 7.5/10
11. This Circus- "Of All Needs" was a stronger title choice,again. The best closing track by Chevelle, also a standout track with another very strong chorus. 8/10
iTunes Pre-Order
Sleep Apnea Acoustic- Very cool acoustic version of a heavier sounding song, and it works. Too short and the bridge is left out, but good.
Hot Topic/Shockhound Bonus Tracks
The Gist- Heaviest and most original guitar riff since Family System. You could mistake it for a Slipknot riff.
Unfortunately, another instrumental, and it could have been this album's most kickass song if it had some words to it. 9/10
Leto's Headache- Another bonus track ends up being a stand-out track. Awesome bass parts and guitar is stellar, should have made the original album cut without question. 9/10
16 of 19 found the following review helpful:
 Hmmm...Not my favorite...Sep 01, 2009
By SmOkEd OuT
First, let me say...I have been a fan since the first album and I have seen them live 6 times. That being said, I am just stating my true opinion about this album. In the past, it seemd like every album after that first one got better and better and better...etc. This album is my least favorite. Im not at all saying the album isnt good, b/c it is, its just my least favorite of all of them. If your a fan, you will enjoy it, but dont expect it to be as good as any in the past. There are no "Closure" or "The Red" or "Get Some" type tracks on this album. Its a decent album, they just went a different way with the music and vocals than they did in the past.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Solid EvolutionApr 25, 2010
By S. Deciantis
"soloscat"
Chevelle has done something remarkable. They have maintained their mainstream popularity while putting out excellent music and keeping their edge. While bands like Breaking Benjamin seem to lose their edge and become more radio-friendly, Chevelle is five albums deep into a catalog that has a lot to offer. I think they're one of the great "gateway" bands that can lead a radio listener to discover heavier music and start looking for bands who are too heavy or too "different" for the radio.
That being said, this is the first of Chevelle's records that takes a full step forward. I enjoy all four of their previous releases, but this is the most diverse and experimental record. It took a few spins for me to realize what a solid record it is as a whole. Chevelle fans who say they are disappointed with Sci-Fi Crimes were probably just looking for a consistently fast-paced, hard-hitting record, and I can't blame them - that's what Vena Sera was. But Sci-Fi Crimes features a variety of tempos, guitar parts, and vocal styles, sometimes all within one song (Shameful Metaphors). You have to listen to this record at least 5 times to really appreciate it.
After several listens, Sci-Fi Crimes may be Chevelle's best overall work to date. And this is coming from a guy who has worn out all their previous records. Pete's lyrics are more diverse than any of their previous records. One thing that may disappoint some fans is that melodic vocals are much more pervasive on this record, and there isn't much screaming. That's one of the reasons it has to grow on people, and this is coming from a hardcore fan. Chevelle is the lightest stuff I listen to, but this record is so strong that I don't miss the raspy screamed lyrics, which can be heard at a few points on the record. Lyrically, this is some of their best work as well. Meaningful, deep, and complex, but not intentionally cryptic like some bands.
And, lest people read this review and think this record doesn't hit hard, just check out the first track, Sleep Apnea, which quickly wraps itself around your head and squeezes.
Bottom line, this is vintage Chevelle with a twist - more maturity and variation, and offering a lot to the listener. That's why it requires several listens - you don't comprehend everything the first couple of times through. It's hard to describe the record - just go pick it up and enjoy.
Sleep Apnea (10/10) wraps itself around your mind and squeezes.
Mexican Sun (9/10) some great vocal parts.
Shameful Metaphors (10/10) driving guitar riffs, Pete shows off his vocal range.
Jars (8/10) is more typical Chevelle - the first single off this record, and a solid, radio-friendly track. Yes it's repetitive, but that's kind of redundant, because I said it's radio-friendly.
Fell Into Your Shoes (8/10) some of the best guitar work on the record, some fast chord progressions, but very melodic parts as well.
Letter From a Thief (9/10) starts off sounding like it's going to be a softer track, and quickly ramps up to a furious pace.
Highland's Apparition (8/10) is simply the best acoustic track Chevelle has ever written.
Roswell's Spell (8/10) It starts off pretty repetitive, and not very impressive but changes pace about just before midway through, and turns into a very solid track - the rest of the track has a completely different feel. It's this type of variation that's new for Chevelle on this record.
Interlewd - pretty pointless track, just a brief change-up and rest for the listener.
A New Momentum (9/10) - This track is more reminiscent of some of Chevelle's older tracks - I'm talking Point #1 and WWN. It sounds like it would fit in well on either of those records. Blistering guitars and vocals. Driving chorus that you can't help but sing to.
This Circus (9/10) - Changes pace, infectious chorus
5 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Stunningly ChevelleSep 24, 2009
By Cynthia Thomason
"Cynthia"
Great album from a band that once again proves they continue to be a force in hard rock.
Chevelle delivers the goods yet again, and still manages to give longtime fans many new flavors to keep us excited. This band has an uncanny ability to please fans over and over with groovin thick driving tunes that practically leave you holding your breath for more. There are some notable changes in this album, but not so many that diehard fans are displeased and start looking for another band to fill a gaping hole. I do agree with the many critics that Sci Fi Crimes is not the best of their catalog, many assign that honor to WWN. I personally couldn't choose. I think Sci Fi Crimes lacks a flagship track with the quality, depth, emotion and hook of songs like Vitamin R or Well Enough Alone or even Clincher.
However Sci Fi crimes has a couple of stunning tracks like Sleep Apnea and This Circus both of which hit me hard on the first spin as more than worthy of their predecessors. Personally I love the changes. I didn't expect another WWN which is brilliant or Vena Sera, which is a truly addictive record. I kept wondering how they could even hope to match something near the level of their previous albums. But Sci Fi crimes truly displays that Chevelle continues to be a viable force in music and are still writing great, (if not the best) material out there right now. For me this album solidifies Chevelle as one of my all time favorite bands. And remains one of the few bands (if any) where I can put their entire catalog on shuffle (which I normally hate) and get excited as each song starts and sad as each song ends.
Highlights:
Sleep Apnea- The album opens with a strong force that boldly announces this is a Chevelle record and we're gonna move you. By many accounts, this is the strongest track on the album and certainly a favorite. It's chunky dense guitars remind you that this band can play it hard.
A New Momentum- Many of the bloggers out there like this song. For me it is much more reminiscent of earlier Chevelle like from Point #1. It is for that reason that I list this song as a highlight. I absolutely love Point #1 and the edgy raw sound the band had at that time. This track shows they are every bit the same band only better.
This Circus- This song hit me as my favorite track from the very first spin. It dabbles with some changes that make it more dynamic and therefore much more interesting to me. Not a favorite for everyone I realize that probably because it has that uncomfortable mood which I love, but approaching a bit of an artsy sound which makes it much more fun for me. The moment I heard it I stopped and played this track over and over even before spinning the album a second time.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Can I rate this above 5 stars???Aug 03, 2010
By Miles Berkland
There are epic albums in the Hard Rock category, and this is UNDOUBTEDLY the best Hard Rock album I've heard in my 23 years of existance.
If you liked ANY of Chevelle's earlier work, and have only heard a few songs by them but liked what you heard, THIS ALBUM WILL HIGHLY LIKELY NOT LET YOU DOWN!
I got into Chevelle back during their 'Wonder Whats Next' days when "The Red" music video could be seen on the daily MTV music video shows (back when MTV actually showed music and not reality tv shows)
In my opinion, Chevelle is a band like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers where each and every album they've released seems to be better than the one before it. More polished, more matured, and just plain more audible to the ear.
If your a fan of Hard Rock, delve into the world where Pete Loeffler's vocals will amaze and the guitar / drums / bass will all compose amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing Hard Rock music.
This album has got to make it into thousands and thousans of "Top 10" lists world-wide.
It's just that good....
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