For some reason, scene kids love to hate on Chiodos. Their previous album, Alls Well That Ends Well was filled with a plethora of experimental aspects; the most prevalent being a dominating piano, that frequently transitioned into hardcore breakdowns. Selling over 100,000 records on Equal Vision Records, Chiodos earned the label as Equal Vision’s number one band, and they set out to remain on top with their newest release, Bone Palace Ballet.
However, It is clear that Bone Palace Ballet is an album that is a clear progression of Chiodos’ original sound. Where there is less screamo rock, there is more experimental aspects that all come together to sound something like ballroom music for the cast of Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas.
Both somewhat creepy, and a bit inspiring, Vocalist Craig Owens’ lyrics might seem a bit corny at times. This may be because Owens’ voice does get on a lot of people’s nerves, or because the subject matter all seems extremely exaggerated and exhausted. Although some lines can define the genre’s wittiness such as, “you wear your skin like its too tight,” other lines entirely miss the target in a poor attempt to be original.
With only one track on the album that seems it could be deemed radio friendly [Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot with a Monkey Face)], this album isn’t for those looking for a catchy, sing-along album. It is more of an experimental journey through many different sounds and melodies that comprise the subtle nightmare that is Chiodos.
release date: Tuesday, September 4, 2007
