And behind door number 22... a guide to some music of the more traditional kind
Catherine Munn and Jacob Martin list their Top 5 programmes to watch over the festive period.
And behind door number nine... some dazzling musical delights
The complete arts guide, for week 9
The first thing to note about Coheed and Cambria is that they defy categorisation. From their indie rock debut they have veered from post hardcore to alternative rock, experimented with metal and dabbled in electronica. They have always strived to subvert established structures and to never be constrained by genre conventions. The descriptor they fit best is that of progressive rock in the tradition of Rush and Jethro Tull; their often intricate time signatures and unusual chord sequences support this. However, by fusing this with some more standard alternative rock, Coheed and Cambria avoid the over-indulgent excesses which have occasionally blighted prog bands.
Though the genre may shift with each album, Coheed and Cambria have managed to keep their own inimitable flair. Perhaps it is in the preposterous vocal range of front man Claudio Sanchez, the subtle interplay of his guitar and Travis Stever’s, or Michael Todd’s surprisingly prevalent bass lines. Whatever it is, the band uses this style to constantly dazzle the listener. Whether listening to the foreboding opening of the delightfully off-kilter ‘Delirium Trigger’ or the soaring chorus of ‘The Crowing’ which starts only about one minute before the end of its seven minute length, you quickly come to expect anything. In the nine minute epic ‘21:13’ for example, the listener is taken on a whirlwind tour of delicate guitar work, crunching chords, haunting vocals and stark screams, eventually finishing with the reprise of a riff from a previous album. Many of the songs are easy to get lost in, but beg to be explored fully.
Unfortunately, Coheed and Cambria’s odd position between mainstream and prog rock lead them to be frequently misunderstood by the former camp and often completely ignored by the latter. Coheed and Cambria fans themselves are an eclectic bunch; some are drawn in by the music, but others are diehard followers of the story. You see, Coheed and Cambria’s albums are ‘concept’ albums. That is, each one tells a new chapter in the sci-fi saga called ‘The Amory Wars’ which was created by its lead singer. Though knowledge of this concept is not required to enjoy their music, (I certainly have very little idea of what’s going on) it is certainly compelling to some, spawning a series of comic books and even a full length novel.
Fortunately, Coheed and Cambria is the sort of band which draws energy from its fans. Consequently, their live shows are energetic, loud and bombastic. Due to the band’s shifting genre, old songs are reinvigorated by fresh twists and additions, and no two performances seem to be the same. Over-the-head guitar solos? Check. Obscure fan favourites played often? Check. An unforgettable experience? Absolutely. If conventional fare has lost its appeal and you’re looking for music with a little more depth, give Coheed and Cambria a go.
You must log in to submit a comment.
