More progressive intrigue from Coheed (Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One - Coheed and Cambria)

Member Name: cheffrey

Product:	Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One - Coheed and Cambria
Date:	09/06/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Epic, memorable and full of interesting ideas

Disadvantages: Lull in the middle, not to everyone's liking

This is the 3rd outing for Coheed and Cambria, the prog-rock wizards from the East Coast, yet it has a massive "IV" emblazoned on the front of it. This is because it's the first half of the fourth part of an on-going saga which is part comic book, part musical story known as the Amory Wars (formerly the Bag.On.Line adventures). Sounds confusing? That's because it is.
Claudio Sanchez, the creative force behind C&C, conjures up musical imagery to suit the vast, expansive quasi-religious sci-fi story he has been developing over the years. The tale is confusing to follow, but ultimately rewarding to delve into, with an epic arc involving some interesting characters; I won't go into detail here as that is best kept for reviews of the graphic novels which accompany the series, but if you find ideas such as humanoid robots, sibling rivalry, insanity, God, angels, interplanetary warfare and the destruction of an entire solar system balanced upon the function of one man's heart, this might be of interest to you...

So, story aside, what of the music? This is by far their most experimental album to date, and showcases the band leaning much more heavily on their classic rock, metal and prog roots. It opens with some serene strings and acoustic work on "Keeping the Blade" and "Always and Never"; a gentle lull into some fiery tracks. "Welcome Home" will be recognised by every Guitar Hero wielding teenager, and has a lumbering riff to it reminiscent of "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin. "Wake Up" is a gorgeous dream-like number, and some heavier sounds come through on tracks like "Ten Speed" and "Writing Writer". However, the album does take a real slump in the middle, but is saved at the end by the wonderful Willing Well suite. This finishes it with a 4 part closer, and is bizarrely arranged with space-moog, duelling guitars, epic solos and some very weird words. Oh, and a hidden mutt with a slide guitar, to boot...

The guitar work is intricate, the time signatures complex, the lyricism obscure yet tantalising. The two main criticisms often levelled at the band are an emo band (they're not, they write songs about murderers and stellar destruction, not whiny garbage about how appalling middle-class teenage life in a First World country is) and Claudio's voice is too high pitched. Well, I like his voice. It is unique, and gives the band an identity far flung from countless other American rock bands trying to sound like Nickelback. Finally, and the album artwork is superb, with wonderfully fantastical and moody work from Christopher Shy; a leading sci-fi and fantasy artist who gives the whole package an eerie feel.

Yes, it's bombastic and epic, but it's supposed to be, just like the story it tells. Worth a buy if you like Pink Floyd, Queensryche, Zeppelin, Dream Theater or Rush.

Summary: Modern prog that's worthy