Chiodos
by Mack Dreyfuss
June 2010
Chiodos
It has been said of ever-evolving reality that you never step in the same river twice.
An American band named Chiodos appeared in the music-time continuum at the outset of the twenty first century with a series of three EPs: “The Chiodos Bros.” (2001), “The Best Way to Ruin Your Life” (2002), and “The Heartless Control Everything” (2003). Their powerful live show manufactured a local following. A full-length studio album ensued: “All’s Well That Ends Well.” It was issued by (Equal Vision Records).
Considered post-hardcore, Chiodos was jettisoned into a greater national limelight after the release of their second album: “Bone Palace Ballet Grand Coda.” It entered the Billboard chart at number 5 and was number 1 on the Top Independent Albums chart.
Their third album is in the works. The acclaimed production master Machine has signed on to produce the album.
A significant, recent development in their musical odyssey includes a change at lead vocals. Craig Owens, who had been with the band since its inception, was replaced by Brandon Bolmer of Yesterday’s Rising at the outset of 2010. Owens was dropped from the band in September 2009.
Bolmer describes the new Chiodos sound as “progressive and aggressive…. There’s screaming; there’s a variety of range; and the energy is definitely there. Live shows will be a good time.”
Tanner Wayne joined the band in 2009, replacing Derrick Frost on drums. Bradley Bell plays keyboards and sings background vocals. Matt Goddard plays bass. Jason Hale has been with the band since 2004 and plays guitar. Pat McManaman has played guitar with the band since its inception.
Song titles are intriguing and include “Baby, You Wouldn’t Last a Minute On the Creek,” “Two Birds Stoned At Once,” “The World’s ‘Best Friend’ Become Redefined,” “Teeth the Size of Piano Keys,” “I Didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was a Wizard.” Their origins alternate between odd statements during band inebriation, television and film quotes, and literary allusions.
Chiodos, spawned in Davison, Michigan, is making itself available to Wisconsonites having just played Tom Dick & Harry’s in Green Bay on Apr. 25 and are coming to the Rave in Milwaukee on May 25, and the Stage Door in Madison on May 27.
Attending fans can wade the waters of the latest version of Chiodos and decide for themselves if the addition of Bolmer is an act of natural selection.
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