Chevelle "Hats Off To The Bull"

                                                                                                                                                                      The funky nu-metal sheen of the opening track may bring your "Face to the Floor" because this groove just have you bobbing your head to the point where your whole body moves with you, and the added vocal dimensions past the  two minute mark add something slightly supernatural. There is something about this song that seems like it's not the "Same Old Trip." The backing harmonies sound like something Jimmy Eat World would come up with, the prominent and consistent driving beat sound like a metallic sugar pie, and the atmospherics and solo are tool inspired, definitely, but the solo's distortion has a different feel to it. This is not  a "Ruse."                                                                                                                                                      It's one thing to feel like a loner, but to try to make friends and just feel like "The Meddler" is another; the song can be quite depressing, but those tiny elements! Elephants? I'm pretty sure I said elements. I don't fear for the "Pinata," but I do fear for the person that has it broken. It comes blazing at the start with a head-bobbing riff that then gives way to higher vocal registers sung by Loeffler as this riff crashes on the shore, and distortion returns with that same riff as the title refers to the breaking of the protagonist's willpower to resist temptation relayed by his demons (in the lyrics). The solo is filled with more vigor than any of theirs have in the last few records.                                                                                                                      I do not "Envy" them for writing this song, I commend them for it. This first two minutes rely on minimalistic instrumentation and Loeffler's honest delivery, but after he confesses "Well, the medicine inside takes a stronger hold" the drums come in for the rest of the song, followed soon by Loeffler's guitar; the harmonies that arrive around the three minute mark remind me of Alexisonfire for some reason. "Hats Off To The Bull" for its nine inch nails inspired sound, system of a (break) down, and its power of persistence; using the anger to get things done.                                                                                                                                   The chorus and harmonies, and instrumentals in this track cause their inner Snow Patrol to "Arise." Hearing their second single was the Final Straw after I had looked at the album cover and saw them featured on AOL Music studio sessions with apathy. Once I heard the song on the radio I wanted to run to the computer and hear more of what they have created; just the sound of the song and delivery of Lightbody's vocals sans-chorus reminded me of Chevelle, just as this song reminds me of that song for some reason. Pete brings out that old acoustic for another one of his heartfelt asides,but not without a purpose. The verse right after the first chorus is the song's most powerful and painful truth; but you don't have to become a "Prima Donna" to fit in, just be yourself and surround yourself with those who feel the same and spread positivity because with people like that you should never feel left out. Bands often create "Clones" of their own songs with different names; some bands are much larger repeat offenders than others. I know this song is not much different from some of the others, but the rhythm leads me to think otherwise.