Chevelle Concert Review with Photos
Chevelle [★★★★★], the Chicago trio comprising of Pete Loeffler (guitars, vocals), Sam Loeffler (drums), and Dean Bernardini (bass, vocals) returned to Raleigh and performed to a capacity crowd at The Ritz. The rain did little to deter the crowds as the masses packed in tight to check out the trio perform.
From the opening riffs of “Another Know It All,” Chevelle proceeded to steamroll the crowd with an undeniable wall of sound which was gladly received. Followed by “The Clincher,” it was apparent that die hard fans would get an earful of their favorite songs.
Chevelle seem to understand that people want to see a show and not just hear a show as is evident with their over-the-top lighting scheme. Bamboo-like metallic trees stem from the stage topped with multiple LED beam lights that give chase and accentuate the atmosphere. Side-fill lights add scattered beams of light that provide more eye candy to this feast for the senses.
Pete Loeffler asked “Can we play some old shit?” which was met unanimous approval. Songs like “Vitamin R” and “Get Some” took the crowd back 20 years. Crowd favorite “Face to the Floor” took the night to a high as it wowed the band from the audience participation. The crowd was clearly heard over the band as they chanted the choruses back to the band.
Taking a moment to catch their breath and tune up, they announced that drummer Sam Loeffler has been playing with a broken foot this whole time. It’s a testament to the professionalism of the band. The show must go on, but had it not been announced no one may have been the wiser.
Chevelle has an energy that is unique to them. Their sometimes somber sound can flip on a dime and take the sullen to psychoactive in seconds. Their explosive bouts of aggression and crowd engagement gave Chevellians their money’s worth.