I only listen to the quality underground bands. A common sentence uttered by the youth of today. It's the need to not conform to the masses who listen to whatever the radio tells us is good that week. However, with radio gradually slipping down to what may be its unfortunate demise; those underground bands are not so underground anymore. The power of the internet! You want music now; you get it now and probably for free. So what keeps all those underground bands from sounding the same? Talent. And one of the most talented bands on the scene today (whether underground or not) is a band with one of the most unique names. Chiodos' name was derived from a set of filmmakers: Stephen, Charles and Edward Chiodo, whose most notable work is Killer Klowns from Outer Space. But, trust me, it's not the name you should be focusing on. Therefore, when I had the opportunity to sit down (well stand up) with a few of the members, we talked about everything BUT the name. The interview was done literally in the alley with the tour buses. And with no chairs, we stood. At one point I made one of them sit on the loading dock, to make it feel a little less formal (and weird). Being a personal fan of amazing guitar work, I couldn't have picked the members any better: Pat (rhythm guitar), Jason (lead guitar) and Matt (bass guitar). If only they had brought their guitars.

Hybrid Magazine: Your new album Bone Palace Ballet was just released in Sept. What has the industry and fan response been so far?

Chiodos: Both industry and fan response have been great. Going on the tour with the CD just being released, we didn't expect people to...sing along. People are getting into it a lot more than the old stuff. Which is good, we definitely feel like this is a better album.

HM: It's been quoted that you "cross musical boundaries" and finding the perfect genre to place your music in is always a problem. If you could come up with your own genre or "sound" to use for that brand new fan that's never heard you, what would it be?

Chiodos: Doggy-style rock. That's pretty much it. (I won't elaborate on this one)

HM: You list your influences as mostly bands from the recent generation, which makes it easier for fans to connect with you as people. Do you ever strive to become an influence for another beginner band?

Chiodos: It's flattering and pretty crazy to hear that we're influences for bands. More and more are coming out of the woodwork with our latest album. It's nice. It's a lot better than the alternative of people forming a band because they hate your music.

The interview wasn't short, but only a few questions made the cut. However, my main focus was always on the performance. Post-show I was even more of fan that what I was going into it. There was so much talent on that stage, that it couldn't contain it. Thus the reasoning behind Craig's random "crowd walking", you just have to see it. The three guitarists exemplified that talent I was raving about before. In the end though, my favorite lies with Jason. I've never seen a guitarist's fingers move that fast. If you ask me, I'd swear that guy learned the guitar from Eddie Van Halen. If they put Chiodos songs on Guitar Hero they'd have to make a whole new level. If you only listen to "quality underground bands," then Bone Palace Ballet is a required addition for your library. If you want incredible music, then brush up on your guitar skills and meet up with the guys on one of their tour stops. The Bone Palace Ballet won't disappoint.

-Rachel Fredrickson

More Music Features

Talk Back
e-mail the chief

Like this article?
e-mail it to a friend!