So I was re-watching Neverender this week (seriously one of the best live DVDs I've ever seen) and I realized how little credit I have previously given their debut album Second Stage Turbine Blade. Although the most raw and least complicated of any of their efforts, Second Stage Turbine Blade also showcases the band's musicianship, lyrical prowess, and even concept story at it's most pure.
From "Devil In Jersey City", which flies around your ears like a Formula 1 qualifier, to the epic bombast of "Delirium Trigger", to the bouncy groove of "33", the Upstate New Yorkers show their mastery of their craft. Lead vocalist/guitarist Claudio Sanchez doesn't explore his range like later efforts, saving his voice to emote what he has put behind these songs. Although you can still somewhat follow the Amory Wars plot in other Coheed discs, songs like "Everything Evil" and "Junesong Provision" do the best job of explaining what the hell is going on in Claudio's muppet-like hair.
Although the band scales back their experimentation, the album maintains Coheed's core sound and also achieving a cohesive element not heard fully on a lot of their albums. Josh Eppard really stands out on a lot of tracks, pounding the backbone beats that guides bassist Michael Todd and guitarist Travis Stever and Claudio's riffs dance around.
Since there is a lot to digest musically, on later listens be sure to pull up the lyrics and read along and you'll see that Coheed truly are a complete band. So to Coheed, I'm sorry I overlooked Second Stage Turbine Blade. I should know better than to doubt you. With love from your adoring fan, David.
Buy Second Stage Turbine Blade
Coheed and Cambria's MySpace
"Point your gun in another direction..."
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