Blood may be thicker than water, but for the Loeffler boys, it was almost impenetrable.
On stage, they were Chevelle, the alternative/metal trio behind a string of hit hard-rock singles earlier this decade — notably “Send The Pain Below” and “The Red.” But behind the curtains, Pete, Sam and Joe were still brothers, and brothers don’t always get along.
Now that the brothers have come forth, offering candid details of the bands somewhat tumultuous run together, one side says the bassist often distanced himself from the rest of the group causing a serious gap between the three. Whether it was taking an early ride home after a show or being against the grain in the studio, older brother Pete Loeffler says the band had-had enough. However, it seems Joe Loeffler was most put off by the way the rest of the band delivered news of the breakup to fans-perhaps a more sugar-coated announcement than what really transpired.
Following a two-year hiatus prolonged by a highly publicized forced exit of brother and bassist Joe Loeffler in 2005, the remaining Loeffler sibilings, Pete and Sam have said they are also ready to unleash a revamped version of Chevelle.
"So that happened… writing, recording, touring, more recording, mixing, editing, and all the second guessing yourself just trying to get it right," guitarist/singer Pete Loeffler posted on the group's MySpace page. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
The platinum rock trio displays this newfound artistic resurgence in their latest album, Vena Sera, released last Spring. Now they’re taking Vena Sera, which loosely translates to “liquid vein,” on the road.
The band returned from their years off the map stronger and more tightly knit then ever, according to their bio.
"While we were working on this album we have gone from a really hard time in our lives to having the time of our lives," Pete says on the band’s official Web site. "Before everything with this band was filled with drama obstacles, and now the road finally looks clear up ahead."
With Joe gone, the Loefflers didn’t go far to find a replacement. Their brother-in-law Dean Bernardini stepped in and has rocked out with the band ever since.
“Much has been written about Chevelle's previous--and tempestuous--inner circle, but studio sessions are no longer filled with bickering and contrariness; now they're bursting with creativity and even optimism,” Pete states on the site. "We still write dark music, but the whole vibe of this band is totally different.
“When we get together and rehearse, we actually have fun and we enjoy being on the road together. It's not doom and gloom all the time the way it used to be. Everyone's up for anything at the drop of a hat, so it's like hanging out with your friends all the time."
When they’re not on the road with FingerEleven and Nickelback, fellow platinum A-listers of the moment, the band does several shows as headliners. Chevelle is set to headline tonight’s performance at Graham Central Station in placeCityPharr.
The band formed in Chicago in the mid 90s. After climbing to the top of the local hard rock scene, the band recorded their debut album Point #1 in 1999. Several high profile tours later, Chevelle were signed by Epic Records, and in 2001 entered the studio to record their second and most notable album Wonder What's Next which produced the hit singles, "Send the Pain Below” and “The Red.”
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WHO: Chevelle
WHEN: Friday, March 28
WHERE: Graham Central Station, Pharr
Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.
