This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)
This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) keeps Chevelle's heavy, melodic sound close to its established shape. Pete Loeffler's voice remains the strongest point of focus, moving from restrained singing towards a much harsher attack. The guitars and rhythm section give him plenty of weight to work against. The best songs turn that familiar arrangement into strong hooks, although the record struggles to stay equally engaging throughout.
The Clincher makes an effective opening. A fast, distorted guitar figure gives the drums a clear direction, while the slower second verse lets the bass do more of the work. The changes are straightforward, but the players make them count. It is one of the songs where the band's force and melodic sense stay closely connected.
Vitamin R (Leading Us Along) offers another clear highlight. Its dense guitar sound leaves the vocal with plenty to push through, and Loeffler gives the melody an urgent quality. The arrangement is not especially surprising, but the hook gives its changes a purpose. Chevelle are at their most convincing here when the voice brings a distinct character to the familiar heavy setting.
Panic Prone uses a softer approach, giving the album a useful change of pressure. Another Know It All brings more movement into the rhythm section. Those differences help, but they do not fully solve the problem of a sequence that too often returns to similar tempos, repeated riffs and the same routes into a chorus.
Still Running is forceful, yet its repeated lines and instrumental ideas make it less effective over a full play. To Return also loses momentum, leaving the second half with stretches that feel less committed than the opening songs. The flatness of the production makes those limitations harder to overlook, even when the performances themselves remain capable.
Bend the Bracket provides a more restrained conclusion, allowing melody to carry the closing mood. It is a welcome reminder that Chevelle can achieve an impact without constant guitar weight. This Type of Thinking contains several strong songs and a very good singer, but its heavier approach needs more variety. The highlights are worth finding; the complete album is less persuasive than those moments suggest.
