Chore's sophomore album, "Take My Mask and Breathe", is a ticket to a musical journey that will leave you dumbfounded once it's done. "Why?", you ask. Well, it's kinda hard to explain. The thing is, Chore is unique. They're a band that explores the emotion out of what is not commonly very emotional. Although the album has a few songs which we could possibly classify as "emo", most of them are far from that category. The songs have a punchy style all of their own. While having fast-paced drums, distorted and intense guitars and precise bass lines most of the time as characteristics, the band succeeds at being emotional the entire time, and in my opinion, that's not an easy chore.

While the band undoubtedly shows hints of groups the likes of Quicksand, Tool, Fugazi and even The Foo Fighters, they're still far from what those bands are doing. Chore's music has a formula all it's own. The music is addictive, yet not easily digestible. Their songs tackle such diverse categories, all the while changing from a heavy to an emotional part without losing the cohesion for a single second, with an almost mechanical precision. A refined use of dynamics accentuates the heavier parts of the band's music, as well as the emotion the band exudes on most songs, not only through the vocals, but also through the music. What we have here are some hugely creative song structures combined with a singer whose voice can be felt in your skin by it's intensity, power and beauty. Truth is, this band is way above average and this album shows you why.

However, do not picture Chore only as a heavy band. Even though most of Chore's repertoire this time around is loud and heavy, the songs that really stand out on it are actually the mellow ones. Songs like "Superville" and "A coma." are almost epochal due to the beauty coming from the strong combination of music + vocals this band possesses. Singer Christopher Bell is off the hook with his beautiful chanting, occasionally bringing to mind Gavin from the heavenly dredg. While Chris' voice is probably the band's most powerful weapon, the music coming from the instruments of Michael Bell, Brian Pettigrew (who is now out of the band) and David Dunham isn't far behind, with it's hypnotic and enchanting notes and beats that truly sculpt a musical trip for the listener. Although lengthwise, those 2 songs clock in at over 8 and 14 minutes respectively, they don't get boring at any moment. Instead, they make the listener's mouth water for more, which is undoubtedly something rare for songs that are so long. Chore also show on some tunes, a certain commercial appeal, which can be noticed on "General Warning" ( the video for which can sporadically be seen on MuchMusic) and "Scoutmaster", songs like these are a little more mellow and not as big, but both of them could easily turn into a big hit if given the necessary exposure. Truth is, there are no limits for this band. They could easily turn into a more commercial band if they wanted to, but fortunately that's not their goal; and considering they continue to deliver such intense and expressive music, I hope they keep thinking that way.

Chore's name kind of contradicts itself, since listening to this band's music is far from a chore. "Take My Mask and Breathe" is such a delicious tour of an unlimited musical universe that once it's done, you'll find yourself repeating constantly to yourself "Oh my God, what have I just listened to?". The songs contained on this album are pleasant and tasty ear candy for any listener, and, instead of "taking their mask and breathing", I'd rather take their headphones and listen to what this band is about to come up with next; hopefully it will be more music with as much passion and beauty as shown here.
(4.5 / 5)