Point No. 1
| Point #1 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | May 4, 1999 | |||
| Studio | Electrical Audio (Chicago, Illinois) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 42:30 | |||
| Label | Squint | |||
| Producer | Steve Albini | |||
| Chevelle chronology | ||||
| ||||
Point #1 is the debut studio album by the American rock band Chevelle, released on May 4, 1999. It is the only Chevelle album released by Squint Entertainment and their only collaboration with producer Steve Albini. The album featured a notable single in its title track but achieved only minor success, especially compared to Chevelle's major label follow-up in 2002.
Background and recording
[edit]After recording a demo, Chevelle played small concerts for three years until being signed to Steve Taylor's independent Christian label Squint Entertainment.[2] The band recorded for 17 days at Electrical Audio with producer Steve Albini,[3] famous for his work with the likes of Nirvana, Cheap Trick, and PJ Harvey. According to Chevelle frontman Pete Loeffler, Albini gave their album an unrefined "indie feel" in which the recording process was essentially "plug in, he hits record, and you play." Loeffler added, "At the time I was shocked talking to someone who had worked closely to Kurt Cobain. It was a trip. It was really cool." However, the band was left unsatisfied and feeling that he didn't achieve the tones and overall sound they were looking for. They called Albini and, much to his surprise, expressed disappointment with the final product. Although they enjoyed working with him, Chevelle wanted to find a different producer to resolve the issue; however, their label gave them no choice but to work with Albini once again. The second phase of recording was, according to Loeffler, much more laid back and relaxed in which Albini "really opened up."[4]
Touring and promotion
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (July 2025) |
To promote the album, Chevelle toured with artists such as Filter, Sevendust, Powerman 5000, and Machine Head.[2]
Albini and an aspiring comedian named Fred Armisen starred in the band's Point #1 EPK (electronic press kit)—several years before Armisen became famous on Saturday Night Live. The year following the album's release, a promotional single was released for the title track,[5] which landed a marginal spot on the Mainstream Rock chart and had an accompanying music video. "Mia" had also been released as a promotional single the year prior.[6] It also had a video.
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Cross Rhythms | [7] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | [8] |
Critical reception for Point #1 varied. Heather Phares of AllMusic gave a positive review, noting how Albini helped the band "create forceful, mercurial indie rock" and added "In line with Chicago's ambitious music scene, Chevelle's challenging take on rock is also a rewarding one."[1]
In a 2013 article, Brian Baker of Cincinnati CityBeat wrote that Point #1 "reflected the Loefflers' alternative/hard rock influences (Helmet, Tool, The Cure)". He also noted that the album "caused a dust-up with its release on a Christian music label, creating confusion over Chevelle's philosophical perspective".[9]
Point #1 has earned Chevelle comparisons to the American rock band Tool.[10]
Chevelle received GMA Dove Awards for the more popular song "Mia" in 2000 and "Point #1" in 2001.[11] The album also received an award for "Hard Music Album" in 2000 by the Dove Awards.[12]
Track listing
[edit]All lyrics are written by Pete Loeffler; all music is composed by Chevelle.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Open" | 2:01 |
| 2. | "Point #1" | 4:23 |
| 3. | "Prove to You" | 3:05 |
| 4. | "Mia" | 2:19 |
| 5. | "Skeptic" | 4:04 |
| 6. | "Anticipation" | 3:07 |
| 7. | "Dos" | 6:28 |
| 8. | "Long" | 4:35 |
| 9. | "Blank Earth" | 5:26 |
| 10. | "SMA" | 2:54 |
| 11. | "Peer" | 4:08 |
| Total length: | 42:30 | |
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the album booklet.[3]
Chevelle
- Pete Loeffler – vocals, guitar
- Joe Loeffler – bass
- Sam Loeffler – drums
Production
- Steve Albini – production, recording, mixing
- Hank Williams – mastering
- Mark Smalling – photography
- Buddy Jackson – art direction
- Sally Carns – design, back cover image
- Jackson Design – design, back cover image
Studios
- Electrical Audio (Chicago, Illinois) – recording and mixing location
- Mastermix (Nashville, Tennessee) – mastering location
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Phares, Heather. "Point #1 – Chevelle". AllMusic. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ^ a b Frey, Tracy. "Chevelle Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ a b Point #1 (US CD album booklet). Chevelle. Hermosa Beach, California: Squint Entertainment. 1999. 080688593025.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Van Pelt, Doug (July 2003). "Chevelle - Interview w/Pete 7/03". HM. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
- ^ "ChevelleInc.com - Welcome To The OFFICIAL Chevelle Homepage". chevelleinc.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2000. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ^ "ChevelleInc. - Welcome to the Chevelle Home Page". chevelleinc.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 1999. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ^ Figgis, Alex (October 1, 1999). "Review: Point #1 - Chevelle". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ DiBiase, John (September 11, 1999). "Chevelle, "Point #1" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ^ Baker, Brian (March 11, 2013). "Chevelle". Cincinnati CityBeat. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
- ^ Scott, J.R. (December 9, 2002). "Reader Review: Wonder What's Next". IGN. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
- ^ "Dove Award Winners for Hard Music Recorded Song". Gospel Music Association. Archived from the original on January 6, 2002. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
- ^ "Dove Award Recipients for Hard Music Album". Gospel Music Association. Archived from the original on April 6, 2002. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
