Concept albums can "make or break" a band, but Coheed and Cambria pull it off with such seamlessness and craft that one can almost forget "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3" is one.
The New York City-based quartet, playing at the Sphere tonight with Rainer Maria and Funeral For A Friend, center their music on a storyline involving two lovers - none other than Coheed and Cambria - and their adventures in what drummer Josh Eppard describes as "a dark, post-apocalyptic world."
The storyline, however, takes a backseat to the frenetic, stylish music. It may seem like lead singer Claudio Sanchez is crooning another of the emo love songs that saturate the genre, but instead the tracks turn into chapters of a fairytale, with plot devices, character development and climaxes in every song.
Eppard disagrees with the those who would call Coheed and Cambria a "sci-fi" band.
"The concept was based on a comic book Claudio wanted to write, so it is mostly Claudio's thing, and as a band we try to do our own thing with the music."
He views the concept behind the lyrics and the actual music as two completely separate entities.
"If it was just about the ideas, then we'd never make music videos. The fan can interpret it any way they want to, and if they like it, they'll get it."
Get what? It could be the many convoluted and subtle sub-plots in each of the band's three releases chronicling the adventures of the two lovers, which includes the depiction of dreams and nightmares as well as the ultimate goal of saving the universe.
"In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3" is the second installment. Some lines are outright descriptive and scene-setting, as in "A Favor House Atlantic" in which Sanchez cautions: "Run quick, they're behind us/Didn't think we'd ever make it this close to safety in one piece/ Now you wanna kill me in the act of what could maybe save us from sleep and what we are."
If it seems a little eccentric and overwhelming, remember that the concept is cushioned and reinforced by a strong, fresh sound of various elements, from emo to prog-rock. Their style seems natural as they display their talent of craft through melodies too catchy to be underground yet too intelligent to be commercial.
It is possible to almost overlook how perfectly the music flows with the story. Understanding the elements of their music is not necessary to "get" the music; Coheed and Cambria are not here to tell stories, only to take you along for the ride.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
