By By Madeline Kerins

In the emo genre, Coheed and Cambria take the cake when it comes to strangeness. Nothing screams bizarre louder than a group fronted by an obese man with an afro whose vocal styling is reminiscent of a pre-pubescent girl. Based on science fiction characters, Coheed and Cambria, the band’s albums chronicle the duo’s journeys through time and space.

Peculiarity aside, Coheed and Cambria rock. Over the past few years their popularity has grown-and rightfully so. They have consistently been able to produce amazing albums and play incredible live shows. Their latest offering, Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness, is no exception to the Coheed and Cambria standards of bizarre concepts and rockin’ emo tunes. The well-received first single, “Welcome Home,” has become a staple of XM Satellite Radio’s Alternative channel. The melodious beginning and smooth transitions of the first single fit perfectly with the rest of the album.

The mellower tone of Good Apollo is pleasantly refreshing, as the more heavy quality of their earlier albums would seem dull if repeated. Unlike in some cases, the departure from the standard formula works wonderfully in this case. They did not experiment boldly so much as they simply tweaked their style ever so slightly.

Good Apollo, by title alone, may seem a bit unapproachable to those unfamiliar with the band, but even just a quick listen deems that judgment unfounded.

Though some tracks may be quirkier and less listenable than others, the overall quality of this album does not outshine Coheed and Cambria’s earlier efforts, but instead compliments them as the fourth step in an ongoing series of musical progression.

The Chronicle gives “Good Apollo, I´m Burning Star IV…” by Coheed And Cambria