Coheed and Cambria: A Deeper Look at ‘The Father of Make Believe’
The Evolution of Coheed and Cambria
Claudio Sanchez, the frontman of Coheed and Cambria, recently expressed his thoughts on the band’s latest studio output, commenting on a unique groove the band has found after two decades in the music industry. Sanchez noted, “It just feels different to me… it’s got to be the songs.”
Polling into a Rich History
Emerging in the mid-2000s, Coheed and Cambria captured the attention of diverse audiences with their progressive rock sound, appealing to fans of alternative, emo, and hardcore music. Their journey includes releasing numerous concept albums intertwined with Sanchez’s science fiction narrative known as The Amory Wars. The band’s latest release, The Father of Make Believe, marks the third installment of the Vaxis series and is available as of March 14, under Virgin Music Group.
Renewed Energy in Songwriting
The new album continues the momentum from its predecessor, Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind, showcasing the band’s revitalized approach to rock music. Tracks from the new album, including the alt-rock hit “Someone Who Can,” are resonating commercially, achieving a notable position on alternative airplay charts.
Insights from Sanchez
Before the album’s release, Sanchez engaged in a detailed discussion about how The Father of Make Believe was constructed. The writing process began immediately after the previous album’s completion, as he sought to explore personal themes like loss and the complexities of life transitions. “Goodbye, Sunshine” emerged from this collection, alongside tracks like “One Last Miracle” and “Play the Poet.” Sanchez emphasized the significance of these songs in reflecting the deeper questions faced in midlife, stating, “What does the future look like, if I’m lucky enough to have one?”
Layered Musicality
Sanchez elaborated on the potential for listeners to either dive into the extensive lore or enjoy the music purely for its melodies. He mentioned, “One listener can fully dig into the lore, while another can focus solely on the melodies and lyrical themes,” highlighting the band’s intention to appeal to a broad audience.
Chart-Topping Success
The new release comes alongside the excitement of their biggest chart success in over a decade with “Someone Who Can.” Originally intended as a solo project, Sánchez shared that the song developed differently before finding its place within the album. He described its themes of adaptability amid life changes: “You just want to be able to understand it.”
Upcoming Tours and Collaborations
Looking ahead, Coheed and Cambria has set a robust touring schedule for 2025, including co-headlining tours with bands like Mastodon and Taking Back Sunday. Sanchez expressed enthusiasm for these partnerships, recalling past tours and the excitement of exploring new markets.
Signature Guitar Development
In another significant development, Sanchez announced the creation of his signature guitar, The Jackhammer. He collaborated with Gibson to bring his vision to life, merging personal influences with innovative design. “I wanted to use more Jackhammers because they sound good, and I just feel comfortable with them,” he stated.
A Unique Turning Point
Sanchez feels that the band’s current output reflects a maturation and renewal not seen previously, noting, “If I were more mature back 20 years ago, this is how I would have presented Coheed and Cambria.” With fresh perspective and more confidence, he believes that the band is poised to reach new heights while remaining true to their roots.