Topsy-Turvy is the debut studio album by the American rock band The Apex Theory, now Mt. Helium. Released on April 2, 2002, it was the band's only release as a quartet, with the vocalist Ontronik Khachaturian leaving the band shortly after the album's release.[4] After attempting to audition for a new vocalist, it was decided that the guitarist Art Karamian would take over as the band's vocalist.[5] For its 18 year anniversary, in 2020 it was announced on The Apex Theory Instagram account the limited pressing of Topsy-Turvy on 180g Vinyl for the very first time. To bring awareness and raise funds for the crisis in Armenia, all proceeds after costs will be donated to Armenia Fund.[6][7][8]
| Topsy-Turvy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 2, 2002 | |||
| Studio | NRG Recording Studios (North Hollywood, California) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | DreamWorks | |||
| Producer | Don Gilmore | |||
| Mt. Helium chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Topsy-Turvy | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [3] |
Style
editPopMatters described the album as "an energy-filled fusion of progressive and modern rock."[1] Allmusic compared the album to the music of At the Drive-In and Incubus.[3] CMJ New Music Report made comparisons between Ontronik Khachaturian and Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton. They stated in March 2002, "from Incubus to Dog Fashion Disco, it's hard not to hear the influence of that trendsetting vocalist — best known for his stint with now-defunct Faith No More — stamped all over a huge segment of current rock artists", adding that "like Incubus, Apex Theory takes Patton's ball and runs with it in its own direction."[9]
Reception
editTopsy-Turvy peaked at #6 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and #157 on the Billboard 200.[10]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Add Mission" | 3:35 |
| 2. | "Mucus Shifters" | 2:30 |
| 3. | "Come Forth" | 3:16 |
| 4. | "Shhh... (Hope Diggy)" | 3:20 |
| 5. | "Drown Ink" | 3:09 |
| 6. | "Bullshed" | 4:59 |
| 7. | "That's All!" | 3:25 |
| 8. | "Bravo" | 3:08 |
| 9. | "Apossibly" | 4:14 |
| 10. | "Right Foot" | 3:52 |
| 11. | "Aisle Always" | 3:54 |
| 12. | "In Books" | 3:59 |
Personnel
edit- The Apex Theory
- Ontronik Khachaturian — vocals
- Art Karamian — guitar
- Dave Hakopyan — bass guitar
- Sammy J. Watson — drums
References
edit- ^ a b "The Apex Theory: Topsy Turvy, PopMatters". 14 January 2003.
- ^ Neilstein, Vince (7 November 2014). "The Top 11 Obscure Nu-Metal Albums Ever Made". MetalSucks. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
- ^ a b Allmusic review
- ^ Iannini, Tommaso (2003). "The Apex Theory". Nu metal (in Italian). Giunti. pp. 22–23. ISBN 88-09-03051-6.
- ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Limp Bizkit, Wes Borland, Apex Theory, Coal Chamber, Rival Schools, Kiss & More". MTV News. November 19, 2002. Retrieved 15 December 2008.
"For The Record: Quick News On Mary J. Blige, Guided By Voices, Kid Rock, Elephant Man, Metallica, Billy Joel & More". MTV News. April 26, 2004. Retrieved 15 December 2008. - ^ "Repost from @theapextheoryofficial". Archived from the original on 2021-12-26.
- ^ "The Apex Theory / Topsy-Turvy - Limited Edition 180g Vinyl @Toys Of The Masses".
- ^ "Limited Edition Vinyl Release of Topsy-Turvy!". Archived from the original on 2021-12-26.
- ^ CMJ New Music Report. March 18, 2002. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ "Charts and awards for Topsy Turvy". Allmusic. Retrieved 13 December 2008.