A different album . A Perfect Circle’s influence on Maynard’s voice is evident within this album as well as an overall maturity of style by the remaining members
Vicarious – the one that got away. A great opener to the new album with the band jumping straight into the “real†music so to speak almost instantly. A tinge of schism was not instantly evident for myself but after listening to the song several times and then singing the lyrics silently later on I found myself drifting onto Lateralus lyrics.
Maynard’s voice is obviously different here, much deeper and rougher compared with the sharp singing in Lateralus. Very catchy though with an captivating presence from Danny.
Jambi- probably my favourite song on the album. A very solo, almost Audioslave like, intro starts the song. This song is quite heavy at the beginning but then a smooth bass line is introduced by Justin and a slight echoing of Maynard’s voice proves quite effective. The song continues to captivate the listener as the combinations of Maynard’s lyrics, Justin’s bass and dannys/adams beat set the stage for an truly expressive guitar solo.
Wings For Marie – A very quiet song. More like an “intro†kind of song I thought personally.
Viginti Tres – Most obviously (-) Ions 2. A very quiet track.
10000 Days – An amazing song. Starts off slowly, introduces, climax, and then reduces again. Some incredible guitar and drumming in this song, but maynards voice is somewhat quieter here with an almost instrumental effect rather than a demanding one. Almost Lateralus at the end here I thought as Tool relapse into an older style.
The Pot – This one is different. A completely different style of music. Dare I say it (hell boy don’t get angry) almost James Blunt like for the first few seconds. The guitar begins and the listener increases the volume. Some demanding lyrics here from Maynard with a great backdrop by Adam. The song doubles back to its original beat with Danny adding to catchiness. Particular congratulations to Maynard for the “watcha talking bout†lyric being the most remembered lyric in the entire album. Although it is quite strange why I add a “Willis†to the end of that lyric every time ;).
Rythmatic was a word that was needed to be created to describe Maynard’s vocals here as they really are amazing. Some excellent guitar effects here a very droning like sound is present sometimes. Again kudos to Danny for an amazing drum line throughout the song.
Lipjan Conjuring – I like it. A very tribal stick clapping beat to begin then a stray guitar chord followed by a short scream. Short but effective.
Lost Keys – A strange song. Toolish music backgrounds the dialogue from a somewhat medical movie (any ideas???).
Rosetta Stoned – Tool seems to be enjoying their THC for this fine album. Again another different approach to music with a fast paced action style of singing is employed along with intriguing guitar rift. “like an aborigine†possibly some link to Lipjan Conjuring. I haven’t seen the lyrics but maybe a recurring motif is evident throughout the album. It is quite evident that a rift from H. is used here. Compare 3.54 on H. with 8.24 on Rosetta Stoned. Although the start is different the song evolves into a toolish masterpiece with each member of the band adding their own unique ideas.
Intension— A very “jamming†kind of song. Everyone plays their own part in a song that needs the speakers to be turned to 11 (see spinal tap mockumentary). Danny’s electronica drumming along with the interchanging of guitars create a sombre mood giving a positive outlook. Somewhat of an experimental song I think, with a classical outlook.
Right In Two – But alas the end draws near but provides a present surprise. Right in Two is almost single material but would be too dark for the radio. I almost expect the vocals within the song to be somewhat muffled like Eulogy but comes out from a different perspective. “monkey see and monkey do,†the song starts quite slowly with an addictive vocal seen and impressive instrumentals. Suddenly the mood goes quiet and the listenener is shifted into a faster ambience as rifts come from all directions and Danny goes fucking crazy on the drums. It doubles back to a heavier version of the chorus again and shifts to a much friendlier feeling as Maynard’s voice becomes the centre of attention. Another favourite.
Summary – Wow, what an album. Such a differing range of songs and techniques leave the listener wondering “is this really tool,†I know I really questioned the validity of my pirate copy!!! The one question that has plagued my mind is where is my 20min track. The epic track once mentioned on toolband.com that left we fans frothing. I feel that some people may be disappointed by this album but that is only because they have not listened to it thougrouly. I give it 10/10 but hey which tool fan posting a review of a tool album on the tool site fourth eye wouldn’t appreciate the magnitude of this album. My final words come from an inspirational review from Kabir. “It may not be exactly what you are expecting, but it is exactly what you are waiting for.â€
Who’s taller Maynard or James?
Your 17 minute is meant to be Wings For Marie/10,000 Days back to back. It’s one piece of music in a way that is the 17 minute epic that we all expected…
Great review.
I think it was not what anyone expected….and good of Tool to continue in a new direction. As much as I love Lateralus….do we really need Lateralus II ?
Although I’d be lieing if I said that I wasn’t hoping this was a hoax/diversion and there’s ANOTHER album.
Not because this one is bad….but because how AWESOME would that be?!?!
Ive been reading reviews all over the internet….it seems that every time someone does not fail to mention the relation to apc. I think they are full of shit…. maynard can only be maynard in so many ways. I GIVE THIS ALBUM A 10 WITH LOST KEYS/ROSETTA STONED BEING 1st best and wings for marie/10,000 days being the ultimate on the album……..cant wait to see them in oakland!!!!
Hello mister above me. APC now suck.Check out their website for negative reviews by fans of their most recent release. Maynards lyrics are less deeper. His ego and greed made new APC, his ‘spirit’ which made Lateralus what it is, which is almost a concept album of the psyche, is missing from this latest release from three of the most honest musicians in the world.
I just thought the topics on this album would take less explaining rather than telling a story from some mythical book most people have never read before…..you know maybe he feels people cant go as deep as him all the time