CD Reviews
The Claypool Lennon Delirium – The Monolith of Phobos (review)
The Monolith of Phobos by The Claypool Lennon Delirium
By JJ Ulizio:
June 3rd saw the release of the debut album from The Claypool Lennon Delirium The Monolith of Phobos. I was excited upon learning of its existence. The paring of Primus’ main-man and bass player extraordinaire Les Claypool with Sean Lennon, offspring of the legendary Beatles guitarist and Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger mastermind should be interesting if nothing else.
It was definitely interesting that’s for sure. Knowing the various projects that both have been involved in and have appeared on over the years I didn’t know what to expect. However once I heard the first few bars, it clicked into my brain. Yes! I understood where they were at and this is what I expected. That might not make sense to some of you, but if you are familiar with either musician, especially Les Claypool, then you will understand.
After the two artists toured together recently, they jammed with each other a few times and discussed that both of their bands would be taking 2016 off. At that point they decided that they should work on something together. Les was quoted as saying “Next thing I know, he’s staying in my guesthouse, drinking my vino, and banging on my drums.” Judging by the music on the album itself, it sounds to me like much more than just vino was consumed during the writing and recording of the album that became The Monolith of Phobos.
This is an extremely psychedelic album from start to finish, complete with vocal harmonies that are at times reminiscent of Seans heritage, and yet at other times haunting. In the song “OxyContin Girl” it is very reminiscent of pop rock and psychedelic rock of the 1960’s. However there are some dark undertones in the lyrical content as they sing the lines “She was an OxyContin Girl in an heroin world, She didn’t know what to do, when she ran out of pills she scored on the street, but now her lips are turning blue”. The harmony and melody of the 60’s psychedelia it will get the songs stuck in your head and have you singing to yourself. As an added bonus it will have your coworkers looking strangely at you. Ok. Ok. Maybe that’s just me but my point still stands.
The album flows seamlessly and takes you on a trip (tee-hee), as the music weaves up and down through heavy distortion and synths while Les Claypool skillfully reminds the listener of why he has such a legendary reputation as a bass. The multi-instrumentalist Sean Lennon lays the percussion down like a spice on top of some great guitar playing that seems to make you float through the upper atmosphere and into outer space, or is it inner space? What was I doing? Oh right. Floating through songs like the title track, “Cricket and the Genie”, “Ohmerica”, and the instrumental album closer “There’s No Underwear in Space” you might wonder if you will ever circle back for atmospheric reentry.
As I stated before this album is an extremely psychedelic record and psychedelic rock is like a curry bowl, a fine whiskey, or LSD itself. An acquired taste and not for everyone, but that being said I think it’s a great album that showcases some amazing musicianship between two legendary musicians. If you’ve already acquired the taste, or wish to try, I say go for it.
They’ll be on tour for the summer and it will carry them through to October, hopefully I will be able to make it to a date on the tour.
For more info and tour dates go to http://theclaypoollennondelirium.com
About Author
Share this:
Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.
I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.
The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.
Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue
About Author
Share this:
9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.
On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.
Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.
Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.
While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.
Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com
About Author
Share this:
It’s been 4 years since Devilskin’s last album, “Red.” The New Zealand band has followed up with their new EP, “Surfacing.”
This 6-song EP starts off with “Whale Song,” which just rocks and puts you right in the mood for what Devilskin is going to bring. I love Jennie Skulander’s voice; it works perfectly with the tone and grittiness of the album.
The EP has two covers on it. “Barracuda,” which we reviewed before and is a great cover song. The band also takes a swing at Dio’s “Holy Diver.” I am pretty critical about anyone covering Dio. Most bands try too hard to sound like Ronnie, which doesn’t always work out. However, I like this cover because the band takes their own path when covering it and makes it their own.
“Let Me Breathe,” “Insects,” and “Unborn” round up the rest of the EP. Which makes the EP a great listen from beginning to end. There has been a great resurgence of bands coming from New Zealand that kick ass. DevilSkin is on top of that list of bands. I hope that they make it over to the US soon so we can get a chance to check them out live. If you’re into a great rock EP and want to listen to something new and fresh, I recommend checking out this EP.
THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY
About Author
Share this:
STRYPER ON A SUNDAY. YES PLEASE
King Diamond brought the Halloween party to Silver Spring MD
INTERVIEW WITH JACK GRIFFITH OF NOVO COMBO
ITS TIME TO GET YOUR BODY BEAT AND LET THE BLOOD FLOW
LUDACRIS : THE HALL AT LIVE
FIDLAR 930 CLUB REVIEW
KING DIAMOND TOUR 2024
THE BEG TO SERVE TOUR 2024
ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
FORGET THE WALL OF DEATH…..ITS ALL ABOUT THE WALL OF LOVE
Jinjer came back to Baltimore bringing with them Japan’s Hanabie.
Seether Live Review Pittsburgh, PA
GERMANY PROVES THAT NUDITY AND DEPRAVITY CAN STILL BE FUN
VENDED: Album Review
LORD OF THE LOST/Julien K Baltimore
FREAKS ON PARADE 24
W.A.S.P. Album One Alive 2024 US Tour
INTERVIEW WITH BOONE FROGGETT OF OTIS
MARILYN MANSON IS BACK. SINNERS REJOICE
ASHES OF LEVIATHAN TOUR:PITTSBURGH SHOW REVIEW
STYX/FOREIGNER JIFFY LUBE LIVE 24
INTERVIEW WITH JEFF PILSON OF FOREIGNER
-
Concert Reviews1 year agoCradle of Filth/DevilDriver Baltimore Show Review
-
Empire Interviews1 year agoPsychostick Interview w/ Matty J “Moose”
-
Concert Reviews1 year agoThrill Kill Kult: Soundstage Show Review
-
Concert Reviews1 year agoStatic X/Sevendust Lancaster Show Review
-
Concert Reviews1 year agoUnEarth/Revocation/Entheos/High Comand Show Review
You must be logged in to post a comment Login