Tomahawk - Anonymous (Dig)
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Free Music Notes for Anonymous (Dig)
Free Music Review: extraordinary
Hit: 4 Stars
Interested in Native American musical tradition, and disappointed with the culture's contemporary bands, guitarist Duane Denison decided to research the people's history. Eventually, he found a number of relevant books that were published in the early 20th century. In these, Denison found what he was looking for; song transcriptions of traditional Native American music that was dark and challenging.
The album's title, Anonymous, stems from all of the unnamed people who have contributed to these songs through their history. The names of these individuals go undiscovered. The core trio that make up the band, however, are anything but unknown. Each member brings a solid recording history to the project. Mike Patton has fronted Mr. Bungle, Fantômas, Peeping Tom, and a number of other critically acclaimed acts. Duane Denison handled guitar for The Jesus Lizzard and currently plays with Ministry's Paul Barker in U.S.S. A. John Stainer was the drummer in Helmet's first incarnation and is now earning applause with Battles.
Each of these artists' unique talents are combined to make this album the success that it is. Patton is the perfect vocalist for this project. His signature voice work is all here; screams, scats, growls, raps, and croons spill out over the release. Lyrically, very little of this album is in English. Most of the songs consist of Patton chanting rhythmically in what are, presumably, different tribal dialects. Denison, in addition to driving the record's concept, adds a guitar that amplifies its sound. He shows off his versatility as he moves from a sludgy crawl to a melodic hook effortlessly. Meanwhile, Stainer's well-executed tribal beats pound, clap, and roll their way through. In addition, a number of other instruments slip in and out of the fold. The result is an album that moves from segments that are sinisterly hollow to segments that are densely layered.
Fans of Tomahawks first two albums may be caught off guard. Tomahawk has moved a long way from their previous efforts to release an album that is considerably more difficult and experimental. For the most part, straightforward guitar riffs and catchy vocals of old have been replaced by a far less common song style. Denison's vision underlines every moment of Anonymous. While there are a few brief moments where the idea sounds drained, the group keeps things fresh, overall, by continually introducing new subtleties. Every second of this album was thought-out and prepared.
One of the most impressive parts of this entire outing was how Tomahawk made this music without ever encroaching on Native American culture. Throughout the release, the band is respectful to their sources without abandoning their own aesthetic. This is not a New Age influenced Putumayo Records compilation. It is dark, loud, aggressive, and still surprisingly authentic. It is a skilled fusion of cultures.
Simply put, I was unprepared for how extraordinary this album would be.
Free Music Review: Their most inspired work
Hit: 4 Stars
Mike Patton is my favorite musician , although i do not blindly endorse everything he releases . Tomahawk is quite possibly my favorite post -Faith no More - band of his . The concept for their third ( and long over due ) album -Anonymous- aroused my interest from the word go . People have criticized this album for being too " hoaky " and " tounge and cheek " . I would respond by saying that this is a re-interpretation of 19th century Native American songs , not an exact duplication . Patton consciously excercised an abundance of atristic license during the creative process , to give these recordings a distinctive sound , and modern relevance . I am not entirely certain why anyone in their right mind would have pre-conceived notions of this album potentially being a conventional representation of tradional Native American music . Any longtime Patton aficionado would know that such an absurd expectation is well outside the realm of possibility . Patton is too concerned with putting his own stamp on his music , to even consider for a single solitary moment remaining overtly faithful to the source material . He is also inherently quirky and weird , and anything he produces will refelct that , this album being no different . I enjoyed how they injected these songs with 21st century sensibilities by using modern instruments . I especially enjoyed the subtle electronics being used in moderation . Musically , the result is an eclectic balance of two immensely different cultures attempting to operate on paralel wavelengths , and they achieve their objective admirably . Is this their best offering to date ? Perhaps , although that is such a subjective question . I will go on record by saying that i believe this is their most inspired work thus far , and well worth the wait . In closing , it is amusing to me that the two most popular tracks are 4 and 5 . These two in particular posess a more realized rock influence , and are further removed from the more Native American influences of other tracks . Your collective whiteness really shines through gentlemen .Free Music Review: Green Andy Reviews: Tomahawk - Anonymous
Hit: 4 Stars
It really pays to be a Mike Patton fan, since the man releases new music on what almost seems like an hourly basis, and it's always interesting to see what he comes up with next. While he occasionally gets stuck in some stylistic ruts (a few of his more abstract shrieking projects tend to blend together), the new album by Tomahawk is one of his fresher ideas. On this album, the band (rounded out by Jesus Lizard guitarist Duane Denison and Helmet drummer John Stanier) tackle a sound that hasn't really had much exposure in modern music: 19th century Native American tribal chants.
If you're a big Tomahawk fan from their first two albums, you actually might get a bit bummed out by the lack of aggression here. The primary mood is ominous, with occasional explosions of sound. Only "Omaha Dance" and "Sun Dance" come close to approaching their old energy level, and it's in a very different way. The rest of the album is all about slow build, both within each individual song and throughout the album as a whole. It opens and ends quietly, with the eerie rumble of "War Song" and the lyrical guitar piece "Long, Long Weary Day". In between is a set of rhythmic, repetitive chants sung beautifully by Patton, and played with both power and admirable restraint by the band, embellished with samples as well as actual Native American instruments. The end result almost approaches new age territory at times, and it's definitely one of the most ambitious works to come out of Mike Patton's stable of bands.
Like I said, it pays to be a Mike Patton fan, and if that's what you are then this is definitely going to be a treat for you, since it's an entirely new direction for him, and a successful one. If you're specifically a Tomahawk fan, you really need to give this a listen before you buy it, because it's a marked departure from their previous work. I'm sure you'll like it anyway, though.
Free Music Review: Strange follow up to Mit Gas
Hit: 4 Stars
This is a very unique disc and as many may have read in previous reviews. The results are interesting. By taking these unfinished old historical pieces of music and adding their twist, Tomahawk should be commended. It is a great accomplishment for Mike P as many of his sound effects are added in the mix creating sounds that only he can create. A very great mood setting piece of Music. Very refreshing to the senses..
Difference with this and their last is worlds away when comparing. Mit Gas was great for its individual tracks wheras this is not really structured songs. Its interpretations from a sectre of music that has been unexplored by many mainstream artists. Especially by me. Though, i suppose the moody 'Omaha Dance' and the cool 'Sun Dance' could be used on radio, many of the other tracks are not so distinguishable in terms of structure, So a 'song' breakdown is tough.
It is great exploration musically but i must admit i wanted a more straight forward Tomahawk release. Not to say this will not be played, but it is for an acquired taste and needs to be enjoyed in its entirety.
I give them credit for the musicianship displyed throughout. The guitar and percussion are amazing. Not an easy task to create such ambiance. Just dont expect your 'typical' 10 song CD here. Let yourself go and enjoy the ride, because it is really an enjoyable CD. Leave it to Mike P to still find energy to produce such quality while being in 4+ bands.
Free Music Review: Try to Listen To a Few Tracks First
Hit: 4 Stars
Pretty much everyone has said what's needed to be said about the latest Tomahawk record. I was hesitant to buy it reading some of the first intitial reviews. Many of the postive ones were from blind Patton nuts and the critical ones mentioning aspects of it being "silly", especially with the chanting, well, I was able to envison at the time as how this could be potentially very cheesy. However, I purchased it anyway and glad I did.
Art of any sort (good art) is about taking chances and exploring different directions, if you don't, then you don't grow. The guys decided to go with a particular theme here, personally, I think it works. I'm by no means an expert on Native American music, but I think they pulled it off and didn't feel at any moments that it come across as "silly" or benign; personally, I dig it. However, with that said, I strongly reccommened that you listen to the album or several tracks before you buy it. As this album does have a concept and a particular style, they don't deviate from it (for the most part); you're either going to like it or you're not. It's really that simple. If you like it, you'll have a great new album to add to your collection with a unique sound, if you don't, well, it's just not for you.