Tool - Undertow
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Free Music Notes for Undertow
Free Music Review: The Raw Side Of Tool, Harrowing, Sinister, Overwhelming.
Hit: 5 Stars
Apart from the raging EP Opiate, Undertow has to be Tools most raw work. Which, incidentally is not a bad thing. Listening to the old Tool in comparison to their latest Lateralus, only one thing sounds similar, MJK's voice. Undertow has a very `grungy' feel to it, muddy guitars encapsulate the harsh environment, tipped off by MJK's familiar roar.
Undertow starts with a bang, Intolerance is a superb, and vastly underrated song. It spirals in between crunching guitar riffs and the ever-haunting vocals. It puts you straight into the depths of Undertow, MJK seduces you with his soft, peaceful voice, only to get ripped to shreds in a matter of seconds. Haunting is the general theme here, and Prison Sex catches it perfectly with it's harrowing lyrics about child abuse, and Tool's main asset, the creation of a very dark, sinister environment. Sober is easily the best song on Undertow, and amongst Tool's finest work. The guitar playing is outstanding; Adam Jones has one of his finest moments in Tool discography. Other noteworthy songs are the impeccable Bottom, and the almost up-beat Undertow.
Do not expect to get into this album after one listen. Like every Tool cd, it takes time. Undertow less though compared to Tool's latter, and in my opinion better, albums. Nonetheless, this is a fine rock album, worthy of a place in your collection.
Free Music Review: awsome, but not as good as opiate
Hit: 5 Stars
Tool's second best CD, overshadowed by awsomeness of the first EP, Opiate. Tool, in short is like the Led Zeppelin of the 90's. Powerful, touching lyrics, especially on the haunting track "Prison Sex", which deals with Maynard's child hood incest by his step-dad. Tool's musician-ship is abosolutly incredible. Adam's stick- in-your-head riffs and intricate solo's cannot be touched by today's other rock guitarists, who vitually copy each other. Danny's amazing odd-time drumming and crisp, percise playing style mesh beautifully with Paul's snake-like bass technique. And last but not least is Maynard's unreal vocals. He go from a whisper to a roar and still maintain a clearness in his singing. This is a nice change to today's raspy, distorted screaming, which gets quite tiresome. Tool, in my opinion is one, if not the, most orginal band of today. They are one of those bands who are not about their image, but about the music. Basically, what they've said is "fuck you" to the media. Because of this, Tool stays in hiding and seculsion until they go on tour. Tool's live show is one of the best around, due to wierd lighting effects and Maynard's glowing body paint and marionette like gait. thank you for taking the time to read my review. i hopw it was insightful to one of the best bands around. -danFree Music Review: Unique sound
Hit: 5 Stars
These guys are amazing. Starting with the lead singer Maynard James Keenan. This guy can hit the high notes and just use his voice in ways that are truly magnificant. Thats not even boasting. The drummer is all over the place, this guy has great hands, very rapid and rhythmitic. And to top it off, the bass and guitars. Very eerie, and dark. Progressive metal at its finest. My favorite song on this cd is probably "undertow". Maynards lyric writing is great, well put together. There not to tough to figure out and at the same time there not easy either. Maynard makes it a point to tell you he's not religious in the sense. Lyrics are definitely not hear-say. Every track on here has its own special sound and part in it that makes you wanna listen to it over and over. To say they are overrated is an understatement. I'd say there not talked about enough at all. I only started listening to them this year, 4 weeks ago. They were simply a choice on my bar jukebox. I figured out who they were in a rather strange way. I asked a guy shooting pool what the name of the song it was he played and he was drunk as crap, he replied "uh i dont know, "sober?".lol. Ironic maybe?. Very good lyrics on sober. These guys are amazing. I listen to all sorts of music. And there starting to become my favorite. Check them out, you wont be disapointedFree Music Review: Living in the Shadows......
Hit: 5 Stars
Often overlooked against the intimidating monolith of sound and complexity that was "Aenima", this album really does deserve more praise and critical acclaim. Whilst refining the raw and aggressive sound that trademarked the "Opiate" EP, this album saw all the essential elements of Tool forged together to produce a lean, frightening and thought -provoking album, all the while showing a marked progression and maturity for the band.Best remembered for the single "Sober", it is some of the lesser known tracks on this album that really point toward the sound and direction that would appear on "Aenima". Songs like "Prison Sex", "Swamp Song", and the awesome collaboration with Henry Rollins on "Bottom" hint at the future direction and sound of the band. The most outstanding aspect of this album however, is the incredible use of "Loud-Soft" dynamics on display, which only serves to add more intensity and razor-edged tension to the delivery. Maynards voice is at one minute an almighty roar, followed by a near whispered hush, yet all the while retaining a fear, mistrust and vulnerability that only adds to the overall power of the sound. An excellent album by a band reaching the height of their powers.
Free Music Review: Good Introduction
Hit: 5 Stars
For the most part, most older(not in age) Tool fans began listening to this all important band through this album. Tool's sound has certainly come a long way from this record but this is definately not a bad thing. It's interesting to hear some of the seeds that were planted on this album and how they've come to fruitation on the later albums. In regards to the sound, this is by far the grittiest of their albums. Most of the bass playing, which like any Tool album is a main part of the song, is thicker in tone. Paul didn't use as many effect pedals as Justin now does sometimes. The guitar playing is, well, tighter. The broad circling strokes and riffs of later albums is wound down on Undertow. The result are a few shorter and intensely catchy riffs. This makes the album a far better introduction for new fans than the later ones. The only complaint I've heard when people discover Tool is that some of the guitar playing is rather piercing at times(Aenima, Lateralus) while it isn't as on this record. This is an aspect of Tool that you grow into and learn to love but for people having trouble with that, Undertow can usually ease out any problems of that nature.
All in all, this is one of rock's most important albums and should not get looked over by anyone. Get it.